Just wondering since Lance Bass just made a public apology for using the term "->-bleeped-<-", and it caused me to wonder if that term is also considered a slur here or we can use it on each other since obviously we are transgender ourselves, heh :police:
Ill be honest. "->-bleeped-<-" is one of those words that are so similar to the "N" word. It riles up anger if the wrong people say it and it's funny when "one of the close friends" say it.
Two of my closest friends call me the ->-bleeped-<- in private. It's fine with me. One of them call herself the African Nigress and the other girl makes fun of herself a whole lot.
It's just one of those words that depends on how the person uses it. If someone calls me a "->-bleeped-<-" knowing it's demeaning and they want to demean me, then ill get pissed. If they use it like I am a sex object to them, Ill get pissed. If it's from friends in private, I think it's quite funny.
I noticed that "->-bleeped-<-" is not <bleeped> out when posting like the F word gets <bleeped> out, so I assume it is okay to use here...
Quote from: MsDazzler on December 24, 2011, 04:21:43 PM
I noticed that "->-bleeped-<-" is not <bleeped> out when posting like the F word gets <bleeped> out, so I assume it is okay to use here...
i bleep out the "N" word to prove my point that I feel uncomfortable saying it (even in jest) because I am not black and i just feel bad about it. Even if i was the last person on earth alive, i wouldnt say it.
I get the impression it's one of those touchy subjects, as some people have had to used as an attack against them, or have had it used while physically attacked. I personally never use it because I know there are people with histories like that.
Feel free to use it for yourself. Use it for others without checking if it's okay first and you'll probably get into trouble.
I use "->-bleeped-<-" a lot lot....
Because, well, when I use it I am automatically an example that takes away a lot of the negativity the word has.
When I use it with people who haven't been introduced to the trans world, I am the only "->-bleeped-<-" they know. To them, a "->-bleeped-<-" becomes a well dressed, well spoken, funny, confident, talented, and educated person.
Even when I use it with people who already know other trans, I just throw my hat into the ring and say "Yup, I am one of them".
Basically, when I use "->-bleeped-<-" I am making it clear I am standing next to all the "over the top" or "non-passing" examples people think of. I have no interest in distancing myself from others who had a later start or who have more troubles than I do. I make it clear that they can't make fun of "->-bleeped-<-s" without making fun of me. If I called myself something else they would simply use "->-bleeped-<-" to describe the stereotype examples... and then use another term for me (which, really, isn't what I want).
So, I'm a ->-bleeped-<-.... just like all the porn stars, poorly passing, over-the-top dressed, homeless, or other "negative ->-bleeped-<-s" out there. I feel they are struggling with a lot of the things I do. While they may not make choices I make, I can't fault them for it or judge them harshly.
As I said to my teacher "do I look like a prostitute to you? The next time, think twice before you use the term ->-bleeped-<- in a negative way". ((and well, a lottt of other things, I gave him a bit of a lecture when he brought up the subject of ->-bleeped-<-s in class))
And, well, those around me don't look at ->-bleeped-<-s in negative ways anymore :P Anyone who spends time with me quickly learns that being a ->-bleeped-<- isn't a bad thing. Having a non-binary gender or taking hormones and all these other things is actually fun / interesting / amazing.
Well, I don't much like the word myself because it makes me think of car parts rather than people, but I generally try not to take offense unless it is clearly being used maliciously. There are other words for transpeople that are far more likely to get my dander up when used in reference to me.
just like all the porn stars, poorly passing, over-the-top dressed, homeless
Are you under some impression that you are somehow better than they are?
I remember in one episode of SEX AND THE CITY, Samantha mentioned the word "->-bleeped-<-". She didn't seem joking or offensive, but I'm not if it's because she was annoyed by those transsexual prostitute.
Quote from: tekla on December 24, 2011, 09:00:01 PM
just like all the porn stars, poorly passing, over-the-top dressed, homeless
Are you under some impression that you are somehow better than they are?
Nope, that was the point... I'm not. While I may feel their choice of work is unwise in the long run, or feel they have bad fashion sense... those are completely different issues that have nothing to do with being a "->-bleeped-<-". For someone to call them out using "->-bleeped-<-" is the problem, because, I am one also. As far as being a "->-bleeped-<-" goes, in that respect we are the same.
Using "->-bleeped-<-" as a negative is saying that non-binary or gender issues are bad. And...well... that is what I strongly disagree with. I feel being trans is beautiful :)