Does the gay & lesbian community well accept transgender people?

Question

I know that they're usually grouped into the same category, but does anyone know how well accepted transgender and transsexual people are amongst the gay/lesbian/bisexual community?

In my personal experience, I've met a few GLB people who were not very accepting of transsexuals and I found this a little bit hypocritical.

Answer 1

I'm a lesbian, and I'm in a relationship with a M2F transsexual. All of my gay and lesbian friends have been very accepting and supportive. I've found that generally acceptance is pretty common, but like any community, there is some small-mindedness - i.e. there are a few queers who seem to take issue with transsexuals, or with my partner and I considering ourselves to be lesbians. But I agree with you, I find it very hypocritical. Homosexuality challenges gender roles in many ways, and to be a homosexual and criticize transsexuals for their gender bending is rather backwards - in terms of logic. It supports the notion that there is only one 'real' way to be a man or woman, and that gender roles should be fixed as opposed to fluid - a notion that homosexuals have always challenged.

Answer 2

I have nothing against transgender people; however, some GLBs believe that transsexuals change their gender purely so that they then become straight (if a guy likes guys, he gets a sex change to be a girl who likes guys). I personally know this isnt true and that transsexuals get sex changes to feel better about themselves, but not everyone does.

Answer 3

If you want unity and mutual support, then stick with Pride rallies. In any other kind of gathering, the social dynamics are about like any other kind of large diverse group: cliques and factions, bigotry, disputes, jealousy, dishonesty, etc. Stop imagining that GLBT people are "special" and transcend these human characteristics. Do the same way as in straight society; avoid the troublemakes, avoid those who vex you, be polite to everyone, and look for a few like minded individuals.

Answer 4

It's now so much Community but Individual acceptence. I personally don't mind i have been around Cd's & transgendered & i thinkthey are fun to be with just not into the sexual part of them. i like my man in male clothes

Answer 5

Some people within the GLB and even T communitie*s* are not accepting of transpeople. Then again each of those separate groups is at each other's throats sometimes. We may be G/L/B/T but we're still human.

Answer 6

Well, I accept anybody but I don't know any transsexuals, at least not as such. So I'm a little lacking in experience with this...but I do firmly believe in GLBT and that we all stand together for the same thing.

Answer 7

I dont have a problem with transexuals. I do know alot of gays and lesbians that do however. I think they dont understand it, and thats the problem. I feel for us to truley come to a place where we are all accepted and have the same rights, we shouldnt discriminate against anyone. It is truley hypocritical.

Answer 8

I'm gay and have known a few transgendered persons as well as a few drag queens and regardless of what a persons gender identity is or what clothing they want to wear, I have no judgments against them and feel that we all have a common goal of diversity and dignity.

Answer 9

actually i agree with your question alot, i used to go to youthfirst here locally and there where tons of GLB people there but they never hung around me never tried to make friends until one day i came up there dressed as a guy, then everyone started to talk with me and some guys wanted my number cus i looked androgyny, but no offense to the gay and lesbian community but seriously its almost like no one really cares if your trans. the majority of my friends are bi or strait, for some odd reason we dont get along with the gay community to well because of our sexual differences like mine, i like guys which means I'm gay, but gay guys dont want to date a girl they want to date men, if i was strait and liked women, women dont want to date a girl with a dick, let alone if she was a lesbian she sure wouldn't want a girl with a dick, so you can see why we dont fit in with them to well

Answer 10

I don't think it should be in the same community. Gender identity and Sexual Orientation are not hand-in-hand issues. A person who was born as a male, but identifies as female and is attracted to men would in fact be considered straight.