The Lack of a Strong Voice in the Transgendered Community

[zerrrr]

Monday night there was an interesting conversation at Sandy's party regarding discrimination by gays towards transgendered.

I made a point that one of the problems the community faces is the lack of a strong voice within the community to fight for important issues. The gay and lesbian communities have learned to work within the system to advance their causes, ever slowly, and have left the transgendered behind despite the fact that a few transgendered fought to advance these issues early within the LGBT movement.

I am sure this will spark a firestorm but is there a strong voice leading the community? Is there anyone willing to step up to work for the benefit of the community?

[yodajazz]

I dont see any shortage of transgenders, who are willing to speak publically about issues that effect them. I have seen many YouTube vids of transpeople speaking at events, and forums. Ashley Love is one activist who comes to mind.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ashley-love
However, she is not without controversy either. The following article is part of a series, on her views.
http://pamshouseblend.firedoglake.com/2011/01/07/part-one-ashley-love-and-antidefamation/

I heard on the radio yesterday, that the Senate at this very time, is debating about the inclusion of "gender identity" in the reauthoriztion of the "Violence against Woman Act". I'm not sure of the specific wording. Of course there are some Republicans, who are against these changes. But are are also some, who are for the new inclusions in the bill.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/04/18/1084443/-Vice-President-Biden-and-Senate-Democrats-fight-for-the-Violence-Against-Women-Act

I believe, this current Congressioanal action, is important enough to have its own thread. If anyone knows more specifics about this, please speak up.

[TS CANDY NY]

smh forget the gays--------- how about hate within the trans community from other trans women

[rydermorrison]

I think Janet Mock is that voice..

[maddygirl]

This drives me crazy when gay people hate on trans people. I get the impression a lot of them think of us as "gay men who took it too far" or something. It's ridiculous. A lot of them just can't seem to understand that we're not and never were men. Just because they've been privileged enough to be born in a body they're comfortable with doesn't mean we were too. I'm not a guy who became a girl... I'm a girl who never wanted to be a guy.

[Nicole Dupre]

Most transsexuals just want to live their lives and be left the hell alone. And, at least currently, I don't think we need to have any louder of a voice than we already do, nor do we need to compete with gay men or lesbians who fall under the LGBT umbrella.

It's wishful thinking that we necessarily have so much to gain by competing with, or having such strong alliances with, other minorities whose sexuality is what makes them a minority in the first place.

I'm a woman who's sexually attracted to men. How much common ground is there to share with people being discriminated against based on them being homosexuals? I would say there's some perhaps, but that beyond a certain point it's apples and oranges. We have our struggles and they have theirs.

[Nikka]

I think many hot pornstars have a deep strong voice they better act shutting the fuck up

[bruceleefan]

I have noticed that some of the strong voiced advocates are sex changes, Maybe it's easier for the uneducated to accept them as oppose to Pre-op. But I definitely think many more should step up.

[Nicole Dupre]

I think many hot pornstars have a deep strong voice they better act shutting the fuck up
When a TS gets pissed and yells, it often all "hangs out".

[maddygirl]

I have noticed that some of the strong voiced advocates are sex changes, Maybe it's easier for the uneducated to accept them as oppose to Pre-op. But I definitely think many more should step up.
Easier said than done I'm afraid. I think, like Nicole said, a lot of us just want to move on with our lives after we take care of what we need to do to our bodies to be happy. I think it would be great if more people would step up and educate, etc., but I think a lot of us (including myself) don't want to carry that label for the rest of our lives and just want to be recognized as a woman.

[MrsKellyPierce]

Umm there are plenty of strong voices..this board just doesn't promote those voices...

If you are trying to find fact and statistics on that..don't start here..

There are plenty of pre-op ts women that are strong voices as well...

[buttslinger]

The first BACKPAGE girl I called, she was very active in the local transgender community. Of course she lied about her age.....ALOT.

Here's Ruby the Dyke battling some fags.

[BellaBellucci]

+1 for Nicole and Kelly.

~BB~

[yodajazz]

Not the I nesessarily agree with all that she says. Here Ashley Love advocates for the unique position, of transexuals apart from other groups, such as, such as gays, and crossdressers. I do see truth in what she says about transexuals, (generally) as being in support of the gender binary. Where I disagree with her, is the amount of energy she puts into the word 'tranny' being a negative term. I see the word as one that people might use in a casual situation, and not meant (generally), for negative intent. Also I consider it divisive to display negativity towards late transistioners. People as individuals, have unique reasons as to when they decide they are able to transistion.

Launch of 'Online Creating Change Conference' (for transsexual & intersex issues) - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8cIFfW-FTE)