A "Transsexual Versus Transgender" Intervention*
Julia Serano
http://www.transadvocate.com/a-transsexual-versus-transgender-intervention.htm (http://www.transadvocate.com/a-transsexual-versus-transgender-intervention.htm)
So like I said, I have mostly avoided this debate because of the name calling, disparaging stereotypes and nonconsensual sexualization that are sometimes associated with it. But recently, I read a post where someone referred to me as being firmly in the "transsexual" (rather than "transgender") camp. This was the second time that I had seen such a claim, and frankly, it surprised me. Granted, in my book Whipping Girl, I argued that the transsexual experience is different from other transgender trajectories, and I also decried the manner in which some cissexual gays and lesbians appropriate transsexual identities. But I never once advocated that transsexuals should completely split off from the transgender or LGBT communities. Rather, my intention was constructive criticism – I hoped to make those alliances more aware and respectful of transsexual voices and perspectives.
So, for the record, I am in the pro-umbrella camp, even though I acknowledge that sometimes umbrella politics are messy and less than equitable. In other words, I believe that the pros of umbrella politics outweigh the cons. But, of course, that is my opinion, and others may disagree. If we are going to have a serious discussion about this issue (i.e., one that does not sink into the abyss of sexualization, stereotypes and name calling), then it seems to me that there are at least three major issues that need to be addressed, but which have been largely absent from the debate thus far.
Thank you for posting that. I respect Julia Serano and her work. We should stick together, we're all human beings at the end of the day.
My issue is that I feel that the separtists won't be happy until every one of us who do support and lend credance to the LGBT stop being part of the LGBT.
Personaly I like being associated with the local LGBT center. It is a good place with a good staff. The BOD always takes an interest that our groups needs are adressed and they keep the coffee pot fresh and hot. I have met a number of trans folks there . Locally every trans person I know sits solidly in the alliance camp.
@ Mimpi, yes, we are all human beings at the end of the day. @ Valerie, thankfully transsexual seperatists aren't welcome here per rule 10. Who would want that on a transgender support site?
Quote from: Tracey on September 09, 2011, 05:31:51 PM
@ Mimpi, yes, we are all human beings at the end of the day. @ Valerie, thankfully transsexual seperatists aren't welcome here per rule 10. Who would want that on a transgender support site?
As long as they dont cross the line it is acceptable for them to walk up to that line and thumb their nose at it.
Silencing the opossition only serves to discredit the argument.
I respect your position and opinions, Valerie. I hope we agree how nice it is of Susan to provide this place where everyone from a beauty like you to "once a week man in a dress Tracey" can feel welcome wanted, and useful. In honesty, I posted becuse I thought you were a little rough on mimpi, a new member. Hugs, Tracey
Rough! Who's being being rough on me? Bring it on brothers and sisters if yer think yer 'ard enough!!!
Oops, sorry about that, just lapsed into football hooligan mode for a moment! ;)
Seriously, I really don't mind and am not the least offended. My attitude always remains the same irrespective of whether the issues are Trans related, gender related, LGBT or just about anything: Il popolo unito non sarà mai sconfitto! Solidarity is the way to stand up to discrimination and oppression. That is what I meant by "We are all human beings"...
Yep, we're all human beings, deserving love and respect.... and equal rights.
Don't think anyone under the umbrella is requesting special treatment, not as far as I know that is.
Just wanna be acknowledged as human beings, deserving love and respect, and equal rights.
Sometimes, in any group's search for equal rights, there are members who push other groups down by saying "we're not like them".
And then, the groups who feel pushed down get rather irritated.
Rights ain't equal if we keep denying 'em to each other.
"People who understand umbrellas realize that they are in an alliance with other marginalized groups, but that they have no right to speak on behalf of those groups."
Like.
Quote from: Valeriedances on September 11, 2011, 03:58:09 PM
These are her personal opinions which she is entitled to, as those of us on Susans and elsewhere also have.
And it is those of us on Susans and elsewhere who insist they have "the word" on the TS/TG debate that I object to.