Trans disclosure debate tests safety, freedom of expression
by Dyana Bagby
September 28, 2012 00:00
http://www.thegavoice.com/news/national-news/5234-trans-disclosure-debate-tests-safety-freedom-of-expressionAngel discussed his story with the group of men and women who gathered in a conference room at Atlanta's Crowne Plaza Hotel. But none seemed to know that Angel was embroiled in an online transgender controversy about the sensitive topic of disclosure — when is the right time to disclose to a romantic interest that you are transgender?
In an interview posted Sept. 5 on
Salon.com about his new transmen dating website,
BuckAngelDating.com, Angel gave this answer:
"I'm a huge advocate for disclosure, because I believe a lot of people get themselves in bad situations because they do not disclose. For example, trans women who might hook up with a cis-gendered guy and then he goes home with her and finds out she has a penis and flips out and beats her up or kills her,"Angel answered.
[....]
In the days following, a small community of people exploded with anger on the social media forum Tumblr, saying Angel had basically said trans women deserve to be killed if they do not disclose immediately. He was called a "trans misogynist."
Angel took to Tumblr to apologize for being misinterpreted, but not for hi belief on disclosure.
