The Problem of Evidence

[Shana A]

The Problem of Evidence for TS Separatists
Posted by Cristan on July 30, 2011

http://www.cristanwilliams.com/b/2011/07/30/the-problem-of-evidence-for-ts-separatists/

I recently did a 2-part article for the Bilerico Project on Trans History and how it is relevant to some of the debates taking place on the internet over language . Starting off the article I noted:

    Additionally, I've noticed that there are a number of distinct arguments going on. They seem to be blending together in a way that makes meaningful discussions about this topic somewhat difficult. For example, one person might raise an issue of taxonomy — what do we call ourselves? — only to have it attacked on the basis of identity. From what I've seen, there are no less than five debates going on concerning this word and the idea of community. (Note: when I use the term "non-cisgender," I refer to people who, in the broadest possible sense, identify as gender variant in some way, shape or form.)

    1. Taxonomy debate: Should we group together people of a non-cisgender history, experience and/or expression? Would a word other than "transgender" be more useful? If so, would we still have people who are not happy with a new taxonomy?