Transgender as an umbrella term

[Osiris]

Susan is saying that Steph will always be considered transgender here because of her history. She's a transsexual i.e. she's transgendered.

She's not saying that anyone here will be considered Transgendered because they joined.

[Hypatia]

I think it just might show that the umbrella maybe has some real value when people value it for what it is: a way to drive rights and dignity for all, not simply a few who may be like me. That is not a bad thing at all when you consider the absolute numbers (presumed) of all gender-variant/intersex humans living in USA or Canada or even the world.

Some unity and coalition is going to be necessary to get anything positive accomplished.

Yes... you have pointed out the real strengths of the TG umbrella. This is what it's good at doing. What it isn't so good at is being an actual identity for us.

You clarified for us exactly what it is: A political coalition of several disparate groups who have joined together to win a set of legal rights which often overlap the different groups. As far as that goes, great. I'm down with that, I'm going to DC next month to join in the Congressional lobby day with NCTE.

The term's weakness is shown up in contrast to its very strength: "Transgender" names a collection of conflicting or even contradictory identities. It says nothing about the identity of an individual. When it's a question of how any single one of us identifies, it fails.

I think the word works fine as long as it's applied properly. But some have tried to stretch the meaning too far, to the point where it isn't useful, isn't clearly defined, and only causes confusion or ruffled feathers. It's best limited to describing that political coalition of which you speak.

[Mister]

Susan is saying that Steph will always be considered transgender here because of her history. She's a transsexual i.e. she's transgendered.

She's not saying that anyone here will be considered Transgendered because they joined.

Really, Osiris?  That's what this means?

No it doesn't make them transgender. But they are the exception rather than the rule. If you are Androgyne, CD, Drag kings, Drag queens, IS, TS, or TV,  then you are Transgender when you are at this site.

[Osiris]

Exactly what she said. If you are Androgyne, CD, Drag kings, Drag queens, IS, TS, or TV,  then you are Transgender. It is an umbrella term that covers all of these things.

I don't know if other boards will make exceptions however on this board if you are any of the above then you are considered Transgender.

If you aren't any of those things then you aren't Transgendered.

I don't see what TOS has to do with any of this. *shrugs*

[cindybc]

I also thank you as well Tink, you have stated it much more eloquently then I did on my last two attempts in the last two posts I submitted earlier. I am also having second thoughts about remaining here.

Confession time?

I am not having doubts because of this topic, but because I am beginning to wonder if my being here was truly of any benefit to any one to start with. I hardly get responses to my posts, I would not have any other way of knowing if anyone had any interest in the things I share if I didn't have my blog, at 84.6% activity, at least it is nice to know someone reads my stuff. 

I do live and interact within society as my true self as woman as far as any of the folks I interact with need to know, and no one has yet has found a reason to doubt otherwise.

Sorry if I have failed anyone or have fallen short of their expectancy.

Cindy

[Susan]

But that's it you are a woman. I am a woman. The fact that we are grouped as also being transgender doesn't define us. No one is saying you have to call yourself transgender. but I am unwilling to remove transsexual from transgender umbrella, and will not be doing so. That's what this is all about. If that requires you to leave then by all means feel free. But it's not what anyone wants.