COMMUNICATE, NOT DICTATE
Sally Goldner
2012 October 2
http://gaynewsnetwork.com.au/viewpoint/viewpoint/9022-communicate-not-dictate.htmlFrom media representation to the current marriage equality debate, the concerns and voices of transgender people need to be heard, writes Sally Goldner.
Law in these areas [equal opportunity and anti-vilification] clearly imply that intention doesn't matter – otherwise all such law could be rendered useless. The laws of four of our eight states and territories expressly include clauses such as "motive is irrelevant".
All these principles totally apply regarding any group, including trans people. Therefore, in light of the current debate about the production trAnnie, if a large enough group of trans people think trAnnie is vilifying then it's our call first and foremost. While there may be legal exceptions – such as artistic expression – surely the same principles apply in human terms.
Unfortunately, the situation of trans people being spoken for incorrectly has happened too often. Presenters on JOY have made remarks such as "transgenders are all just men dressing up as women" ....
These concerns extend beyond performance and media into other areas. Only last week, trans concerns about state-based marriage bills not being about full equality were rudely and condescendingly brushed aside as "playing with words". Our concerns, our lives and issues are definitely not just words; they are very real.
Sally Goldner, an active participant in Melbourne's queer community, is the media spokesperson for TransGender Victoria.
