I know, I know, a somewhat hated discussion around here as it has to do with labels. So if you are just going to dismiss this discussion as labels should only be used for soup cans, then slide on by to the next thread. Whether anyone wants to accept it or not, labels are being applied to us. I think we should be the ones who are actively involved in defining those labels. So anyways.....
Recently I have become aware of a trend of most media, and some around here, to refer to transsexual individuals only as transgender. While that in and of itself is not problematic, there is no distinction being made of transgender individuals who are transitioning. It is more along the lines of people beginning to reference and assume that if one is transgender then one is going to transition. I think I first noticed this in the Bruce interview. I have not seen it all, just the middle hour or so. But within it, they never said the word transsexual, that I noticed, it was just a constant reference to him being transgender. It was possibly my only concern about the interview.
My sister saw the interview and it prompted great confusion within her that I identify as transgender, but am not interested in transition. For me though it is tough as while I cross dress, most of my time is spent in a gender non-conforming presentation. That is kind of a mouthful to explain to folks who ask, it is far easier to simply say I am transgender. But then they want to know when I will transition.
So.... do you all think that the word transgender is in the process of replacing the word transsexual?
BTW... my fave graphic about this is:
tumblr_mhfbmaWtba1qizfh0o1_1280b.jpg
from: http://thegenderbook.tumblr.com/image/41848208449
