Why, in this progressive community, do SOME DUers still hold...

[Maddy McCall]

archaic views of people who are transgendered or gender dysphoric?

This is supposed to be a tolerant, educated, progressive community, yet everytime someone mentions the transgendered, there is always a judgmental wise-ass who insults transgendered/gender dysphoric people.

The problem isn't the trangendered person, it's the assholes who need to educate themselves on the subject.

While I'm on the topic, I'd like to know just what justifies insulting or passing judgment on someone who's transgendered? Is it based in your religious beliefs? Is it based in your own insecurities?

I've had my fill of transgendered/gender dysphoric people being ridiculed at DU. I have a very beloved family member who's experienced this all of his adult life. I know the challenges that he faces every day in his hometown. You'd think that on a progressive website AT LEAST transgendered people would be accepted.

I'm not going to be silent on this topic. If you ridicule a transgendered person on DU, you're going to hear from me.

EDIT TO ADD: If you don't "understand" gender dysphoria, send me a PM, and I'll be glad to recommend some books on the subject, or even to discuss it with you as long as you are willing to learn. If you don't PM me, then I can only assume you wish to remain blissfully ignorant.

[Heidi]

1. I've wondered that myself. (nt)

[auntAgonist]

2. there is no room for

hate, anywhere...

Well said Maddy!

[Madrone]

3. I suspect

that to some people - EVEN some progressives - that transgendered is the same thing as "creature from an alien planet". Most people have never had to face trans-gender issues, or been given cause to think about it.

I don't think the callousness is all "mean" - I think a lot of people honestly have no idea.

[Maddy McCall]

6. Then they should educate themselves...

or keep their fuckin' mouths shut.

There are a lot of things I don't understand. But I don't criticize or purposefully humiliate people I don't understand just because I don't get it.

And, let me say, at DU, I've seen plenty of nasty posts about transgendered people. Plenty. And several TG people with whom I've communicated through PMs, after they had been insulted, have now left DU because of it.

Treating someone like shit just because you don't understand them is crappy and inexcusable.

[Madrone]

8. Well- I don't know how I got so "smart" -

since I've never known anyone transgendered. I have hung out a lot in the gay community (a regular old fag-hag, right here!) and I've watched some shows highlighting transgender issues. I was lucky, because I was exposed to these things at some point in my life. I think *most* people are not.

If it weren't for the above, I would probably be very - skeptical? - of the whole idea, and maybe even insensitive. I wouldn't ever be mean on purpose - and probably, Erika didn't intend to be either.

Some people have NO idea - honestly. That's where comments like the ones you're referring to come from.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

4. You'll get no ridiculing of those people from me...nt

[saltpoint]

5. I'll volunteer to join your posse on this one, Maddy.

You're right, as usual, on the points plus the compassion.

Progressives oughta save the judgment for Dubya, since the Press and the red voters can't be bothered to scrutinze his disastrous leadership.

More power to ya, Ms. McCall.

[Turn CO Blue]

7. I'm with you.

Is there something I missed tonight?

[shanti]

9. i believe that many people

just CANNOTwrap their minds around the idea. this is an either/or society. if you're caught in the middle, you're screwed. jmho....

[Madrone]

11. I agree with you, shanti.

I think what you say is true.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

10. Right on. There's no room here for bigots of any kind.

If somebody wants to pick on or make snide remarks about someone because of the way they are -- no matter what that might be -- let 'em head on over to Freerepublic, where bigotry and hate is what keeps them going.

[LoZoccolo]

12. Well, as I said before...

...if people don't understand something or aren't familiar with it, why is your first move to barrage them with accusations about what's going on in their head? Why would you think that would be the best way to deal with it? Isn't that being intolerant of their lack of exposure?

[Maddy McCall]

15. Yeah, I'm intolerant.

I'm intolerant of intolerance. You got that straight. I'm an advocate for those who experience discrimination. If you knew me in the real world, you'd see just how true that is.

It's time for people who don't understand transgenderism to educate themselves. The burden is NOT on those who are discriminated against.

[LoZoccolo]

19. I didn't ask you who's responsibility it was...

...or if you feel justified in doing it. I was asking if that was the best way to deal with it. I don't think so at all. It's actually doing the people you are trying to defend an injustice.

[Name removed]

22. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Catherine Vincent]

13. It's because they don't understand, so they ridicule.

And you're right, if you can't say anything nice, keep your mouth shut. I think that person that made that comment earlier is a very young person, because they tend to not understand things and would rather just laugh and make fun of people. A grown and mature adult shouldn't do things like that.

If people would only put themsleves in that position, they would see how it feels.

[Maddy McCall]

18. I just edited my OP

I'll gladly and peacefully enlighten anyone who doesn't understand it and who wishes to learn more about it.

[MrScorpio]

14. Make sure to call me when you need some backup

Can you feel me?

[Maddy McCall]

16. I can feel you, brother.

You got my back. Of that I have no doubt. :hug:

[xmas74]

17. I've never had a problem w/ TG.

Truthfully, I have always felt sorry for transgendered people. I don't think that I could have survived w/o having a nervous breakdown if I had to go through even a quarter of what they have had to go through.
I didn't know that there were problems on this board. I guess that I need to open my eyes a little bit more.

(on edit: I have now read those posts. They digust me. I see exactly what you are talking about).

[JimmyJazz]

20. I like your edit comment.

I think a lot of people just misunderstand it or they fall back into old habits of thinking transgendered people are fodder for amusement. It really is sad.

But, I don't think most people here would be making any comment because they intended to be mean. I think a reminder to someone when you see them make that kind of comment is perfectly appropriate.

[LSdemocrat]

21. I never heard the term "transgendered" until I went to college

I never even knew such a thing existed until I went to college (I started college in 1999). Even then I only saw the term in the description of our campus Spectrum Alliance group.

[Moderator]

23. Locked

This is continuation of a flame war. :eyes: