Transgender? Transsexual? Trans-Ghettoized?

[Shana A]

Transgender? Transsexual? Trans-Ghettoized?
by: Autumn Sandeen
Thu Jul 10, 2008 at 08:00:00 AM EDT

http://www.pamshouseblend.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=6072

I believe one of the reasons Pam asked me to be a permanent guest barista at The Blend is because I post often on transgender issues, with a goal of educating the broader LGBT community about transgender issues. She and I share a belief in embracing diversity and tolerance, so I'm grateful for the opportunity Pam's provided to me to initiate discussions regarding gender identity and expression in terms of diversity and tolerance here at The Blend.

And yet, being an out transwoman has left me feeling stung a few times here at The Blend -- specifically by people of trans history. For example, in response to a recent diary I wrote, a blender referred "the full time ->-bleeped-<-s" (read: transgender people) in stating that she was "not now nor was I ever transgender." Another blender stated that "Hiding in the [trans] ghetto may work for some, but in the long run, it stunts your growth."

Yee-ouch.

[NicholeW.]

Hmmm, Autumn's not "messing-round" is she? 

I thought her list of negative terms was quite thorough-going and intelligent.

Nichole