Building The LGBT Alliance: Transphobia in the LGBT Community Part III
Filed by: Dr. Jillian T. Weiss
December 15, 2009 7:00 PM
http://www.bilerico.com/2009/12/building_the_lgbt_alliance.php (http://www.bilerico.com/2009/12/building_the_lgbt_alliance.php)
There is transphobia in the gay community in the US, and it threatens our political solidarity for the accomplishment of our political objectives, such as the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and marriage equality. Time spent fighting among ourselves represents time wasted in the middle of a hard battle, and a reduction in the number of troops available to get the job done. Transphobia in the gay community must be addressed -- but how?
It is clear from an analysis of this issue that it has long roots. It is not going to be stopped by wishing or demanding it away. It is not going to be stopped by pretending it doesn't exist. It is not going to be stopped by cajoling people to understand each other. "Understanding each other" would make strides in reducing transphobia, but the path to its accomplishment is the real mystery here.