In light of recent events unfolding in the pages of our forums, I would like to take a minute to examine the Trannyweb Mission Statement.

Clearly noted on the opening page of Trannyweb is the idea that TW is a social networking and support community for transsexuals, crossdressers, transvestites, their friends, family and admirers.

Katie Glover and the entire TW staff work tirelessly to provide a means for transgender people to overcome the deep and often crippling sense of isolation that is possibly the one common trait shared by all transgender people, no matter the form or degree of their identity expression. The value of this social interaction, though it might be perceived by some to be shallow and superficial, cannot be underestimated. While we do share a laugh or two here, it is through this interaction with one another we also share our experience, our strength and our hope, and in so doing, we learn about each other and most important, about ourselves.

The journey of self discovery that lies at the core of the transgender experience is one that we ultimately travel alone, and the burden we carry along the way can certainly weigh heavily, but the opportunity to come together with others of similar experience can provide us with friends who can share the load and ease the pain we often feel, if only for a short time

The very inclusive nature of TW’s Mission Statement readily acknowledges the tremendous diversity that exists within our community. Indeed, this community represents widely varying socioeconomic, cultural and racial backgrounds, and tremendously diverse religious and political views, personal preferences, likes and dislikes and sexual orientations. The transgender community is really a reflection of society at large with the single exception that we share this one common trait, that of being in one way or other gender variant.

In the context of Trannyweb and in fact, in the larger picture, the myriad variations in gender expression are not so much a matter of degree as they are of subtle differences, not perceived in any way by society. As such, the social ramifications of all of our gender expression, no matter its form, are exactly the same. It is for this reason we vigorously promote the idea of transgender unity.

All people face the challenge of the definition of our identity. Unlike “ordinary” people, the idea of gender figures prominently in our definition of identity as transgender people. Some of us will pursue our identity expression to the degree of living fulltime in our gender role and eventually pursuing corrective surgery. According to Dr. Christine McGinn, American SRS specialist during a recent lecture it was my privilege to have attended, those of us who do express our identity in this way are, in fact, among the minority of gender variant individuals, representing only about 20% of the community.

This is not to say that transsexuals only represent 20% of the entire community. The reality is that this number may be much larger, but numerous variables determine each individual’s ability to express their gender identity, and due to family and professional obligations and many other factors, each of us eventually settles upon the form of expression that is appropriate within the framework of our own life. There is no greater or less, no better or worse, only what works for us. We have no choice as to whether or not we are transgender, only in how we deal with it.

Trannyweb provides an outlet not only for self discovery and social interaction, but for many, the very means by which they are able to express their identity. The chatroom provides a way to meet other transgender people and develop relationships that we hope will go beyond the virtual realm. The extensive links page and “Mabel,” the world’s only transgender search engine provide resources for members who need to find anything from apparel and makeup advice to medical information and treatment providers. The forums exist for the purpose of sharing ideas of all kinds pertaining to the transgender experience and for the expression of opinions concerning such matters.

When considering the expression of opinion, it is important to recognize the difference between fact and opinion, and the ways in which ideas in each of these categories should be presented. As material on the internet is considered to be published material, statement of fact and the attribution of statistics, data and editorial comment must be supported by factual material. In the context of published or broadcast materials, inaccuracies in such statements can often be considered legally as libelous or slanderous, and can have serious consequences for this, our online community. When citing facts and statistics or attributing comments to specific individuals, it is important to verify the accuracy of such statements and whenever possible to cite the specific source of the information presented. In this way, Trannyweb remains above reproach in potential matters of libel, slander or copyright violation.

When presenting matters of opinion, statements of an editorial nature should be specifically noted as such. By using qualifiers such as “it is my view” or “I feel,” when making strongly opinionated statements, we can often defuse potentially uncomfortable situations. The vast majority of members here are tolerant and reasonable people, capable of civil discussion of ideas and opinions, as long as they are presented in the context of opinion. Just because we are all transgender does not mean that we share similar opinions in all matters, even those pertaining to transgender related matters. Many members here are familiar with my much used disclaimer, lifted from comedian Dennis Miller, “This is only my opinion. I could be wrong.” All opinions presented in these pages have equal potential for being inaccurate, but all deserve equal respect, and when responding to statements of opinion, as I have emphasized ad nauseum over the years, it is important to address not the person who expresses a particular idea, but to address the idea presented in an objective and reasonable manner. Regardless of what we may think of another’s opinion, we are all entitled to hold and express any opinion we wish on any matter under the sun. That being said, though, it is also important to note the difference between free speech and shouting “Fire!” in a crowded theater. “Nuff said.

Basically, this message is meant only to serve as a reminder of what we’re all doing here, why we’re all here, what we all share, and to appeal to our membership to remember that we’re all in this together and to coexist here in the spirit of community and mutual respect characteristic of a social networking and support community for crossdressers, transvestites, transsexuals, their family, friends and admirers.

Hi Robyn, I`ve been offline for a few months due to supplier difficulties and only came back online yesterday. So i don`t know wot`s been going on with the forum situation but i have just read your interpretation of the TW mission statament and i felt compelled to add my support as i completely agree with everything u just said. Hugs and kisses to everyonexxxxx.

Robyn, I hope it is not inappropriate for me to respond to your post, but I thought a comment from my own perspective might illustrate to others the breadth of the community, and emphasise it's inclusive nature.

With the exception of those people who know me here on TrannyWeb, I am an apparently normal guy. But I'm not, I'm transgendered and I've suffered and struggled with this 'knowledge' since I first applied my mother's make-up and dug around in her wardrobe. TWeb has provided me with a secure, caring environment in which to gain information, support and a diagnosis of sorts. Entering here was like emerging from a dark, thorny forest into a brightly lit glade. I was blinded, aghast, ran about madly, then fell-over in a heap.

A dilemma is posed during the act of joining, of course. When you are asked to define your status. It's doesn't matter how many medical or psychological definitions exist, in reality we can only listen to our own heads, and be guided by our own spirits. (As a devout atheist I'm not certain I just typed that, but I'll continue). So I honestly don't know whether I'm forever to be defined as a Cross-Dresser or a Transvestite or if a 'bell will go off'. I'm just conscious of a ringing noise from somewhere. And there's lots like me I think.

There was a classic satirical piece on That Was The Week That Was back in the 1960's, often repeated. In it a very tall man looks down upon a middle sized man who looks down upon a small man. It is a commentary upon the stratification of the former class system, upon wealth, background and aspirations. The sketch would not work if one of the characters was absent, because societies, and social groups of all forms require a degree of diversity to exist. I suggest that TWeb flourishes because of the diversity of it's membership.

I left recently and missed it. I know my place in the stratification, but I think I can, and should contribute if I am able, and look up and look down.

Assimilating TWeb without this diversity could lead to a society absent of members entirely.

Rachel

Thanks Michelle for your support, and thanks to Rachel for sharing your views as well. Quite interesting, indeed.

I would take the opportunity to comment on one thing. Though I have always been a huge fan of Sid Caesar, and I remember the sketch you refer to, I tend to view Trannyweb as a "great equalizer." A place where the stratification you observe does not exist. A community where all forms of gender expression are equally valid, no one form being better or worse than another.

Anyway, though, thanks again for sharing your views with us. It's a great example of the kind of diverse academic dialogue exemplary of our community.

Let me start off by saying I would like to express my opinion on this subject in my typical conversational style writing versus a thesis style suitable for publishing that some individuals prefer.

I fully support Trannyweb's mission and am fully thankful for everything Katie and the TW staff has done to make this available to those in our community. I have stated that several times in recent threads.

Obviously this has all come about because of ASF’s abundance of forum posts. Yep, I agree much of her posting has been irritating, but equally, so have many replies on the other side of the argument. Talk about hypocrisy about elitism. ASF needs to learn how to stop using the forums as a chat room, but beyond that she has not said anything different than the elites that criticize her for the same thing. Then as always we get the cheerleaders that jump on the bandwagon and just perpetuate the situation.

Again, in my opinion, I think many people need to step back and look at how they contributed to this situation and stop blaming Anne for everything. So everyone can go ahead and talk about how we all need to hug each other and get along, but the fact remains, those are only words. Until everyone starts doing what they preach, it will be the same ole same ole.

Love you all,
Marsha

Hi Marsha

I revert to a more academic / thesis style of writing when I become anxious about interpretation. There's always a risk - when I rush, that my earnest opinions become gobbledygook. I think there has been a lot of misinterpretation on TWeb recently, or at least mis-translation, which I think has stoked-up some of the correspondence.

There's certainly a time and place to cut loose, and to engage simply.

Rachel

Hi Robyn, Rachel, Marsha and my sisters here at TW,

Your summaries of the TW charter are spot on!!!

I hope that each member of the TW community remembers that everyone here, be they Admirers, Cross Dressers, TV or TS,
struggles with the lack of acceptance in the world community at large. That is why having an accepting community like TW is so refreshing. TW has been a "safe harbor" so to speak for many of us here.

What I have found has been a group willing to share, support and yes even disagree at times, but also a group that has, for the most part, been accepting and non-judgmental. Let's remember and celebrate the uniqueness that each of us bring to the community when we post things.
Each of us has value and longs for acceptance and friendships that the world at large is not always willing to afford us.

For me, each sister here has much to teach me and even those I disagree with can teach me things. So Katie & team, thank you for making these forums available and for each TW community sister, thanks for being here. Let's keep TW the special place it is by honoring the uniqueness of this place and each member's unique contributions.

Hugz from a grateful sister,

Michelle Lynn

While I agree that a language barrier was an issue in that situation, there were numerous other factors, including several posts that were, in fact offensive enough to require deletion.

As for two cultures separated by a common tongue, I can't help it that we in America refined the English language to the degree we have, causing those conversant in more primitive versions of it to misunderstand from time to time.

Oddly, after having announced in the chatroom one evening that I was headed out to the patio to suck a fag, there have been a lot of guys in leather chaps hanging around out back of our house.

lol....

Katie, short and sweet is always best. Maybe make that the first thing people see when they log on instead of the billing screen. Personally I think the CD vs TS issue only becomes an issue when someone makes an effort to make it out to be an issue. Otherwise, nobody really gives it much thought. There will always be personalities that come along and rub some the wrong way, you can't moderate that away. Peer pressure usually wins out.

You know me well enough Katie to know I have not always seen eye to eye with you, but I can rise above our disagreements to acknowledge what wonderous things you have done for our community by making TW available to gals like myself. You have provided us with a one of a kind place we can feel safe to express ourselves. Thank you so much.

Love,
Marsha

Yes, the mission statement is fine as it stands. My original post was merely an interpretation and a reminder to our members as to why most of us are here.

Yes, Joelle, it is our community.

Very interesting post, Robyn.

there is truth and good advice in what you say, Marsha

Hi all!

Robyn, thanks for taking the time and trouble to remind me of why I love TW and I wholeheartedly agree with you.

I also agree with Marsha's well thought out comments appertaining to Anne.

I've just read Anne's thread elsewhere from 13/02/08. Its suspended so I could'nt comment - which confused me a little, maybe its a quirk in the software - if it was construed as objectionable I'd think it better to delete it rather than leave it there but not allowing us to comment. Just an observation.

Apart from trying to build an online home and community for such a diversent group as us, TW has another problem to keep in mind. And that is one of language. This, to me, was one important aspect that Anne perhaps fell foul of. I hope she'll forgive me for saying her English was exceeding clumsy at times, confusing and maybe even misleading. I always tried to bear in mind that English was not necessarily her first language. As it may well not be for many postee's here. For those of us where it is our Mother Tongue we need to excercise caution, leeway and understanding.

And where English is our first language - it still is'nt that simple!

In another forum elsewhere and on another topic, I discovered myself in an increasingly heated debate with American and Australian people. I'm obviously, from the UK. I soon realised it was due only to our use of the same language in different ways.

A simple example is this: My closest friend and Sister is American living in the UK. Quite often she'd ask if I'd seen her purse. I'd look around and say 'no' - even though it transpired I had walked passed it a dozen times. It seems that to some / many / all Americans a 'purse' is what we in the UK refer to as a 'handbag'. To us a 'purse' is a smaller animal used for keeping your money in. A female version of a man's wallet. [Or American 'bill-fold'].

And thats just an easy mistake - think of the potential confusion in chatting about much more intricate subjucts such as transitioning and hormones. And, of course, thats without mentioning the difference in upbringing and cultures.

Who said the internet made communication easier??????

Much love

Rae xx

Hi Robyn,

"While I agree that a language barrier was an issue in that situation, there were numerous other factors, including several posts that were, in fact offensive enough to require deletion"

On that I can't comment as I may not necessarily have seen everything and, as always, defer to the adjudication of TW

"As for two cultures separated by a common tongue, I can't help it that we in America refined the English language to the degree we have, causing those conversant in more primitive versions of it to misunderstand from time to time"

Oh hun, lol. So sorry we sold you the pirated copy and kept the better original to ourselves - 'though I will admit you wield the great sword of English with far more skill than many of my countrymen...

So much love to you.

Rae xx

"Refined"?!!
Pahh.
That must be American for bastardised.
xx

In an attempt to emphasize what Rae mentioned about communication between languages, I have a personal experience that readily shows what a disaster can happen in an innocent dialogue between an American and a Brit who, theoretically, speak the same language.

Some years back, I was discussing my new boss with a nursing supervisor, who was British. I went into the office one morning and my boss confronted me about saying he was a homosexual, as reported to him by nurse X (an American). My jaw dropped. Not only had I not said that, or even thought it, but I would not have discussed it with someone else if I he had been. As I pointed out to him, I knew he was married to a very cute wife and had no reason to believe or make such a statement. I later confronted the nurse and asked her why she had said that he was a homosexual. Her jaw dropped. She said, "I never said such a thing, I just told nurse X that you said he was a bit queer." I had mentioned to her that I found his behavior strange (to express my puzzlement at it). I had to explain to her what the connotation of "queer" was in America and then go to my boss and explain the connotations of "queer" in the UK. I got it all sorted out but what a miscommunication over one word in the "same" language.

Even in the same country usage can differ. When a girl from Indiana asks if you want a "pop" she is not offering to assault you with her fists. She is offering a soft drink or, as it is called in many other areas of the US, a "soda"....but a "soda cracker" has nothing to do with either. So cut each other a little slack over language girls. Rae is correct..... I'd say "right" but then u might think she was a Republican or a National Socialist and we'd have another feud going on. It's bad enough that we have to reassure the new girls from the States that even though M/A likes to have a "fag" first thing in the morning, Mags is not going to divorce her over it.

So lets make some attempt to be precise and non-colloquial once a discussion starts heating up.

No lucy that means new & improved. LOL!!!

the mission statement looks fine to me just as it is. Not a bad idea to reassess it every few years.

Hey!

Robyn, thank you for making me laugh out loud at the 'suck' comment! Would'nt be so bad but its nearly half past five in the morning here and my lodger will be wondering what I was up to...

Martha, you're absolutely right, there will always be individuals and characters. Its how we temper reaction that counts and which helps to educate.

Katie, err, I have'nt actually got around to reading the mission statement. I know I should and I will. Promise.

As for TV's vs CD's vs TG's vs GG's or whatever. I just don't see a problem. We're all human and in the same boat. One facet of my nature is that I'm a writer. I write verse [I hate the 'P' word, but just this once - I write Poetry, ok? (yuk!)]. Its like saying as a poet I can't be in the same forum as a novellist. I would'nt understand. And the magazine columnist can't relate to the scriptwriter. Its all specialisms within the same overall arena. Whats wrong with mixed bathing?

Much love
Rae xx