Do you think transsexuality will slowly become more mainstream like homosexuality has?

Question

I hope so. But thanks to shows like Jerry Springer, what media attention we HAVE got has been negative and embarassing. Do you ever think we'll become more mainstream in a positive way?

Brandon, why should we focus on GAY rights and not EQUAL rights? Maybe trans people and gay people should be fighting that fight TOGETHER. Instead, I see this a lot. The gay community separates itself from the trans community, yet they all wanna scream diversity and acceptance. I think the gay community needs to learn some of that acceptance themselves when it comes to their trans brothers and sisters. Also, in case you don't know your gay history, it was the crossdressers/drag queens and transgender/transsexual people that helped to LEAD the Stonewall Rebellion. The gay movement wouldn't be where it's at today without the transgendered/transsexual people who weren't afraid to be seen and heard. Just FYI.

Answer 1

no.

Answer 2

I do believe that transsexuality will become more mainstream. The numbers are growing, exposure is there in more positive light as time goes by. This depends on the religious right, though, and a few other factors.

Unfortunately, I think that 'gender queer'-ness will never become mainstream or accepted the way it needs to be. Part of transsexuality is the fact that it still adheres to the gender binary- if all the "requisite" surgeries are completed, hormones taken, and behavior fully vested in the new gender, then many transsexuals seamlessly pass, are never known unless they divulge their past, and pose no threat to mainstream society. However, those people who actually haven't done anything sinful (by some people's definitions) in altering their genitalia will often present more of a threat simply in their refusal to live by the gender binaries (masculine women, feminine men, androgynes, etc.). So I find that a sad prediction.

Answer 3

I hope so, it would certianly make my life easier. I am married to a FTM transgendered person and every day is a challenge. We live in MA and right now they are fighting to add "gender identity" to the list of discrimination - which means that my wife/husband could not be fired for just being trans. Things seem to start here and then spread (I hope) when it comes to GLBT issues. Marriage is legal here, and we have 100% equal rights on a state only level. I agree that the media on Transgender issues has been negative - it always churns my stomach to hear the "she's a man!" joke. I think that everyone in America should sit down and watch Boys Don't Cry, maybe then we will get to start making progress.

Answer 4

I don't need "mainstream". I just want acceptance and equal rights.

Being transgendered is rare. There will never be an abundance of us. With that scarcity, we will always be a little unusual in the public eye. That doesn't bother me. What bothers me is the lack of compassion that the public sometimes offers, as evidenced by some of the bozo answers that you've already received!

-Jess

Answer 5

well i think we are very much so are catching up
i have only just come out and told a few people
and to my surprise not one of them cared i mean in a bad way
i know i have been laughed at
but nothing to my face or directly at me
i was amazed by this as the one thing i have always feared did not come true
i live in a smallish town and even though
i have tried to not be noticed
a lot of people know me as
the new rockhampton trans person
but i have not got any flack yet
i am still waiting i am sure it will happen

Answer 6

There's been a few positive transsexual role models in the media lately, even if they've been mostly overshadowed (to the point I can't remember most of them by name) by the 'freakshow' treatment you see on Jerry. It will come, but it will be a mixed blessing in a way... we'll probly get noticed more (which can be annoying) but it will matter less.

Answer 7

I think so, with time.
I think that some gay people don't want to be associated with trans gendered because not all gay people have gender dysphoria, so they don't want to be confused by being compared to people who do wish to be the opposite sex than what they were born.
HOWEVER, I do understand trans-gendered people and I have the utmost respect for their courage and willingness to reach the gut level honesty and bravery it takes to admit their discovery about themselves.
I also agree that the gay population should embrace the trans gendered into the community, just because we definitely fight the same battles for acceptance; both from ourselves and society.
Rock on!

Answer 8

finally, a thought provoking question. alas, mostly the same stupid answers. sigh...here's an interesting stat for you - 75% of the transsexuals in San Francisco (my home) are not employed full time. we've got a lot of work left to do. from a former Commissioner who just happens to be transsexual.

Answer 9

It will eventually....getting society to understand and accept homosexuality fully and completely (at least for the most part, there will always be ignorant biggots) will be a big step. It won't be too long I think. Things have changed a lot in the last ten years.

Answer 10

I agree with the Equal Rights concept. However, you must realize that as your question stated, the majority of people in our society are only seeing the most extreme acting of homosexuals and transexuals and it doesnt help the cause.

Answer 11

Hell no homosexuality is not mainstream the only place you really see it is on Jerry Springer and who takes this guy seriously? He makes money off of Homos and their whorish ways. Society will never accept Homos so get over it.