Or whichever mythical creature you feel applies. Because sometimes I feel like that's how people see us. I suppose this applies more to those who aren't stealth, but how do you feel about being 'exotic' or a curiosity to people? And how do you cope with people that develop a strong fascination with you because you're trans*?
I'm personally a bit conflicted. I think if someone is interested in the trans* community, then it's a good opportunity to educate. But aside from that, I'm torn between feeling singled out and feeling 'special'.
Depends on my mood, mostly. Sometimes it's nice to be special, other times I just want to be left alone.
Also, I'm an alicorn.
I've always felt "special" (read: outcast, alone, monstrous). Before I felt like I was performing my brains out trying to be "normal" and failing miserably.
It turns out my audience wasn't nearly as critical as I feared they were. When I came out as trans, nearly everyone who knew me was surprised. So... out of the imaginary spotlight and onto the microscope slide, I guess.
I have a lot of supportive people in my life. I am blessed. Every time I have reached out in hope and trust I have found my trust was well placed. At the same time, I feel a huge pressure to stay upbeat, to approach every challenge with bravery and pull myself out of inevitable slumps. Unfortunately I'm not Super Girl.
On one hand, being fairly visible in my community, I feel like I can do a lot of good... on the other hand I feel like any mistakes I make along the way will be discouraging to someone who may be looking to me for an example.
I'm not going to file my horn off and try to pass, at least not yet. The world needs people to challenge their ideas of what is safe and "normal" in the universe; society needs to be shaken up a bit to keep it from stagnating. Alas, it doesn't mean I enjoy the process.
*hug*
Looking like a tomboy has the benefit of being... a relatively normal thing for cis girls to do.
So I'm not really treated as weird and special in the gender department until I tell someone or unless I'm being unintentionally singled-out. Given that I'm not out yet in any official capacity (I have no problem telling friends one-on-one if its relevant), I get treated like a bizarre specimen for just being an artist more than anything. It seems like personal passion is such a rarity these days that "working" in one's spare time merits being looked at like a weirdo.
I'm just trying to finish a damn book, people. Leave me alone!
I've always felt different, strange, unlike other people and never new why. It frustrated me that no one else could tell I was different.
Now every knows and I feel like I'm no longer keeping a strange secret.
I've always felt like a unicorn. Now I can show everyone else my unicorniness.
I dont want to be a unicorn. I want to be the girl next door, as far as other people are concerned. People with that unicorn thing for us, the way they treat me is irritating, and makes me feel not femme at all.
I'm a card-carrying Unicorn. :)
Hugs, Devlyn
I am still passing as a male, but I think I am attracting some weird looks sometimes...not a kind and nice look, more like "wtf is wrong with this guy?"
My hair is almost at my neck and people stare at me with weird looks. Men reacts worse and they aren't very polite with me...I say thank you and such and sometimes I don't get back not even a word.
I am also adopting the female way of sitting and some mannerisms...they're coming very naturally and sometimes I realize I was unaware of being in a female pose...and this brings some weird looks too. Not the kind ones as well.
I don't know if people see us as unicorns. Unicorns are amazing and extraordinary beings living on the imaginary, side by side with magic creatures and things that makes us enchanted and fascinated.
We are not. I think we are seem as freaks...at least until now this is the kind of look that I see and this is the kind of reaction I see from cis people.
But you know what? I don't care! I am proud of not being one more on a crowd of robots without personality and brains! I am proud of being who I am and of finaly being able to show this to myself and to the world.
Quote from: Natalia on December 02, 2013, 06:08:03 PM
We are not. I think we are seem as freaks
Well horses would probably see unicorns the same way. xD
I am a soccer mom to the other moms at my son's school.
I am the "girl next door" to the others in my life.
I am a unicorn at the Lifestyle club I go to, where I am the first and only pre-op who has been allowed to join the club. I have no issues being a unicorn, and quite enjoy the attention at times. Plus, I tend to have some rather exciting adventures.
Well, trans or not, we are all special and unique. There is only one "you" and that is something to cherish. So, everyone is a unicorn in my eyes, lol.
At the end of the day, I'd like to blend in and not be the center of attention. I guess it depends on why people are focusing on me. If it is because of my gender identity or a perceived eccentricity, then no, I'm usually not comfortable with that.
Hm...maybe the community I am in has a different definition of the word unicorn. For us, a unicorn is a single bisexual female. I just happen to be a different type of female.
Quote from: Brooke777 on December 02, 2013, 07:35:36 PM
Hm...maybe the community I am in has a different definition of the word unicorn. For us, a unicorn is a single bisexual female. I just happen to be a different type of female.
:laugh: I'ma double-unicorn!
I think maybe I'm okay with being a (mythical) unicorn, and wouldn't mind being watched/studied, pet, or ridden by certain people, just as long as I'm not being poached for my horn!
Disclaimer: I'm not a historian!
I've learned from my time on these forums that societies for millennia have recognized transgender people as special and possessing gifts. Hugs, Devlyn
Quote from: Devlyn Marie on December 02, 2013, 08:01:38 PM
Disclaimer: I'm not a historian!
I've learned from my time on these forums that societies for millennia have recognized transgender people as special and possessing gifts. Hugs, Devlyn
For once Devlyn is right. The "seers", or other people with mystical powers, and high intelligence were actually transgender people.
Quote from: Ashey on December 02, 2013, 03:44:42 PM
Or whichever mythical creature you feel applies. Because sometimes I feel like that's how people see us. I suppose this applies more to those who aren't stealth, but how do you feel about being 'exotic' or a curiosity to people? And how do you cope with people that develop a strong fascination with you because you're trans*?
I hate it! I was actually talking to someone (who knows about me), telling him that this is the main reason I am working at being as stealth as possible. Because everyone thinks it's just all I am. They think I have some magical knowledge into "both worlds" of male and female, or that I'm some third gender or some weird stuff. They kind of forget I am an actual person with many interests, and reduce me to someone they can talk to about women's issues or men's issues or whatever.
I've referred to it as an intellectual/academic fetish lol. I am not "fascinating" or "exotic." I sit in my room in my underwear watching too much American Dad, playing too many video games, eating chips off my chest. :P I'm just a guy trying to get on with my life, not some gender detective.
Quote from: caleb. on December 02, 2013, 08:14:30 PMThey kind of forget I am an actual person with many interests, and reduce me to someone they can talk to about women's issues or men's issues or whatever.
Reminds me of my sister, who is a minister. Whenever she tells people she is a minister, a large portion of people will share all their problems and issues. Or tell her how much her church sucks.
When I tell people I study philosophy, they ask me what the meaning of life is...
Quote from: Mogu on December 02, 2013, 08:28:34 PM
Reminds me of my sister, who is a minister. Whenever she tells people she is a minister, a large portion of people will share all their problems and issues. Or tell her how much her church sucks.
When I tell people I study philosophy, they ask me what the meaning of life is...
"Can you draw a picture of me/my dog/my product idea?"
"Can you storyboard my animation for free? It'll be great exposure."
Snap judgments and stereotyping happen for everything. My only wish is that I could mix things up every once in a while. Being seen as a gender unicorn would be a welcome respite :S
I think a better metaphor is people see us at Ugly Ducklings, but over time most will soon see beautiful swans!
At least that is how I see it. It is just sad that we humans take a very very very very very long time to learn.
Quote from: Natalia on December 02, 2013, 06:08:03 PM
I think we are seen as freaks.
I'm not a freak
*turns to Portia*
Isn't that right, babe?
Quote from: Brooke777 on December 02, 2013, 08:08:13 PM
For once Devlyn is right. The "seers", or other people with mystical powers, and high intelligence were actually transgender people.
LOL, even a broken clock is right twice a day! Hugs, Devlyn
Catch me before you blink
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fthumb%2F4%2F49%2FInvisible_Pink_Unicorn.svg%2F236px-Invisible_Pink_Unicorn.svg.png&hash=4a0ff39d9f4ac0242586b71334958c0b035663fa)
I know its not mythical but I like to think of a butterfly. It's just amazes me how an ugly ol worm can morph into such a beautiful creature.
Quote from: Devlyn Marie on December 02, 2013, 08:01:38 PM
Disclaimer: I'm not a historian!
I've learned from my time on these forums that societies for millennia have recognized transgender people as special and possessing gifts. Hugs, Devlyn
Native American tribes (many of them, anyway, including the tribe I claim (unofficially) due to blood, the Arapaho) have a tradition of two-spirit people, rare and spiritually powerful people who have a body that does not match their soul. Once recognized, they took their proper place in the tribe and married, functioned, and lived as their internal gender. Quite beautiful, really... and if modern society respected this non-medically transitioning people would have a much easier time.
*hug*
*edited to add URL to Wikipedia article here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Two-Spirit)
I agree with Learningtolive and Caleb.
I am an individual and want to be regarded as such. Also, I hate being trans and I hate when people focus on it.
I dislike being different, I'd rather have more people (close to me) to relate to.
Also, dragon all the way :3
wow. a unicorn? thats pretty awesome. i would be the most pretty and everyone would wanna ride me. plus i would be fast. i would love that
Quote from: gowiththeflow on December 03, 2013, 12:49:13 PM
wow. a unicorn? thats pretty awesome. i would be the most pretty and everyone would wanna ride me. plus i would be fast. i would love that
I'm not sure i read that the way you meant it(or did i?). Ha, ive been awake for far too many hours lol.
I shooting for, the girl next door 100%. I'm so used to blending into the crowd, i can't see my end result being any other way. Although i suppose i will never escape the attention of guys, not that i mind.
I feel rather mixed..
-
In one way i'm fine with being diffrent. I grew up diffrent, so it never been wierd to me, and I think even if I wasn't trans I would still be diffrent.
Somethimes I wish I could only be diffrent for something abit more like a choice,
that it would be something about my clothing or interest and not about how I was born.
theres time I find it very annoying being trans because I don't want to be seen as "special interesting" just because of that. and I am much more than just trans
on the other way, I think being trans also have give me the chance to meet and talk with many interesting people.
Quote from: Sophia Hawke on December 03, 2013, 01:57:13 PM
I'm not sure i read that the way you meant it(or did i?). Ha, ive been awake for far too many hours lol.
I shooting for, the girl next door 100%. I'm so used to blending into the crowd, i can't see my end result being any other way. Although i suppose i will never escape the attention of guys, not that i mind.
blending in is good. but sometimes its nice to be a unicorn and have the guys pet you :)
This is a good topic, and really gets to how does one feel about being different? I did an entire blog post several months ago about being a unicorn. At the end of the day I will never pass, try as I might. So, I take pride in being authentic and having the courage to express myself as me. My horn and brilliance are on display even though I am surrounded by herds of horses... and most days I am okay with it.
Thanks for the replies everyone. I'm actually feeling a lil better about all this. :) As different as we might feel at times, at least we can all be mythical creatures together. ^__^
I had fun at a reading and booksigning last night with my lesbian social group. One of my favorite thinkers and writers Julia Serano was presenting her new book Excluded: Making Feminist and Queer Movements More Inclusive. I highly recommend it. She provides a theoretical and practical framework for identifying and overcoming marginalization and invalidation. Exoticization or turning us into rare and exotic creatures is one of the six methods used in sexism based marginalization.
It was nice being part of a standing ovation in a packed mixed crowd, for a funny brilliant transsexual bisexual femme tomboy woman. *swoon*
A certain group of my friends have absolutely insane often dark if entertaining back-stories of the stuff they've been through... As such my crazy life story fits right in because I've done some insane stuff in addition to begin trans.
However it's only really hit me that I'm different when I speak to some of my labmates at work.
"So tell me about your life and the mischief you got upto as a teen?"
"Umm... Nothing to tell really. Both my parents are happily married, I went to School got 4 GCSE's at grade A, Went to collage, did as I was told got good A-Levels went to uni and had a fairly decent time then got a job here... I had 1 part time job at collage but nothing since."
"eh? that's like the most sedate story I've ever heard... No battle with mental illnesses? no parental neglect? no insurrection? No run ins with the law?"
Quote from: pebbles on December 04, 2013, 04:54:55 PM
A certain group of my friends have absolutely insane often dark if entertaining back-stories of the stuff they've been through... As such my crazy life story fits right in because I've done some insane stuff in addition to begin trans.
However it's only really hit me that I'm different when I speak to some of my labmates at work.
"So tell me about your life and the mischief you got upto as a teen?"
"Umm... Nothing to tell really. Both my parents are happily married, I went to School got 4 GCSE's at grade A, Went to collage, did as I was told got good A-Levels went to uni and had a fairly decent time then got a job here... I had 1 part time job at collage but nothing since."
"eh? that's like the most sedate story I've ever heard... No battle with mental illnesses? no parental neglect? no insurrection? No run ins with the law?"
I'm the opposite. :P It's kind of odd.
I find being right near mythical to the normal folks has a similar effect of thinking too much about moderately unhappy things. On one hand, you get a much fuller, fantastic view of diversity - but you also obtain a greater understanding of human stubbornness and the trials we will all inevitably face at some point, then the absolute difficulty we, like any minority group, will have to overcome them.
It's a beautiful world, but many fail to see that.
Personally, being trans* for me is similar to how I view my hair colour. I like it, sometimes I think it would be interesting as something else, but ultimately don't dislike or try to change that aspect of who I am, as it's not the most important part of me anyway. (Body modification is kind of like split ends - they need to be fixed, and it's a pain in the arse finding out how and what to do about them, then dealing with that until everything's as it should be.)
I feel that everyone is a unicorn regardless of whats between their ears or their legs. That way it doesn't make me any more or any less special for just wanting to be me.
Most people, i feel, tend to be fascinated with us because they are so unsecure in themselves that anyone who has strong personal convictions to make a change for the better in their own lives, is confronting and scary.
Although given the choice, i would rather be a Seraphim than a unicorn.... Angelic but badass ;-)
I think for me actually 'being' a unicorn was the main point of transitioning, cos i wanted my horn removed :-p (sorry couldnt help myself hehehe)
Quote from: Ashey on December 04, 2013, 10:11:01 AM
Thanks for the replies everyone. I'm actually feeling a lil better about all this. :) As different as we might feel at times, at least we can all be mythical creatures together. ^__^
An entire
herd of unicorns? What were the chances!
I fancy myself to be more like a cob-o'corn - Peaches 'n' Cream variety to be exact... mmmmmm... Strip me bare and butter me up! >:-)
Quote from: Violet Bloom on December 06, 2013, 10:59:36 PM
An entire herd of unicorns? What were the chances!
I fancy myself to be more like a cob-o'corn - Peaches 'n' Cream variety to be exact... mmmmmm... Strip me bare and butter me up! >:-)
Kinky. :D
You know, I think because I've spent so many years in the role of weird outcast, that it's actually irksome to me that my trans* identity is so undetectable. Weird hair, weird clothes, weird friends, weird conversations at restaurants, weird jewelry and makeup (red and blue eyeliner in high school!), weird hobbies, weird religion, weird sexuality... It's any wonder I can relate to anyone at all.
I saw a necklace made of laser-cut plastic and was bright blue and pink that said "unicorn" in dripping letters and I thought of this thread.
Quote from: Devlyn Marie on December 03, 2013, 06:03:24 AM
LOL, even a broken clock is right twice a day! Hugs, Devlyn
LOL
Quote from: Joules on December 02, 2013, 08:05:22 PM
I like Tristan's comparison of Trans-folk to X-Men.
Wow, what an amazing backhanded slur!
Don't a lot of transfolk hate being called Ex-Men?
Sorry, I'm very very sarcastic. Sometimes I make comments I shouldn't. I apologiZe
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxLrH5ydSMM
Quote from: Lo on December 08, 2013, 10:26:44 AM
I saw a necklace made of laser-cut plastic and was bright blue and pink that said "unicorn" in dripping letters and I thought of this thread.
That necklace sounds great! :D
Quote from: Joules on December 08, 2013, 05:56:50 PM
Thanks Edge, perfect clip!
No problem. I figured that was what you were referring to.
"Have you ever tried not being a mutant?" Tried and failed. :laugh:
Thanks, Edge, that was great!
People are always telling me how smart I am and they are completely mystified by my vast knowledge base and skill set. They keep asking me if I'm from another planet or if I have gears in my head or something. (Both could be true - I haven't checked.) Once they learn my transgender secret I'm going to tell them all that this is what made me super-brained. It is going to completely blow their puny little minds! If anyone acts weird about me coming out I'm simply going to say, "Well you're the one who insisted on knowing why I'm a natural-born genius."
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1262.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fii607%2FSpawnedFromTheEther%2FBaby-Genius.jpg&hash=b78262cc7d5e9612d12754959924f3a01cbddd3c)
Wow. This thread is SO not what I expected from the subject line. I was all ready to talk about being the OTHER kind of unicorn, back in my college days.
So far, I haven't really gotten much special treatment for being trans, other than just having people express support and admiration.
But what if you don't feel like a mythical creature? How about just a garden variety Anthropomorphic Squirrel? :D
Quote from: Miss_Bungle1991 on December 08, 2013, 09:09:38 PM
But what if you don't feel like a mythical creature? How about just a garden variety Anthropomorphic Squirrel? :D
...or a hyper-intelligent shade of the colour blue?
I wonder how Frege would feel about this thread?
Does an alien count as mythical? I guess it depends on who you ask.
Quote from: EstroGwynne on December 08, 2013, 09:27:31 PM
...or a hyper-intelligent shade of the colour blue?
Well, the aforementioned squirrel does like to wear the occasional blue dress.
Forgive me, for I am not a unicorn. Never less, I am a mythical creature.
I am a chimera – and my form is a winged lioness. The wings are male and represent the good things that I have learned, accomplished and done while as a man. They are strong because I learned to be strong while hiding as something I was not while at the same time being successful. But I am a lioness and I am stronger now for having become what I am. Toghather, we are one, the sum of my male past, my present transition and my future womanhood. I do not mind being what I am.
Hugs,
Jen
I wouldn't like to be thought of as a unicorn or any other mythical creature. I actually have a hard time understanding people who have such a hard time understanding trans people and think we must be so *different* because of it. I don't think that as a group we're that different from everyone else.
Quote from: Chamillion on December 09, 2013, 04:33:36 PM
I wouldn't like to be thought of as a unicorn or any other mythical creature. I actually have a hard time understanding people who have such a hard time understanding trans people and think we must be so *different* because of it. I don't think that as a group we're that different from everyone else.
Sadly, we are different. At least in that we're trans*. Most cis-gender people really do have a hard time wrapping their head around the concept of gender dysphoria and being transgendered. For some, it's like trying to imagine a colour that doesn't exist. It's a theoretical concept that has absolutely no bearing on their reality. That's why some think it's some weird perverted choice, and have no sympathy. They just can't grasp it. It came as a shock to learn this, even over time, and it still shocks me, but that's the reality of it. We can't just assume that cis-gender people are being ignorant, some just truly can't understand or relate.
Quote from: Chamillion on December 09, 2013, 04:33:36 PM
I wouldn't like to be thought of as a unicorn or any other mythical creature. I actually have a hard time understanding people who have such a hard time understanding trans people and think we must be so *different* because of it. I don't think that as a group we're that different from everyone else.
Really, we aren't that different. It's just society and their hang-ups about sex that get in the way. A lot of people always go for the sex angle because...I don't know why....I suppose they are just sex-obsessed. Myself, I don't think about sex much at all. The anthro squirrel remark I made was more of an inside joke than an actual wish. :D It has to deal with a fanfic series that I write. I don't actually wish to be a cartoon squirrel. :D
Quote from: Chamillion on December 09, 2013, 04:33:36 PM
I wouldn't like to be thought of as a unicorn or any other mythical creature. I actually have a hard time understanding people who have such a hard time understanding trans people and think we must be so *different* because of it. I don't think that as a group we're that different from everyone else.
thats a easy one. its hard for people to understand trans people because they dont get trans people. they are like," how could anyone not wanna be a guy?" or vice versa. and lots of older people are to lazy to take the time to understand things different that they have no interest in or self worth