We admit even we sometimes slip up on pronouns and terminology when conversing with our transgender friends or discussing the trans issues of the day, but a respectful intention to “get it right” goes a long way.
Related: “Why Is It So Offensive To Just Say That Transgender Women Grew Up As Boys?”
For people with little to no exposure to trans people in real life, it’s a lot to get adjusted to. The fact that many are trying is a beautiful thing.
Below, get a hilarious (and informative) lesson in the trans lexicon from Funny or Die. This is a great one to forward to your parents back in Idaho:
Rick Troth
Basic appropriate vocabulary. Funny and informative.
jayj150
While you’re at it, you might want to teach your gender-non-conforming kids that it’s OK to be different. That just because you’re a boy, doesn’t mean you are not allowed to have interests that are stereotypically ‘feminine’, and viceversa. That hormones and surgery are not necessary to be yourself, no matter what your sex is.
Giancarlo85
@jayj150: oh shut up please. You have no clue what you’re talking about once agani. You want everyone to live by your gender standards. Being feminine isn’t about being trans. You’re about as dumb as a fucking rock.
Jacob23
The most important thing to understand about “trans terminology” and “trans rules of etiquette” is that they are all arbitrary expressions of power. About a decade ago, the first trans film festival was created in San Francisco by 2 transgenders. Until just a few years ago, it was called “Tr@nny Fest.” Two transgenders called it that. Lots of films were shown there and lots of people attended. The name was totally uncontroversial. Not one person complained. But today, we are sternly warned that “tr@nny” is the equivalent of the n-word and using it is a form of violence. They made it all up. Why? Because they enjoy wielding power over “cisgenders” making us jump through hoops and obey their arbitrary rules. Same thing with “born a male.” Terrible terrible sin, we are told. It’s practically like committing murder. Well, Janet Mock used that very term in a magazine article only recently, and then blasted Piers Morgan for using the same phrase that Mock used. It’s a con game. Don’t play it. Whatever their rules are, disobey them.
Giancarlo85
@Jacob23: You have a lot of issues and paranoia. It is funny because you always demand people listen to your inane unsupported rants. You sure like to attack people different than you. If they don’t live to your standard you attack them. Thanks for yet another unsupported post.
JessPH
If transgenders would have it their way, doctors would be banned from saying “It’s a boy” or “It’s a girl”. Instead, doctors would be forced to say “It’s assigned male at birth” or “It’s assigned female at birth”.
Lol
Dee Smith
I really enjoyed this until the extremely LOUD student came in. That ruined it for me.
Giancarlo85
@JessPH: Thanks for the strawman and red herring. Total fail.
JessPH
@Giancarlo85: But aren’t transgender women always saying that they were never born boy but only assigned male at birth? Therefore, the politically correct thing to say about a newborn baby is “It’s assigned male at birth” and not “It’s a boy”.
Giancarlo85
@JessPH: Keep failing at your argument. You transphobic haters are something else. Total hypocrites.
JessPH
@Giancarlo85: How did i fail in my argument? Please elaborate.