I use "->-bleeped-<-" a lot lot....
Because, well, when I use it I am automatically an example that takes away a lot of the negativity the word has.
When I use it with people who haven't been introduced to the trans world, I am the only "->-bleeped-<-" they know. To them, a "->-bleeped-<-" becomes a well dressed, well spoken, funny, confident, talented, and educated person.
Even when I use it with people who already know other trans, I just throw my hat into the ring and say "Yup, I am one of them".
Basically, when I use "->-bleeped-<-" I am making it clear I am standing next to all the "over the top" or "non-passing" examples people think of. I have no interest in distancing myself from others who had a later start or who have more troubles than I do. I make it clear that they can't make fun of "->-bleeped-<-s" without making fun of me. If I called myself something else they would simply use "->-bleeped-<-" to describe the stereotype examples... and then use another term for me (which, really, isn't what I want).
So, I'm a ->-bleeped-<-.... just like all the porn stars, poorly passing, over-the-top dressed, homeless, or other "negative ->-bleeped-<-s" out there. I feel they are struggling with a lot of the things I do. While they may not make choices I make, I can't fault them for it or judge them harshly.
As I said to my teacher "do I look like a prostitute to you? The next time, think twice before you use the term ->-bleeped-<- in a negative way". ((and well, a lottt of other things, I gave him a bit of a lecture when he brought up the subject of ->-bleeped-<-s in class))
And, well, those around me don't look at ->-bleeped-<-s in negative ways anymore
Anyone who spends time with me quickly learns that being a ->-bleeped-<- isn't a bad thing. Having a non-binary gender or taking hormones and all these other things is actually fun / interesting / amazing.
