TransFusion
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
On "Passing"
by Dr. Cary Gabriel Costello
I hate the term "passing."
http://trans-fusion.blogspot.com/2011/07/on-passing.html (http://trans-fusion.blogspot.com/2011/07/on-passing.html)
It's used as a euphemism for death: "All were saddened at his passing."
I've listened to so many trans people express huge amounts of anxiety about not being able to "pass," and I empathize utterly with their fears.
People who are obviously trans--especially those who are perceived as "men trying to be women" by the transphobic--often face virulent bigotry.But let's think more about the term "passing." It's a term with a weighty history, referring to concealment of one's marginalized true identity, in order to avoid violence and discrimination.
Wow... that was seriously powerful!
I fully agree that this one is very powerful and very well thought out. It has much in it that I think about in the term "passing" with all its meanings, I just haven't been able to say it as well.
Kia Ora,
::) It sounds like he's describing himself as "semi-stealth"...
::) I often use this term to describe where I sit...I'm fortunate enough to blend into society as my affirmed gender, right height, bone structure, androgynous facial features etc, but I was born with a penis and a flattish chest...After HRT and genital surgery, I can now go and do what I like as my affirmed gender without question... I don't feel the need to advertise my past, but am comfortable enough if someone was to question me to discuss it, but to date this hasn't happened, however I've voluntarily outed myself on a number of occasions... "Semi-Stealth" = A well ventilated closet...
In all honesty I think "all" trans-people [especially those who see themselves as suffering from the "transsexual" condition-and desire to live full time as their psycho-sexual identity] if the opportunity should arise they would jump at the chance to go stealth [or at least "semi-stealth" ]... Who in their right mind wants to stand out and have to run society's gauntlet of ridicule and rejection if they had the opportunity not to ?
Another way to look at the term "Passing" is, as far as my identity in society goes, the male me has "passed" on and may "he" rest in peace...He's not forgotten, but he's no longer around...
I'm sure there are quite a few of us semi-stealthiers out there doing our own thing in society...
Metta Zenda :)