March 1, 2007 1:02 PM GMT
I did get your point Laura, and I do understand where you are coming from, this differs between each of us of course. I fully sympathise with any TS who, unlike myself is able to pass well enough for the revelation about their past to become optional. If I didn’t get read every time I meet someone I wouldn’t automatically introduce myself as TS, but that wasn’t my point really.
I can’t agree with the logic behind your analogies:
“There has been incidents that genetic tall women have been attacked at because suspected to be transwomen. Do we wish this?”
Of course not. I see this as no more or less tragic than a “real TS” being attacked. I don’t think it’s going to happen where I live, the reason I mentioned the apparent differences between US and English systems of treatment was to point out the significance of one’s immediate location. It seems to be a bit of a geographical lottery. I certainly don’t think that any transphobic nutter would start attacking all tall and non-feminine looking women just because they were introduced to a real life TS. Transphobia is ignorance, the only treatment is education.
“I think for us average transwomen it is totally okay that people think that transpeople look like perverts in a dress. We are safer that way.”
This is the sort of ignorant perception that we need to disprove. By sweeping transsexuality under the carpet we perpetuate misconceptions, and thereby allow transhopbia to breed. Forgive my cruelty but some of my friends look like men in dresses, but you’re alright Jack*, you’re passable; let the public think that those less fortunate are just perverts…
Wouldn’t it be better to show the public that we are all the same inside, that we can be architects, or musicians, that we are really quite normal people regardless of our appearance?
I’m not saying any one person will be safer by not living in total stealth, I’m saying that nothing will change by all of us doing so. Most, if not all of your colleagues, Laura, know of your past, and no doubt have come to realise that TS’s are really quite normal, and not perverts in a dress. I congratulate you for that. I’m always slightly saddened to hear of people only willing to transition if it means absolute stealth; change of location, new job, new friends. I’m also of the view that passability isn’t everything. Some of us have no choice in that, but to me what really matters is being presentable; physically, socially and emotionally.
That is what people need to see.
If we all hide away, how will anyone ever learn?
We don’t need to hide away. I’ve been playing in a band for a year and thousands of people have seen me on stage and many have come up to me afterwards. They might not mention the fact that I’m TS, they just want to say how much they enjoyed the gig, but many people I’ve met since I’ve been full time say how they admire people like me for transitioning so publicly (like I say, not much choice in England). Most people do actually know that we’re not weirdos these days, they’ve seen plenty of documentaries on the telly and these have a greater impact than the Jerry Springer show, which they know is just circus tv. In all honesty, I believe most people I’ve met are actually glad to meet a real life transsexual; it’s something they admire, for whatever reason.
Being open about our situation, talking about it when people want to listen, showing the public that we are many is the only way to improve our acceptance. To not do so, is to allow the ignorance to continue.
xx
* “I’m alright Jack” – English/American saying: “My situation is fine, never mind anyone else.”
March 6, 2007 1:13 AM GMT
"But I say, if you don't like the way the world treats TG people, then get out there and change it. Your sister's are out there doing just that, and they need your help and support. Don't wait for someone else to give you the right to be you. Be the change you wish to see in the world. "
Trisha,
Your are right, of course.