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The "big question"

Started by Apples Mk.II, October 23, 2013, 06:04:23 AM

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smile_jma

I've never gotten asked that by a stranger randomly. That's just weird. But other strangers at a trans conference who are trans, yes. I don't mind. We're all in the same boat, curious. Friends have asked me, I don't mind. When parents other trans folk ask me, thats a little strange. I mean, I know they're "in the circle" too, but I'm sorry, WE have nothing in common.

I'll talk about with them. It's a fascinating phenomena in the world that I'm guessing 99% of the population knows nothing about other than what's on TV, which isn't great. It's kinda cool to see their head spinning, trying to wrap their mind around the whole thing.
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ErinM

I've never been asked if I'll have the surgery, but when and I'm not that bothered by it too much. Perhaps it come from a lifetime of having (most) of my medical issues history out in the open and I don't see this as being any different.

That being said, my friend had told his brother about me. He said that his brother told him that he wanted to see it after surgery. I promptly told my friend to suggest to his brother that he should go and perform certain "anatomically impossible acts" to himself and that despite the fact that his brother is a nurse, he could use Google to satisfy his "medical curiosity".
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MaryXYX

Quote from: ErinM on November 03, 2013, 09:06:52 PM
He said that his brother told him that he wanted to see it after surgery.

Alternatively: "You do realise that's $400 an hour don't you?  Minimum booking 1/4 hour."
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Apples Mk.II

Heh. Question is changing now to "Do you have something operated"? Now there are more interested on if I have a huge rack.

->-bleeped-<-s...
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Nicolette

The existence of '->-bleeped-<-s' is a reality we all have to get used to and have to deal with at some point or other. Crazily, I actually enjoyed the adulation very early in my transition. The ones I met were some of the most sensitive and nicest guys I ever met, believe it or not, and are oft no different in want and needs to 'regular' guys... I just made sure I was the one doing all the exploitation, which meant free fine food and wine without ever divesting myself.
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Tessa James

I enjoy being a public figure and "came out" in the daily newspaper, a monthly magazine article and on facebook.  Yes our genitalia are big (pun intended as mine shrink) concerns to some and I feel compelled to have a practiced routine depending on who is asking.

Like Suzifrommd I am involved with education and feel it is important to inform those who seriously seek knowledge vs the troglodytes who need a slap down.  I give most the benefit of the doubt.

Thanks all for adding to our repertoire of fun responses!
Open, out and evolving queer trans person forever with HRT support since March 13, 2013
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Ashey

I haven't really been asked this, because people have simply assumed I'm getting it done. Honestly, I don't know if I ever will have SRS! I don't necessarily hate having a penis. I mean, it doesn't really suit me since I don't like using it how it was intended, and I'm more the receptive partner in sex, so having another hole would be preferable. But does this mean I'm for sure getting it done? Of course not! It's expensive and rather drastic. If I'm going to get it done I want to have plenty of time to consider it, especially after starting HRT and going full-time. But I guess most people assume there's nothing to think about. It's all woman or not a woman at all. *eye rolls*

So yeah, my mom has mentioned it in conversation like 'oh well when you get the surgery done blah blah blah' like she knows it's going to happen. Yeah mom, sure mom.. >.> I don't want to try to correct her though, I think it would just blow her mind. xD And I think my endo mentioned it once, but I didn't comment on it. Then there's my best friend/ex-gf. She not just assumes I'll do it but she's kinda pressuring me too. She says she wants at it first lol. I swear other people want me to have it more than I do!
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JillSter

The way I see it, anyone who has the nerve to ask such a personal question is either a) a very close friend or loved one who feels your relationship is open to communication at such an intimate level, b) someone you know who thinks that because you confided in them about your trans status that it opens up the dialogue to anything and everything having to do with being trans, or c) someone you barely know (or a total stranger!) who doesn't respect you enough to consider how invasive and inappropriate this question is.

In the case of a, they're likely genuinely concerned about your health and well-being.
In the case of b, I'd imagine their tone (how they ask) would give away their motivation for asking such a question.
In the case of c, a harshly worded response would not be unwarranted. A scoff and a glare would be choice. But just walking away would be wise.

It depends on who's asking, and what their motivation for asking may be. Context, motive, tone and your relationship with the asker are all factors imo.

But the bottom line, despite all that, is that it's a freaking rude question and it's nobody's business!

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Danielle Emmalee

How else are they supposed to picture you naked with any accuracy if they aren't allowed to ask? [/sarcasm]
Discord, I'm howlin' at the moon
And sleepin' in the middle of a summer afternoon
Discord, whatever did we do
To make you take our world away?

Discord, are we your prey alone,
Or are we just a stepping stone for taking back the throne?
Discord, we won't take it anymore
So take your tyranny away!
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JillSter

Quote from: Ashey on November 12, 2013, 02:04:52 PM
I haven't really been asked this, because people have simply assumed I'm getting it done. Honestly, I don't know if I ever will have SRS! I don't necessarily hate having a penis. I mean, it doesn't really suit me since I don't like using it how it was intended, and I'm more the receptive partner in sex, so having another hole would be preferable. But does this mean I'm for sure getting it done? Of course not! It's expensive and rather drastic. If I'm going to get it done I want to have plenty of time to consider it, especially after starting HRT and going full-time. But I guess most people assume there's nothing to think about. It's all woman or not a woman at all. *eye rolls*

So yeah, my mom has mentioned it in conversation like 'oh well when you get the surgery done blah blah blah' like she knows it's going to happen. Yeah mom, sure mom.. >.> I don't want to try to correct her though, I think it would just blow her mind. xD And I think my endo mentioned it once, but I didn't comment on it. Then there's my best friend/ex-gf. She not just assumes I'll do it but she's kinda pressuring me too. She says she wants at it first lol. I swear other people want me to have it more than I do!

That's got to be aggravating. I can actually relate a bit. My original therapist referred to my gender therpist as my "sex change therapist" which surprised and offended me. I think that because I'm trans, and I've explained my feelings to him and my desire to be female, he just automatically assumes I'm getting SRS. Like that's just part of the trans package! ::)

I'm also on the fence about SRS. Mostly due to fear of pain and complications. But I do want it. I plan to take it one step at a time though. No need to decide on the last step at the beginning of the journey.
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Tessa James

Quote from: Jillian on November 14, 2013, 01:54:07 AM
I'm also on the fence about SRS. Mostly due to fear of pain and complications. But I do want it. I plan to take it one step at a time though. No need to decide on the last step at the beginning of the journey.
Quote

Wise words Jillian, we do seem to learn more along the way.

Quote from: Orange Creamsicle on November 14, 2013, 01:49:41 AM
How else are they supposed to picture you naked with any accuracy if they aren't allowed to ask? [/sarcasm]

Thanks OC i'm LMAO and I didn't have a lot to loose.  Sheesh that had not occurred to me that some one was asking to better envision me nude.  I'm crossing my legs tightly right now ha ha ha ;D
Open, out and evolving queer trans person forever with HRT support since March 13, 2013
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Tristan

although i must admit SRS does fix alot of problems. like with legal things and if you ever go to jail. plus... post op sex is amazing. haha  :P
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Tessa James

#32
Quote from: Tristan on November 14, 2013, 05:13:58 AM
although i must admit SRS does fix alot of problems. like with legal things and if you ever go to jail. plus... post op sex is amazing. haha  :P

Hey Tristan nice to see you again!  Keep on with that amazing fun and I am going to get even more jealous of you....ha ha just kidding and glad you can readily appreciate who and where you are.  I had my wild time fun at your age-- when I could dance all night and recover a lot faster.  Jail scares the crap out of me.  I did time as a teenager for being a vagrant runaway--what a crime, but it left an indelible need for personal freedom.  Now our prison industrial complex has become a huge profit center racket where a phone call can cost $25 and we warehouse millions of people for non violent "crimes."   

Oops I find soapboxes everywhere :)

Back to SRS/Gender Affirming Surgery.  I confess a fluid sense about the big questions myself and do consider orchiectomy.  I would have very little doubt about going full on if I was a young person and looking forward to dating.  While feeling safe and supported to talk about it here, real life has no moderators.  Good to be prepared for the ? then.
Open, out and evolving queer trans person forever with HRT support since March 13, 2013
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Starla

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RavenMoon

I think people are curious, is all. Most people know very little about this whole process (like the girl thinking we would menstruate! :) ) And especially with guys, just the very thought of having something done down there must be frightening! Most still think you have it cut off.

As for myself... probably yes. But that will be the last thing I do. And mostly just so I look good in tight clothes. ;) I have no interest in men, so I won't be using it for that! And who knows, maybe I won't even bother. Time will tell.
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Tristan

Quote from: Tessa James on November 14, 2013, 11:34:33 AM
Hey Tristan nice to see you again!  Keep on with that amazing fun and I am going to get even more jealous of you....ha ha just kidding and glad you can readily appreciate who and where you are.  I had my wild time fun at your age-- when I could dance all night and recover a lost faster.  Jail scares the crap out of me.  I did time as a teenager for being a vagrant runaway--what a crime, but it left an indelible need for personal freedom.  Now our prison industrial complex has become a huge profit center racket where a phone call can cost $25 and we warehouse millions of people for non violent "crimes."   

Oops I find soapboxes everywhere :)

Back to SRS/Gender Affirming Surgery.  I confess a fluid sense about the big questions myself and do consider orchiectomy.  I would have very little doubt about going full on if I was a young person and looking forward to dating.  While feeling safe and supported to talk about it here real life has no moderators.  Good to be prepared for the ? then.
you know i will keep having my fun ;)
but you can still have srs if you want and have fun. its not like your old or anything. its not that bad the recovery. i will admit i had no idea what i was getting into until after when they explained everything to me again and i actually listened but it was so worth it. lots of work the first 3 months and so so the first year. but gez did srs change my life and open me up sexually. i know that sounds bad but oh well.... i like guys and am not ashamed to admit it and trap them... i mean chase them.  :police:
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Heather

This question doesn't bother me all that much I've been asked it several times after coming out to someone. I personally would rather have someone ask me these questions than to put me down and say I'll always be a man. I know it's personal to ask such questions but I understand that the person just is curious and just want to know more so I don't let it bother me. I would rather them come to me with questions about being trans than them hear it from some uninformed source which I've had happen too.
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Mogu

It was what my mother said to me when I came out to her "Like...with surgery?"
There is a weird cultural view about SRS. The question kind of makes me uncomfortable, but I'm not at ant point of getting angry.
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Thylacin

Quote from: Dream Is Over on October 23, 2013, 06:04:23 AM
One that I've been tired of hearing: Are you going to get surgery down there?"


It's always the same one, sooner or latter when you reveal to somebody or they know you already, it's always that one. And I'm getting tired. It's never an easy question, and despite my decision already being made, I don't think any other person needs to know my status down there, and if I am "cutting it" unless there is going to be sex or a relationship. Feels as if you tell them "no", they will think you still want to fudge girls. When I started coming out, and somebody was going to "can I ask you something", I used to say "Sure, while it is not related to my gender orientation of surgery". I feel that now that I went full time (despite still being not really passable), that questions is not what you would ask a lady. I don't go asking people if they are gay or whatever...

Your reaction to this same situation?

Asking that sort of question is called a microaggression, and it's a form of bigotry. If they wouldn't ask about the physical anatomy of a cis-woman's vagina, but if they consider it appropriate to ask you about your genitals and what you plan to do with them, then they are being bigoted.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microaggression
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Andrea_LS

Quote from: Thylacin on December 08, 2013, 09:57:53 PM
Asking that sort of question is called a microaggression, and it's a form of bigotry. If they wouldn't ask about the physical anatomy of a cis-woman's vagina, but if they consider it appropriate to ask you about your genitals and what you plan to do with them, then they are being bigoted.

Hmm, although I get what you're saying, I guess I don't take it that way. I see it simply as curiosity. Whether it's entirely appropriate or not is another thing, and for me it depends on the circumstance. Whereas folks that are gay/bi/etc, knowing that is self-explanatory, for trans people, the general population knows comparatively little about what it involves, hence the curiosity. Not to say that there aren't people who are being imposing or inappropriate on purpose. I think the fact that people don't ask about genital surgeries with cisgender folks is pretty self-explanatory, on the other hand.

...The only people who've asked were some immediate family members, and I don't even hesitate to say something like this:

"It's called SRS. Not every transsexual decides to have surgeries, because they either don't desire to, or it's too expensive. For me, I'd like to, when I can afford it."

Being asked by a stranger isn't something I've encountered (yet).
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