Bilerico Doesn't Fail
Posted by helenboyd on 12/11/09 8:19 PM

http://www.myhusbandbetty.com/2009/12/11/bilerico-doesnt-fail/

The editors of Bilerico fired Ronald Gold & took his post down.

I firmly disagree with the opinion that posting his screed had anything to do with website hits or publicity, and I disagree emphatically.

The only remaining dilemma, in my opinion, is that Ronald Gold is not the only one, & is in fact representative of some people with queer genders who don't understand that trans people are categorically different, in their experience of gender, than those who are not trans.

The disturbing thing about the piece was his refusal to be open to any dialogue on the subject.  I think there are "many" gay men who have a similar view, and I would love to dialogue with them about it, rather than resort to an "us and them" mentality.  But his post was so "matter of fact" and reeking of "I am superior" that I do not think he is open to anything except his own prejudiced view.

Virginia, I share your disappointment.  Gold's article was offensive and shallow, but I hoped it might allow an opportunity to educate. 

Sadly, his one public reply to the critical comments ignored the points made and, astoundingly, stated that his opinions were his opinions and he was entitled to them because that was how he felt.

His reply stated that he wanted his first regular post at Bilerico to make a big splash.  And he succeeded.  But he then avoided any kind of responsible ownership for his ideas.

Not that the replies were much above kindergarten in their analysis or writing style.  Total fail.

His post was removed before I got to read it.  Is it available anywhere else?

Quote from: tekla on December 12, 2009, 03:42:54 PM
Not that the replies were much above kindergarten in their analysis or writing style.  Total fail.

Yes, the majority of the comments were angry, insulting and didn't engage with the ideas that Gold presented.  However, mixed in with the mess were were valid criticisms or questions.

But I agree with you that this incident could unfolded much better than it did.  Total fail?  Yep.

Quote from: glendagladwitch on December 12, 2009, 04:34:40 PM
His post was removed before I got to read it.  Is it available anywhere else?

Yes, Pam's House Blend is hosting it, at least for the time being.
http://www.pamshouseblend.com/upload/Autumn/Daniel%20Gold_NoToTheNotionOfTransgender.pdf

It should be pointed out, however,that the "Editors' Note" which prefaces Gold's article did not originally accompany it.  The note was added in reaction to the explosion of angry comments.  The lack of warning that Gold's views would hurt or anger some readers is part of the criticism of how Bilerico handled the situation.