SERIOUS POST IS SERIOUS
So I was thinking a while ago that after Stellarcon I would do a follow-up post to the one about about Racefail '09, so I could post some specific links on how not to be made of fail like so many of the people involved. But those links got lost with Val, so I will save that one until I have gotten them again, and today we are having a Trans 101 Post instead.
(Why write such posts? you may ask. Because I can't promise that my LJ will be a trans and PoC safe space when I'm still working constantly to keep my foot out of my mouth, a place it seems very fond of, but damned if I am going to let it be deliberately unsafe for my friends by putting up with crap that could be easily avoided by people listening with their ears instead of their privilege.)
Basic Reading:
Answers to Your Questions About Transgender Individuals and Gender Identity, the American Psychological Association - plain but useful basics.
Transgenderism and the Concept of Gender, Vern L. Bullough - overview of the study of transgenderism, with summaries of various research and conclusions.
Trans 101 PSA, gsa_lj - breakdown of various forms of transgender expression, with helpful hints on common courtesy.
Cisgender privilege - pretty much what it sounds like. (The whole site is a great resource for other questions, too.)
The Basics, TransFaith Online - more basics! No you cannot do too much reading on the basics, I mean this. Immersion works for culture as well as language.
Tips for Trans Allies, trans@mit - a PDF of handy tips for not being a jerk (if the download doesn't work, let me know - I'll reupload it).
What Transmisogyny Looks Like, No Designation - more handy tips for the advanced reader!
Everyday Reading:
Transgriot - the awesome blog of Monica Roberts, with trans and womanist news/essays, plus the not-to-be-missed weekly Shut Up Fool! awards. Seriously she is one cool, clever woman. ♥ COMES WITH HANDY LJ FEED.
Questioning Transphobia - also with the handy LJ feed! I cannot think of how to describe it except to say that you should be reading it.
And finally...
Fucking Required Reading:
fair, little light - if you read nothing else of her blog (and you should; she is an amazing writer, with clear and painfully gorgeous prose) or from this post, read this one. Read it with your ears and your eyes and your soul open, and think about it, and read the comments and responses and discussion there too and fucking think about them with your brain and your heart and your soul, and remember that this is not "education," not a "learning experience": this is someone's life.
The end.
(This post made possible by the assistance and encouragement of my lovely imouto, iraenicole. ♥ )
(Why write such posts? you may ask. Because I can't promise that my LJ will be a trans and PoC safe space when I'm still working constantly to keep my foot out of my mouth, a place it seems very fond of, but damned if I am going to let it be deliberately unsafe for my friends by putting up with crap that could be easily avoided by people listening with their ears instead of their privilege.)
Basic Reading:
Answers to Your Questions About Transgender Individuals and Gender Identity, the American Psychological Association - plain but useful basics.
Transgenderism and the Concept of Gender, Vern L. Bullough - overview of the study of transgenderism, with summaries of various research and conclusions.
Trans 101 PSA, gsa_lj - breakdown of various forms of transgender expression, with helpful hints on common courtesy.
Cisgender privilege - pretty much what it sounds like. (The whole site is a great resource for other questions, too.)
The Basics, TransFaith Online - more basics! No you cannot do too much reading on the basics, I mean this. Immersion works for culture as well as language.
Tips for Trans Allies, trans@mit - a PDF of handy tips for not being a jerk (if the download doesn't work, let me know - I'll reupload it).
What Transmisogyny Looks Like, No Designation - more handy tips for the advanced reader!
Everyday Reading:
Transgriot - the awesome blog of Monica Roberts, with trans and womanist news/essays, plus the not-to-be-missed weekly Shut Up Fool! awards. Seriously she is one cool, clever woman. ♥ COMES WITH HANDY LJ FEED.
Questioning Transphobia - also with the handy LJ feed! I cannot think of how to describe it except to say that you should be reading it.
And finally...
Fucking Required Reading:
fair, little light - if you read nothing else of her blog (and you should; she is an amazing writer, with clear and painfully gorgeous prose) or from this post, read this one. Read it with your ears and your eyes and your soul open, and think about it, and read the comments and responses and discussion there too and fucking think about them with your brain and your heart and your soul, and remember that this is not "education," not a "learning experience": this is someone's life.
The end.
(This post made possible by the assistance and encouragement of my lovely imouto, iraenicole. ♥ )