Author: Gender theory needs to be questioned

[Shana A]

Author: Gender theory needs to be questioned
Bornstein draws about 100 people to Spring Pride lecture

By Caitlin Schneider, For the Daily on 3/12/08

http://media.www.michigandaily.com/media/storage/paper851/news/2008/03/12/CampusLife/Author.Gender.Theory.Needs.To.Be.Questioned-3264922.shtml

Author Kate Bornstein threw conventional wisdom out the window as she discussed gender issues before about 100 people in the Michigan League last night.

"I want people to question gender," Bornstein said.

[Natasha]

Author: Gender theory needs to be questioned

Link
03/12/2008

""I just want the freaky people to know that it's okay to be freaky," she said."

If "freaky" works for you, have a ball darling.  But don't suggest everyone has to be like you!  thank you very much!

[Nero]

Word.

That's cool that's she's neither nor. Just wish she'd quit trying to represent us. A disservice to those of us who are men and women, period.

[Constance]

In some ways, what s/he has to say is great. But, I don't quite like being told I'm "freaky." It seems to me that this comment was made without malicious intent. But, there's something about it that bugs me nonetheless.

[tekla]

I don't think she tries to represent anyone but herself.  She's pretty clear about that.  I have always liked her very positive manner and message.  That she is highly entertaining and very articulate has made her one of the top speakers, but its her message that moves people.

So, your not a freak?  Then don't listen to her.  Its pretty clear she is not talking to you anyway.  For those of us who are freaks, who like being freaks and find in Kate a person who has taken the time and effort to reach out and tell people they are OK, even if your dream is not of a nice cubicle and house in the 'burbs.

[Constance]

I don't think she tries to represent anyone but herself.  She's pretty clear about that.  I have always liked her very positive manner and message.  That she is highly entertaining and very articulate has made her one of the top speakers, but its her message that moves people.

So, your not a freak?  Then don't listen to her.  Its pretty clear she is not talking to you anyway.  For those of us who are freaks, who like being freaks and find in Kate a person who has taken the time and effort to reach out and tell people they are OK, even if your dream is not of a nice cubicle and house in the 'burbs.

Sorry, I didn't mean to come across as objectionable.

I've got the cubicle thing, and an apartment "in the 'bubs." But, I wouldn't say those things fulfill my dreams.

[cindianna_jones]

I don't mind being called a freak or a ->-bleeped-<- or anything else.... just as long as it doesn't come across in a mean or discriminatory way.  I think that it's healthy to talk about such things.  I don't even mind a little humor at my expense.  But the line can easily be crossed.  It's really hard to define exactly what that line is.  But I know it when I see it.

Cindi

[Ell]

Bornstein was born a man and underwent reconstructive surgery 22 years ago to become a woman. After her transition, Bornstein discovered she still didn't feel comfortable in her gender. She said she still feels like she's pretending to be a woman.

"I am not a man, and I am not a woman," she said.

sie's not going to help clarify the concept of TS in the public's perception, that's for sure. sounds much more like a person born with IS, who doesn't want to be forced into a binary. it is good to introduce the concept of IS early on, however, since it covers IS, TS, and TG equally well.

-ellie