I think the widespread use of the term 'transgender' to describe people such as myself perpetuates the false image of us being 'men trying to be a woman', or, as this often is used to mean, 'circus freaks
( Read more... )
And I think you're right. If we see a cultural trend of people turning "transgender" into a dirty word, we don't abandon the word "transgender" for another one, because all that's going to happen is that whatever new word we adopt is going to be made negative in a few years' time as well.
I agree with what you're saying there, and I think it ties in with the success the LGB movement has had in taking the word 'queer' and to a lesser extent 'fag' as its own. (Though on the subject of the latter, I feel the sort of discomfort that Richard Pryor developed with the n-word after playing a part in its conquest.)
My original point is that the term transgender, whilst not inherently positive or negative, does obscure the nature of gender dysphoria and can easily be depicted by transphobes as being a "politically correct" way of referring to a sexual perversion.
Again I would say that any word we use to describe our community can be easily warped by bigots.
Also, not all of us necessarily experience "gender dysphoria." Dysphoria is the opposite of "euphoria," it's a constant state of discomfort. Quite frankly, while I do deal with depression, it's not because of my gender, it's because of the shit people give me for it. I'm actually fairly content with my gender, that of a "transgirl" or "transwoman."
There's always "Harry Benjamin Syndrome," though I find that extremely problematic. While they are welcome to identify as they wish, the issue is that such advocacy, I feel, over medicalizes our community, as well as imposing a very strict set of standards on who is "really" dealing with these issues. It also seems not to allow for any variation in gender expression, keeping everyone confined to the boxes of "male" and "female" (which, I personally don't feel I fit in either of those boxes).
I actually dont like the word "transgender" - and I know the etymology kthx - for the reason that I don't see myself as crossing over to any other gender. besides the one I was assigned to at birth, which for the most part I've always rejected. I'm just myself.
however, there is an element of "transition" associated with me living as myself, so "transgender" is useful as well even if I don't particularly care for the term.
at some point it becomes one of those label debates that seem to be so popular in these parts.
(The comment has been removed)
And I think you're right. If we see a cultural trend of people turning "transgender" into a dirty word, we don't abandon the word "transgender" for another one, because all that's going to happen is that whatever new word we adopt is going to be made negative in a few years' time as well.
Reply
My original point is that the term transgender, whilst not inherently positive or negative, does obscure the nature of gender dysphoria and can easily be depicted by transphobes as being a "politically correct" way of referring to a sexual perversion.
Reply
Also, not all of us necessarily experience "gender dysphoria." Dysphoria is the opposite of "euphoria," it's a constant state of discomfort. Quite frankly, while I do deal with depression, it's not because of my gender, it's because of the shit people give me for it. I'm actually fairly content with my gender, that of a "transgirl" or "transwoman."
There's always "Harry Benjamin Syndrome," though I find that extremely problematic. While they are welcome to identify as they wish, the issue is that such advocacy, I feel, over medicalizes our community, as well as imposing a very strict set of standards on who is "really" dealing with these issues. It also seems not to allow for any variation in gender expression, keeping everyone confined to the boxes of "male" and "female" (which, I personally don't feel I fit in either of those boxes).
Reply
Reply
Reply
however, there is an element of "transition" associated with me living as myself, so "transgender" is useful as well even if I don't particularly care for the term.
at some point it becomes one of those label debates that seem to be so popular in these parts.
+1 on the icon love
Reply
Leave a comment