(no subject)
I think this is the first time I've ever sent in mail to a national magazine, but I couldn't let this sit.
In response to 10 Questions with Chaz Bono:
Though I commend TIME for selecting Chaz Bono as the subject of 10 Questions, I was deeply disappointed to see, yet again, the topic of transitioning handled with such clumsiness and ignorance. Aside from the sadly predictable questions about what's in his pants, there was the more mindboggling, "Are you less interested in housecleaning?" What kind of question is that to ask anyone? It's as much of an insult to women as to transmen, as it implies that most women or 'proper women' are in fact interested in housecleaning. Is that really one of the best questions Belinda Luscombe could think to ask? How about something like, "What advice would you give to other transmen who are struggling to embrace their true selves?" Or "What is the most important life lesson you have learned in these last few years?" Being transgender is not just about surgeries and stereotypes, yet 5 out of 10 questions were borderline, if not outright, insulting or insensitive. Trans people get enough "othering" attitudes from the world without needing TIME's help.
Watching the video feed online, I was able to hear that Belinda was much more respectful and informed than the written version conveyed. There were far more insightful questions than the ones in print that were worth including. Perhaps in the future you should work to close this gap, as most people probably don't go watch the video.
John A., loyal transgender reader
Seattle, WA
In response to 10 Questions with Chaz Bono:
Though I commend TIME for selecting Chaz Bono as the subject of 10 Questions, I was deeply disappointed to see, yet again, the topic of transitioning handled with such clumsiness and ignorance. Aside from the sadly predictable questions about what's in his pants, there was the more mindboggling, "Are you less interested in housecleaning?" What kind of question is that to ask anyone? It's as much of an insult to women as to transmen, as it implies that most women or 'proper women' are in fact interested in housecleaning. Is that really one of the best questions Belinda Luscombe could think to ask? How about something like, "What advice would you give to other transmen who are struggling to embrace their true selves?" Or "What is the most important life lesson you have learned in these last few years?" Being transgender is not just about surgeries and stereotypes, yet 5 out of 10 questions were borderline, if not outright, insulting or insensitive. Trans people get enough "othering" attitudes from the world without needing TIME's help.
Watching the video feed online, I was able to hear that Belinda was much more respectful and informed than the written version conveyed. There were far more insightful questions than the ones in print that were worth including. Perhaps in the future you should work to close this gap, as most people probably don't go watch the video.
John A., loyal transgender reader
Seattle, WA