So since I decided I was going to transition and even before that to a certain extent, I've wanted to reduce hatred in general in the world and specifically towards the transgender community. I was thinking of starting a youtube channel and trying to educate others about it and talking about specific concepts to try and help improve our image. There are going to be intolerant people no matter what and I completely understand that, but I feel like the huge majority of the intolerance comes from the lack of education concerning the topic and the negative portrayal "we" receive in the media generally. Do you guys have any specific topics that you think would be smart to cover in order to try and improve understanding of trans and show we really are just as human. It's not guaranteed to help or anything, but I want to try and do my part and educate others about being transgender. I appreciate all of your feedback, love you all!
Oh! You could talk about how everyone assumes transwomen are just trying to get with straight men, and talk in detail about how incredibly foolish that actually sounds.
Quote from: ~RoadToTrista~ on March 04, 2013, 02:19:57 PM
Oh! You could talk about how everyone assumes transwomen are just trying to get with straight men, and talk in detail about how incredibly foolish that actually sounds.
That actually falls perfectly with what I was considering for the first video. I was thinking of doing a video overall of "Why do "we" transition/change our bodies?". So I could easily add that in there and explain why we actually need to transition. My cis-gendered friend and I are doing it together to try to give both perspectives if that makes sense. He has a better understanding now and is very supportive but he knows how it feels to be in others shoes who don't know. Thanks for the reply, very helpful! :)
Make sure you post a link. ^.^
Quote from: ~RoadToTrista~ on March 04, 2013, 02:26:18 PM
Make sure you post a link. ^.^
Definitely! I want to make sure it looks good and people generally agree with what I say before showing the general public. Plus I could use some help spreading it around and stuff as well because I just want to help others have an understanding because I feel there is a strong need for it.
I think a big thing that needs to be pointed out is that we are all different. Not everyone fits the profile of what some may consider "the typical traits of one who is transgender". I think it needs to be known that not all of us want or feel the need to have surgery, HRT, etc. and that it's okay not to want these things. It doesn't make someone "less transgender".
Religion may be another point you would want to bring up....especially Christianity and what the Bible says (or doesn't says) about being trans.
Quote from: Malachite on March 04, 2013, 02:31:02 PM
I think a big thing that needs to be pointed out is that we are all different. Not everyone fits the profile of what some may consider "the typical traits of one who is transgender". I think it needs to be known that not all of us want or feel the need to have surgery, HRT, etc. and that it's okay not to want these things. It doesn't make someone "less transgender".
Religion may be another point you would want to bring up....especially Christianity and what the Bible says (or doesn't says) about being trans.
Awesome! That's sooooo true! We are all different and I will be sure to mention there are variances in being transgender and that there is nothing wrong with going through with all of the process or very little of it because we are all unique and different.
As for the religion, I could definitely make a video on that, I was raised in a religious household, but I would make this in another video I think.
Great suggestions!!! I'm writing everything down!!!
Make sure you have every bit as much FTM content as you do MTF content, because I am I suppose a good example of how even in the case of a person that is transgender, we still fall into traps of bias without realizing it.
I have learned a lot of things talking to the FTM crowd here that were totally unthought of by me before I came to Susan's. Things I am actually surprised I had not thought of, as after the fact they seem obvious, they just weren't then.
A list of topics could be:
HIV
suicide
attempted suicide
Alcoholism
illegal drug use
self hatrid
fear
intolerance
violence
filters ( like I have no filters against LGBTQ and I do not understand binary)
fond words like IT and TRAP
TransG* = transition then SRS
Trans = gender not sexual preference
hurting oneself
blocking out the sex act and seeing black
blocking out the memory of the past
being 100% opposite to blend in and hide
having a hiding place in your mind ( your imagination)
when you come out you confirm binaries are bigots and trans have no real knowledge of how a binary thinks
thinking your happiness is making others happy at your expense
placing road blocks in front of your happiness
being transg* is really good and the rest of the 99.85% or the world needs an enema.
-A lot of us don't like being called "->-bleeped-<-."
-We're just regular people, too.
Some common myths to be debunked:
-The only trans people in the world are MTFs. People tend to always think that "->-bleeped-<-s" are all MTFs, and they tend to forget about FTMs.
-All trans girls have to be prancing, princess pony-loving girls and all trans men have to be burly, fist-fighting lumberjacks.
-All trans people want SRS.
-->-bleeped-<- is caused by some sort of trauma and is only a way to "get out of one's bad life."
-All trans women like men and all trans men like women.
Those are all amazing ideas for several videos, I really appreciate all of the feedback and I'm writing this in a document and grouping them by category since I can't put all of these in 1 video. Once I completely finish the first video, I will post a link of it and then so on. My biggest worry is getting people to actually see the videos because if they do, maybe it could someone somehow. I really appreciate all of the replies!
Quote from: EmmaS on March 04, 2013, 05:37:25 PM
My biggest worry is getting people to actually see the videos because if they do, maybe it could someone somehow.
What? ???
Quote from: DianaP on March 04, 2013, 05:38:47 PM
What? ???
ooops It could help/educate someone, help lol.
I love it Em!
I have thought long and hard too how to do something for education but I don't quite feel comfortable doing a vlog or anything just yet.
Fantastic ideas btw people!
The biggest thing is trying to get the message out as it were. Exposure, stirring up the interest all are as important to an education campaign as anything else because if we can't get people to read/watch it then what chance do we have.
I lament at the fact that venus envy has been taken down (try www.venusenvycomic.com (http://www.venusenvycomic.com)) and it comes up as "forbidden 403", there were some great single frame comics there that spell it out better than I could ever try.
I've got a good friend who works in media/marketing (whom I still haven't come out to yet, but plan on it soon!), I'll talk with him about it and see if we can come up with some good ideas that can help with a campaign of sorts.
Quote from: EmmaS on March 04, 2013, 05:37:25 PM
Those are all amazing ideas for several videos, I really appreciate all of the feedback and I'm writing this in a document and grouping them by category since I can't put all of these in 1 video. Once I completely finish the first video, I will post a link of it and then so on. My biggest worry is getting people to actually see the videos because if they do, maybe it could someone somehow. I really appreciate all of the replies!
I think your idea for an educating video is an awesome idea
When your video is up on youtube I would be more than happy to post a link to it from facebook, to help it be seen.
Quote from: Bethany Dawn on March 04, 2013, 06:25:45 PM
I think your idea for an educating video is an awesome idea
When your video is up on youtube I would be more than happy to post a link to it from facebook, to help it be seen.
Thanks, it's the least I can do to try and help us and others like us in the future. If this can help prevent even one hate crime, then it will be totally worth it. Awesome, I would really really appreciate that because it can be hard to get people to watch videos at first from what I hear since I've never officially posted a video before.
If I may add, an important topic to the list, The right of each of us to express ourselves as we see fit.
It is often avoided because it is seen as political, but if you think about it, that most essential and fundamental of rights, trumps any other argument.
Quote from: spacial on March 04, 2013, 07:07:24 PM
If I may add, an important topic to the list, The right of each of us to express ourselves as we see fit.
It is often avoided because it is seen as political, but if you think about it, that most essential and fundamental of rights, trumps any other argument.
Great point, as Americans(Since I'm American) we try really hard to emphasize that we each have the freedom to be ourselves and that everyone should have rights and that ability to be truly themselves.
What should I name the first video?? Since the title matters for youtube searching.
Depends on the topic.
What do you guys think for the first video? Like I said, this is a very broad and general introduction essentially. Just a brief overview, and I plan on making more.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDInSXADNwc&feature=youtu.be (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDInSXADNwc&feature=youtu.be)
I got the first view! Great job!
And I was second!
Nicely done Emma. ;)
Quote from: EmmaS on March 04, 2013, 08:42:09 PM
What do you guys think for the first video? Like I said, this is a very broad and general introduction essentially. Just a brief overview, and I plan on making more.
I love the video, Emma. You sound great.
In case you're looking for ideas in what to include in future videos:
* We're not doing this for "fun". We do it the same reason most men dress as men and most women dress as women. Because that's the way we're comfortable.
* We're not trying to "fool" people. We're helping them see our true gender.
* We're not mentally ill. We're perfectly capable of taking care of ourselves.
* There have been transgender people throughout history.
* Transgender women don't have to be especially feminine. Transgender guys don't have to be especially masculine. You see the same variety in how we express our gender as in the general population.
What you're doing is really important. Please keep it up.
Thanks guys, please share it so we can show as many people as possible. I think I will make a video twice a week though, so the next one will be this weekend most likely. I appreciate all the feedback and please keep giving more topics, I am writing all of them down and will go through all of the eventually and then some. Thanks again!
<3
Audio just fine, no umms and ahhs and annoying dead air you sound coherent and you sound comfortable. You didn't wander or digress much if at all.
Now, the angle could be better, looks like you are looking down and into the camera. Nice range, but it might look better if it was out and you sitting more level line of sight.
Image quality, now THAT needs work :) too much motion and too much blur :) but I bet you already know that.
Either way, a very good start.
Quote from: Lesley_Roberta on March 05, 2013, 09:35:10 AM
Audio just fine, no umms and ahhs and annoying dead air you sound coherent and you sound comfortable. You didn't wander or digress much if at all.
Now, the angle could be better, looks like you are looking down and into the camera. Nice range, but it might look better if it was out and you sitting more level line of sight.
Image quality, now THAT needs work :) too much motion and too much blur :) but I bet you already know that.
Either way, a very good start.
Yes, I generally feel pretty comfortable with stuff like this, but after watching it on Youtube, I was not pleased with the quality of the picture and there was a lot of shaking which I didn't see in my initial video. I can try changing the angle as well in future videos, thank you for the feedback!
Good job, Emma.
Good start with the video series, Emma! I can't wait to see what you come up with next :). I'm going to agree with Leslie about the jittery motion blur (but that caused me to keep looking at Youtube instead of the things I'm *supposed* to be doing...).
There were a few places where it sounded like you were listing off points that came up earlier on this thread, so at some point you should revisit this video and expand on some of the things you said.
Oh, and turn off Skype before your next recording :P
Quote from: bojangles on March 05, 2013, 12:19:24 PM
Good job, Emma.
Thank you :)
Quote from: Anna Michele on March 05, 2013, 01:12:47 PM
Good start with the video series, Emma! I can't wait to see what you come up with next :). I'm going to agree with Leslie about the jittery motion blur (but that caused me to keep looking at Youtube instead of the things I'm *supposed* to be doing...).
There were a few places where it sounded like you were listing off points that came up earlier on this thread, so at some point you should revisit this video and expand on some of the things you said.
Oh, and turn off Skype before your next recording :P
Thank you!!! :) I'm pretty excited to continue making videos and I'm curious as to what topic I want to specifically delve into first now that I broadly described being transgender. I know the video was very jittery, my plan is to put it on a table and have it stabilized on its own so I don't have this issue again. Well yes, I broadly mentioned many things and just wanted to give a very brief introduction about being transgender and ultimately I want to cover lots and lots of topics! Yeah, oops about the skype :(
So if you guys have any specific topics for the very next video, don't be shy to suggest anything, if not I will pick from what I have already which is a ton still. I hope the next video is much better and hopefully we start to get some viewers. If you want to know when I upload a new video then just subscribe to me really quickly and don't be shy about posting this to facebook if you feel comfortable, I would really appreciate it :) Thanks guys and girls :)
Emma
Quote from: EmmaS on March 05, 2013, 09:34:35 AM
Thanks guys, please share it so we can show as many people as possible. I think I will make a video twice a week though, so the next one will be this weekend most likely. I appreciate all the feedback and please keep giving more topics, I am writing all of them down and will go through all of the eventually and then some. Thanks again!
<3
Emma great job on the video. I shared it on facebook I hope my friends watch it as it does cover things I been saying for years to them. But maybe hearing it from someone else will make them realise just how much we need to transition.
Quote from: Bethany Dawn on March 05, 2013, 02:02:19 PM
Emma great job on the video. I shared it on facebook I hope my friends watch it as it does cover things I been saying for years to them. But maybe hearing it from someone else will make them realise just how much we need to transition.
I completely agree! I really hope more people will watch it, I'm tired of hearing of all the discrimination; I understand that it's not going to go away overnight, but if one person can be saved from a hate crime, it's totally worth the chance.
Quote from: EmmaS on March 05, 2013, 02:05:55 PM
I completely agree! I really hope more people will watch it, I'm tired of hearing of all the discrimination; I understand that it's not going to go away overnight, but if one person can be saved from a hate crime, it's totally worth the chance.
Amen to that. Why can't people just have respect for one another? They don't have to agree with what we are doing. But they should at least let us live our lives as we see fit.
Hey guys,
I added a second video and just kind of went over what the major milestones are for transitioning specifically from male to female since that's what I'm knowledgeable concerning. Hope you guys think it's alright and I'll make another one on Monday! Like and subscribe :)
Hugs,
Emma
My transition from male to female (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmqR7wrOTwE#)
This video came out better than the first, you're recording technique is improving :). When are you going to start introducing yourself as Emma?
Quote from: Anna Michele on March 08, 2013, 07:50:36 AM
This video came out better than the first, you're recording technique is improving :). When are you going to start introducing yourself as Emma?
Thanks, and whenever I don't look ridiculous as a female anymore and when I'm full time.
Nice little Trans101 video.
--Jay
Quote from: aleon515 on March 09, 2013, 01:45:15 AM
Nice little Trans101 video.
--Jay
Thanks, trying to offer information about being transgender however I can because I remember how hard it was to find information when I first started looking.
Quote from: EmmaS on March 08, 2013, 11:28:17 AM
Thanks, and whenever I don't look ridiculous as a female anymore and when I'm full time.
By looking at your avatar. I say you don't look ridiculous at all and besides you need a ridiculous phase. That's how you learn what styles work for you and don't. btw I love the videos! :)
Quote from: Heather on March 09, 2013, 02:02:27 AM
By looking at your avatar. I say you don't look ridiculous at all and besides you need a ridiculous phase. That's how you learn what styles work for you and don't. btw I love the videos! :)
Well thanks, I know it's just a temporary awkward phase and that eventually I'll look fine :P Thanks for watching them and keep watching and I'll keep making them :)
Quote from: EmmaS on March 09, 2013, 02:07:00 AM
Well thanks, I know it's just a temporary awkward phase and that eventually I'll look fine :P Thanks for watching them and keep watching and I'll keep making them :)
As long as you make them I'll watch them. :)
Okay here is video #3, I hope you guys think it's good and like it. If you do, please like and subscribe or leave feedback :) Love you all :)
http://youtu.be/4lvKBDRIdTM (http://youtu.be/4lvKBDRIdTM)
I didn't notice if it has been mentioned already, but there are the points that not all of us are gay, and we don't undergo transition to trick straight people into sleeping with us. If that's your motive then i have some very choice words that I'll only say in a PM.
Also there is the point that an MTF doesn't have a "surgeon bored hole" between our legs, but a functioning genital.
As i said if i am repeating something that was already said im sorry.
Quote from: kariann330 on March 10, 2013, 06:22:39 AM
I didn't notice if it has been mentioned already, but there are the points that not all of us are gay, and we don't undergo transition to trick straight people into sleeping with us. If that's your motive then i have some very choice words that I'll only say in a PM.
Also there is the point that an MTF doesn't have a "surgeon bored hole" between our legs, but a functioning genital.
As i said if i am repeating something that was already said im sorry.
Not sure if you actually watched the videos or not but it's pretty clear what I mentioned so far from your list:
-Debunked "gay guy" myth
-Why am I transgender has been covered
-I don't really want to go in depth about my genitals on youtube to be honest so hasn't been covered and probably won't ever be.
So if you haven't watched them, please do because I cover that and much more already.
Another video added:
5 months on Hormones: MTF (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBzgHYCYMFw&feature=youtu.be#)
Hope you like it :)
Decided to make another video on a topic that was on my mind, probably not my best but I thought it was important to cover. Hope you don't hate it haha :)
My transition from male to female: Doubts of transitioning (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wsWVO2Krso&feature=youtu.be#)
:)
Doubts was a really good topic to cover! With any luck this video will convince a few scared people to think about their feelings rather than trying to run away from them :)