KyuubiNoKitsune-Hime said:
How about terminology?
This is a complicated subject. Some see everyone with different gender identity than their birth sex as transsexual, others don't. For some people transsexual can be a dirty word, or it can apply exclusively to people who want gender reassignment surgery. Transgender is often considered the most acceptable term, trans is generally seen as fine as well. Some terms are absolutely not okay. For example; Tranny, Shemale, New Half, Trap, Dickgirl, and Cuntboy are generally considered unacceptable. One reason is those tend to be pornography terms, but they're also unflattering, and have negative stereotypes applied to them. Some people do own them, or find them acceptable, but generally they should be avoided. Aside from that there are lots of terms to identify how someone is transgender. If you're unsure how someone identifies them self as transgender it's usually smart to ask them. Just remember that each trans person might define them self, or like terms that are generally considered bad. They also might hate terms that are usually considered safe. So when in doubt, ask. Finally as a term transgender can be broad, including drag queens/kings, and part time cross dressers, but not everyone thinks as it as inclusive. So don't walk on eggshells, but try to be polite.
>_> I have to admit that I'm not too keen on being grouped in with otherkin and whatnot. Partly because I don't agree with how the more vocal ones treat people.
OT: Personally I'd like to add that there's some idea that every transgendered person has deep mental issues, which is simply not true. Feeling that your sex don't match your gender doesn't make you some raving maniac with tons of baggage, nor does wanting to transition mean you have low self esteem. In several places (Norway and the UK from what experience I do have) I have been examined and told that being allowed to transition is passing through the eye of a needle. In Norway, you will have your chances significantly lessened if you've ever gotten a mental diagnosis in your life apart from GID, and you can forget even being considered if you currently suffer from anything, even things like depression which can follow Gender Identity Disorder, partly to make sure you can deal with the stress of the transitioning, and because they have to make sure there is nothing else that could make you be wanting to transition. Past of bullying? Your chance just got worse. Basically, you have to be fairly "sane" to even be considered. Then there's wanting to transition at all, as some people seem to think that it means I hate myself or something like that. (spoiler, I don't).
I have a very curvy (as in, hour-glass shaped) body with a round face, generally female traits, and a high pitched voice. I have worn makeup maybe 10 times all together in my life, and I'm 20. I've worn baggy, often actually guy clothes since I was old enough to decide what clothes I wore. I've naturally spoken in a lower pitch than is comfortable for my voice, yet it's still about average for a woman, and I have had short hair since I was 6. I didn't even know I was transsexual before a year ago, born and raised a girl, it was just how I naturally did things. And, the fun thing? I have not once been mistaken (or correctly identified? I dunno dude) for a guy. I don't have to speak, I can just buy something at the store, and of course they reply with "miss". And I don't correct them, because that's not how I do things, I am very aware of that I look about as male as a pineapple.
My point is that we're not all drowning in bad self-esteem or depression, and that it's not something that naturally follows. Yes, sure, it can be pretty shitty to feel like someone made a pretty huge mistake when you were growing in a womb, but you know what makes me feel worse? Random strangers trying to either shield me because we're all so fragile, or who claims I can't go a day without hating myself. Most of the time, I don't let it get to me, but it does happen, which is why I'm writing this stupid post.
Personally I just get annoyed, but I'm sure someone with more emotional depth than me could get a lot sadder.
Anyways, that's it, peace out or whatever the kids say these days(Or 3 years ago, who's keeping count).
