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News and Events => Opinions & Editorials => Topic started by: Amelia Pond on August 13, 2013, 05:51:45 PM

Title: What not to say to a Transgender Woman
Post by: Amelia Pond on August 13, 2013, 05:51:45 PM
What not to say to a Transgender Woman
Meggan Sommerville, 8/13/13 6:53 am

http://www.chicagonow.com/trans-girl-cross/2013/08/what-not-say-transgender-woman/

It's been just over three years since I transitioned from my life as a guy to living full time as a woman.  I have had incredible highs with the undaunting support from family and friends. I have also had significant lows, sometimes caused be the carelessness or thoughtlessness of those around me.  For me, and many trans women like me, the vocabulary you all use can sometimes cause us to stop in our tracks and really question what you think about us.  I know many times it is out of total ignorance or just by accident, but never the less, these times can stir with in me and other transgender women some very negative feelings.

There are several blog posts and articles out there on the web that list the things that you shouldn't say or ask a transgender individual, but in recent days I have felt I needed to put a personal look on the subject.   Most of us grew up hearing the phrase "Sticks and Stones will break your bones, but words will never hurt you".  Yeah – we all know that's a crock.  Words hold extreme power even when you don't know it.
Title: Re: What not to say to a Transgender Woman
Post by: vegie271 on August 13, 2013, 06:04:39 PM


number 3 is a big one for me, I actually knew surfers as a teen and "dude" was surfer talk for a male surfer and they actually had a term for female surfers "dudette" there is a feminine version.

Title: Re: What not to say to a Transgender Woman
Post by: Devlyn on August 13, 2013, 06:05:53 PM
I'm guilty of number 1!  Hey, I didn't like school that much!

My sincere apologies to the author and anyone who I have offended with that. It won't happen again. Hugs, Devlyn
Title: Re: What not to say to a Transgender Woman
Post by: Cindy on August 13, 2013, 06:33:37 PM
Whoops I'm a #1 as well.
I have to admit that is so common I would suggest it has gone into the vernacular.

Guys is an expression used here for any group regardless of gender or of a mixed group of people, or a group of men or women
Title: Re: What not to say to a Transgender Woman
Post by: Devlyn on August 13, 2013, 06:36:51 PM
What I meant to say was "Cindy told me to say it like that."  <running away>
Title: Re: What not to say to a Transgender Woman
Post by: Cindy on August 13, 2013, 07:17:54 PM
Finally, you are obeying me! Just as it should be!!
Title: Re: What not to say to a Transgender Woman
Post by: Devlyn on August 13, 2013, 07:21:53 PM
Yeah, that "Obey Cindy Or Pay The Price" branding iron scared the dickens out of me!
Title: Re: What not to say to a Transgender Woman
Post by: Cindy on August 13, 2013, 07:26:45 PM
But I always brand with a song in my heart, a smile on my face, and good set of earplugs!
Title: Re: What not to say to a Transgender Woman
Post by: Devlyn on August 13, 2013, 07:38:24 PM
You might be able to hit the high notes if we brand your......well, anyway, I probably shouldn't say it here on the forums.  :angel:
Title: Re: What not to say to a Transgender Woman
Post by: Amelia Pond on August 13, 2013, 07:43:11 PM
Quote from: Devlyn Marie on August 13, 2013, 07:38:24 PM
You might be able to hit the high notes if we brand your......well, anyway, I probably shouldn't say it here on the forums.  :angel:

:icon_yikes:
Title: Re: What not to say to a Transgender Woman
Post by: Joanna Dark on August 13, 2013, 07:54:08 PM
It's ironic her first one is the difference between transgender and transgender as I don't like either and identify as transsexual. I feel like I'm changing the biology of my body from male to female via hormones, hence transsexual. Hormonally I am female. I also kinda just like trans woman. Or woman is okay too. But not transgender.
Title: Re: What not to say to a Transgender Woman
Post by: Cindy on August 13, 2013, 07:58:43 PM
Quote from: Joanna Dark on August 13, 2013, 07:54:08 PM
it's ironic her first one is the difference between transgender and transgender as I don't like either and identify as transsexual. I feel like I'm changing the biology of my body from male to female via hormones, hence transsexual. Hormonally I am female. I also kinda just like trans woman. Or woman is okay too. But not transgender.

The more politically correct term seems to be trans*person to cover  everyone.
Then again I'm just a woman and labels are pretty meaningless