I couldn't help but feel a smile spread across my face when a character came up that I could in a way relate to (though I am FtM). I personally feel like it's great that they're finally promoting this. I wish/hope they would do an FtM character as well.
http://www.musedmagonline.com/2012/04/glee-introduces-its-first-transgender-character-unique/
What do you think?
YAY for progress *raises fists* :P
That is great! There is a Canadian show, Degrassi, that has a ftm. I don't know where you'd see it wherever you are, but I believe its on Nickelodean(?). You seriously ought to check it out, google "degrassi transgender"!
Quote from: MiaOhMya! on April 23, 2012, 06:29:41 PM
That is great! There is a Canadian show, Degrassi, that has a ftm. I don't know where you'd see it wherever you are, but I believe its on Nickelodean(?). You seriously ought to check it out, google "degrassi transgender"!
I think I've heard of that character... Alex is his name, I think?
Quote from: Cody Jensen on April 23, 2012, 06:38:45 PM
I think I've heard of that character... Alex is his name, I think?
Uh like NOOOO! Wha kind of Degrassi fan are ya?? ;)
Actually I cant remember his name either...oh no wait its Adam! Yea I think thats it but don't quote me on it! Ok time for some waffles...
Quote from: MiaOhMya! on April 23, 2012, 07:31:10 PM
Uh like NOOOO! Wha kind of Degrassi fan are ya?? ;)
Actually I cant remember his name either...oh no wait its Adam! Yea I think thats it but don't quote me on it! Ok time for some waffles...
his name is adam (my birth name) LOL!
I've never watched Glee and didn't manage to get my hands on a video extract, but from the comments I saw on an article, it looks like that character is actually closer to being a drag-queen than a transsexual. Even though here, both are under the term "transgender", for the general public, transgender = transsexual, or transsexual who can cope with their genitals.
If the comments are accurate, I find it unfortunate that the writer would pick the most stereotypical/caricatured "version" of a transgender, the one the easiest to disregard/not take seriously, and (I think?) the one the most versed in aesthetical worries rather than deeper issues, and the one that lives the least gender dysphoria.
Again, if the people who commented were right... I'm not sure I actually want that kind of visibility. I mean, everyone has been knowing what a drag-queen is for decades, and it's a well-accepted fact that many (not necessarily most) do it as a hobby or means of living, not remotely as a means to relieve any sort of psychological anguish.
I don't think that iif one day, when I come out to someone and they say "oh, I know, I saw the episode with Unique on Glee!" I'll be happy that they saw that episode.
Did anyone else see Unique, and think... eunuch? A clever misspelling. I believe that the "MtF" on Glee is a very poor representation of our community, and that the good her presence provides in the show is weighed down by the negatives. At best, she changes nothing about the opinion of society... at worst, she worsens it.
Related article in Entertainment News
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,118959.0.html
Quote from: MiaOhMya! on April 23, 2012, 07:31:10 PM
Uh like NOOOO! Wha kind of Degrassi fan are ya?? ;)
Actually I cant remember his name either...oh no wait its Adam! Yea I think thats it but don't quote me on it! Ok time for some waffles...
Well... I don't watch Degrassi lol. Oh yeah, Adam that was it XD
Been mostly avoiding this thread to avoid spoilers but I'm finally caught up. Yay!
I think it's too early to judge this character much. She definitely self-described as identifying female. I think it's too early to call her a drag queen rather than a trans woman. I'm inclined to cut them some slack as I think they're trying to be informative and I bet they will work on improving over time if they get letters from trans people and their supporters.
I've only seen a few episodes but I think I know who you're talking about...
...is it just me, or does this mean we'll have a rash of prep's going "oh yeah i'm trans because its now cool" like they did to goth several years ago (because that just pissed me off)? Not that I'm against support or that this might help with us getting more improvement medically or accepted into society better, but it could also make us easier cannon fodder...(or am i just a skeptic?)
Quote from: JayKyle on April 24, 2012, 02:43:10 PM
I've only seen a few episodes but I think I know who you're talking about...
...is it just me, or does this mean we'll have a rash of prep's going "oh yeah i'm trans because its now cool" like they did to goth several years ago (because that just pissed me off)? Not that I'm against support or that this might help with us getting more improvement medically or accepted into society better, but it could also make us easier cannon fodder...(or am i just a skeptic?)
I know how you feel, I feel that way towards the gay/lesbian/bi community. Especially bi girls. Idk, maybe it's because it's more socially acceptable or something? But I don't like how lots of girls are like "ya I'm totally into girls" or post pictures on fb of them kissing other girls just to show an "adventurous" side.
Quote from: Cody Jensen on April 24, 2012, 03:49:45 PM
I know how you feel, I feel that way towards the gay/lesbian/bi community. Especially bi girls. Idk, maybe it's because it's more socially acceptable or something? But I don't like how lots of girls are like "ya I'm totally into girls" or post pictures on fb of them kissing other girls just to show an "adventurous" side.
Exactly! The media is just going to use this to sell something, I doubt they give a F#(@ how we really feel! Sorry, but when has them portraying a counterculture (well we kind of are) ever turned out good?
Quote from: JayKyle on April 24, 2012, 03:56:00 PM
Exactly! The media is just going to use this to sell something, I doubt they give a F#(@ how we really feel! Sorry, but when has them portraying a counterculture (well we kind of are) ever turned out good?
Heh. This reminds me of a funny program my dad was listening to on the radio the other day, they were talking about how the media sells sex to teens. This is basically the same thing isn't it? Anyways, the program was getting so awkward I had to ask my dad to change channels XD
Really guys? Maybe they just want to actually promote understanding. Let's not get too pessimistic ^^
Quote from: lecoeurdegrey on April 24, 2012, 09:33:23 PM
Really guys? Maybe they just want to actually promote understanding. Let's not get too pessimistic ^^
>.< I'll try.....nope. Not working v.v
I guess you'll think me naive but I really do think they do kinda want to educate and promote acceptance of diversity.
Quote from: dalebert on April 25, 2012, 12:29:11 AM
I guess you'll think me naive but I really do think they do kinda want to educate and promote acceptance of diversity.
Perhaps but they probably never had to deal with bullies either
Quote from: dalebert on April 25, 2012, 12:29:11 AM
I guess you'll think me naive but I really do think they do kinda want to educate and promote acceptance of diversity.
I second this. They may not being it in a way that several of us would like, but it's hard to try and promote acceptance and educate the public on a subject that is generally hush-hush.
I have got to find some way to watch "Glee" now.
I, too, think that it all started on a good intent.
...However, perhaps it failed. The writer thought transgender, and then thought stage, make-up and such, and weird stage name, and...
But I should stop talking about it so much without having actually seen it.
Quote from: dalebert on April 25, 2012, 12:29:11 AM
I guess you'll think me naive but I really do think they do kinda want to educate and promote acceptance of diversity.
Exactly, too many people are saying but but but she isn't just like me so it won't help.
Yes it will. If we move the umbrella ahead then all under it benefit.
Yea I agree with Jeneva exactly. Trans is is an issue that is rocketing to the forefront. Even 15 years ago this simply wouldn't have been considered as an appropriate story line for young viewers.
Shows like this have a way of desensitising the public to the idea and the words. Its becoming mainstream rather than taboo, and that's the key to getting the ball rolling.
Besides, if even ONE trans person out there found out who they might be, then I'd say this show was well worth it! I remember as a child seeing trans people portrayed negatively (and the woman you like.....SHE WAS BORN A MAN!! EWWW OH NOOO!), and even that rubbish television helped me realise who I was.
Oh it make me smile thinking about it :)
Maybe they are trying to educate. I mean there has been a lot of shows lately talking about transgender for an example Dr. Oz had a show where they specifically talked about transgendered.
They are likely going to do transgender from a gay viewpoint. Hard to say what will come of it, but I'm pretty sure it won't have any meaningful effect on my life, one way or the other.