Are we becoming more accepted?

[Pippa]

Over the last couple of days I have spotted two fellow transexuals in the media, one on a TV quiz show and one who is running for the leadership of a minor political party on a politics programme.   Nothing was said, no comments were made (particularly in the political programme).

Even though the political party is one on the extremes of politics (a bunch of loopy individuals in my opinion and severly right wing to boot), I cannot think of any time when either appearance wouldn't have resulted in an explosion of tabloid headlines.

Has the majority of society, in Britain at least, at last realised that we have a right to exist, our views are worthy of note and we have a right to be treated as human beings and not as a circus freak show?

[Lachlann]

I think in the past 10 years we've been getting more respectable exposure. So yes, I think we are becoming more accepted, but we still have a way to go.

[Sandy]

We are certainly becoming more visible.

But more accepted?

The cynic in me is not convinced.  As long as the Examiner keeps sensationalizing stories about some pretty conventional trans people (mostly MTF), I will continue to be skeptical.

And here in the 'states we still have the likes of Maury Povich showing off trans people like they were animals in cages. 

-Sandy

[Janet_Girl]

I agree with Sandy, but there seems to be more MtFs that are running for some kind of political office here in the states.

Maybe we are becoming more out, at least.  And that could be we are becoming more accepted.



Janet

[tekla]

I think in the past 10 years we've been getting more respectable exposure

Exposure, sure, you are getting more - respectable, not so much.

[Lachlann]

I think in the past 10 years we've been getting more respectable exposure

Exposure, sure, you are getting more - respectable, not so much.

True.

I think we'd have to exclude some of the talkshow stuff, though, although Oprah has had some respectable shows about it, I'd say.

I mean, it's not as if they're talked about in the tone as the Brandon Teena documentary done in the 90's. That was painful to watch, there was almost no respect for transgender individuals. I have been pleased with some of 20/20's takes on it, though.

Still, at least we're more out in the open there so questions can be asked and answered.

[tekla]

Having questions asked is only good if you have an answer ready.  Otherwise you look a fool.

[Robin.]

I think christianity is the major contributor to the lack of acceptance, here in the states. And christianity is ultimatly degrading with time. I think this will lead to more accepting perspectives in the future. And I think acceptance is inevitable should we live beyond the days of isolation on a single planet, as our science grows we will nearly be forced to accept things we may never have thought possible...

[Bellaon7]

I believe that what is a collective(without pigeonholing) biggest lemon(our lack in your face standanding activism), is also a source of letting society accept us on their terms without feeling theatened. Most of us just want to blend in & live our lives. TS/TG issues are getting a lot of attention on US tv. I feel overall it is a possitive thing. 

[MasterAsh]

Having questions asked is only good if you have an answer ready.  Otherwise you look a fool.

This would be why I haven't come out to family yet. I want to be absolutely certain I can handle whatever my mother or grandmother tosses at me.

For the topic, others have it nailed: People are becoming more aware, but when and whether they'll "come around," who knows?

[rejennyrated]

I have come to realise that part of the problem here is that people like me, who transitioned early, were relatively lucky with physical appearance and voice etc (partly because, as I later discovered, I am actually Partial Androgen Insensitive) often decided post SRS, to go stealth.

For about 20 of the last 30 years I would have defied any of you to have picked me out as Trans. In fact in the UK I was often on TV, the radio, and I even once went to a Trans club with a friend who is a doctor in that world, and as far as I know, no-one got me!

But then it struck me that it is actually not only dishonest, but also slightly disrespectful to the cause. So I outted myself - and since then have been openly trans.

My observation is that people treat as they find. If you come across as ordinary, relaxed and comfortable in your own skin 99% of people are fine with it. The secret is not to try and convince people of what you are - instead just be it!

And yes - I think, in the UK at least, we are becomming a lot more accepted.

[qRachelp]

I wish I lived in the UK, or even Canada.  The USA, with its lingering prejudices, does NOT deserve world supremacy.

Socially, transgendered people are becoming more accepted in America, but our government and corporations can still go to their own self-made Hells.

With Extreme Sincerity,
Rachel

[DonnaC]

Yes, I think that we are.  There is no question that the U.S. has become more tolerant as a whole, although I think that we could learn a lot from our European friends.  We're still not totally accepted and I know that I'm very careful when I'm out and about, but progress has been made.