I got blasted by a series of people on Twitter in @ responses and DMs recently for using the term "homophobic" when "transphobic" would have been more accurate. The concern expressed was in regard to visibility and being "disappeared."
It brought up a question on labels and identity. As an LGBT activist, I want to use language that dignifies all the members of our rainbow. So ... how to you like to be referenced? Transgender? Transgendered? Transsexual? I've been present as Ashley Love and others trans activists have spoken publicly against the term "tranny" for its potentially demeaning associations. But what are other hot button no-no's, and what do you prefer?
I understand that different people have different experiences, backgrounds, and physical states, so there won't be one single, definitive answer. But please help me and other ignorant/well-intentioned allies at least use terms that dignify you. I invite all *polite* weigh-ins.
Hello, I am a Transgender Woman. And my personal opinion is that the word "Tranny" doesn't bother me. What does bother me is being advertised as a sex object. With words such as "shemale" or "ladyboy". I am NOT male or a boy. I would rather hear/see "Tranny" over those words any day because at least it doesn't literally imply I'm male in anyway. It says that I'm transitioning. Which is a fact.
ReplyDeleteIf we are talking most appropriate I would call myself "Transgender". I am a Transgender Woman. I wouldn't say "Transexual" as of yet because I haven't reached the point I am satisfied with my transitioning. I am happy and I know that I am beautiful... that comes with self-esteem and confidence. I know one day I'll reach my destination.
Other terms/things that bother me is when someone puts me in the same category as a "Transvestite" or "Crossdresser". Being a Woman is not something I do part-time or just for fun, THIS IS WHO I AM. I am NOT a man wearing women's clothes. I am a woman wearing whatever I want.
I agree that "homophobic" is not the best choice of words for Trans-fear. "Transphobic" makes more sense. Some aren't afraid of them all some are just afraid of one or the other. I would think if a person was accepting of one type of LGBTQ then they would accept and try to understand every aspect of the "rainbow". But they don't always do that, sadly. Some people are even "Biphobic". I'm Transgender and Bisexual I know.
I hope this helps... good luck on being "politically correct" I guess you'd say. More like being respectful. Thank you so much for taking the time to post this and ask how we feel.
~ Peace & Wellbeing ~
Asalamu Alaykom,
ReplyDeleteI love that you can just ask for input and get it "BAM!"
I'm pretty clueless about the trans issues. Honestly, while I was reading the above response, I didn't know what "transgender woman" was. I had to keep reading to know it was a male who was transitioning into a female. Isn't there another term to use so that big dummies like me understand it easier? I'm not joking. I really wonder. Thanks!