beyond trans?

[butter_n_sugar]

The other day I was thinking about my status as a person who is sometimes stealth and sometimes not. And it got me to thinking about the way transgender is such a complicated word with so many layered meanings. And i came away thinking that i felt like medical and mental transition had allowed me to change my gender and that maybe I didn't need

Comments

[lisaquestions]

I don't really see "trans" as an identity I claim, but rather a set of experiences I've had. I wouldn't mind totally leaving it behind, but for some reason the impact of transphobia on my life continues to have repercussions. :(

[butter_n_sugar]

can't totally tell if this is sarcasm or not....

but i can get into this idea of it being a "set of experiences"

thanks

[lisaquestions]

It's not sarcasm, nor is it criticism. It's my own honest take. :) I'm sorry that I was ambiguous.

[nathan_dorian]

You might want to be aware that some people find, 'dyke' as an offensive term. C:

[lisaquestions]

This is true, and some of us occasionally identify ourselves as "dykes." :)

[nathan_dorian]

I identify as a 'fag,' but I try not to use it too much outside of people that are not offended by it, you know? :o Just thought I'd randomly mention, in case someone gets grumpy.

[lisaquestions]

No, mentioning it is fine. Some people don't like it.

More that I don't even notice that it's sometimes offensive when I see someone talking about the dyke community.

[danielray]

while "trans" is not part of my gender identity, i consider it to be a factual descriptor of some parts of my history, medical needs, body, legal needs, etc. so it's not something that i think of as leaving behind, but neither is it something that i incorporate into my gender or day-to-day social interactions.

[butter_n_sugar]

that's an interesting perspective, thanks

[annabellerings]

I agree with this. My identity is solidly female, no asterisks or prefixes required, thanks. But my transition is one of the most important events in my life. I don't think anyone could truly know me, or understand who I am today without knowing that I am transgendered (in the same sense that someone can be short or tall, lithe or muscular, etc). Even after I deem my transition complete - assuming I ever feel that way - it will always there as a part of my history.

[butter_n_sugar]

that's more along the lines of what i was thinking....thanks

it's such a complicated bit of mechanism this identity thing....

[eatthosediapers]

the only solution would be complete isolation from anyone who ever knew you pre-transition. i kinda tried to disappear when i was first transitioning, and i failed! :) but i draw a distinction between people from my past who mean well but are just very cis-minded, and people who just won't accept my decision. i HAVE isolated myself from the latter.