Maligning Terminology in the DSM: The Language of Oppression

Kelley Winters, Ph.D.
GID Reform Advocates

http://gidreform.wordpress.com/2008/06/24/maligning-terminology-in-the-dsm-the-language-of-oppression/

Of the disrespectful language faced by gender variant people, none is more damaging or hurtful than that which disregards our gender identities, denies affirmed social roles of those who have transitioned, and reduces us to our assigned birth sex. I'm speaking of affirmed trans-women being called "he" and trans-men being called "she." I use the term Maligning Language to describe this specific kind of verbal violence.

Here in Colorado, Governor Bill Ritter signed a historic civil rights bill last month extending public accommodation protection to transgender and gender nonconforming individuals.  This legislation and the trans-community were attacked by Dr. James Dobson and Focus on the Family in a hateful radio ad campaign that invoked our most painful false stereotypes of trans-women: