The term "Tranny"

[Pinky188]

Im just wondering. Is this term offensive to people here? Because I use it often to describe myself, and my trans friends do as well. I dont want to offend people if they dont like the term! My friends and I always call each other "tranny girl" so its like a term of endearment. Your thoughts....

[Bree-asaurus]

I use it to describe myself when I'm being a b****... but if someone else called me a tranny, I would cut them!

[JessHaust]

Yes, I find it offensive, not massively, but some. I guess it stems from hearing it used in a negative fashion these last 53 years of my life. The term transgender is not used that way, probably just a matter of time, but still I feel it to be less derorogatory.

[Pinky188]

I use it to describe myself when I'm being a b****... but if someone else called me a tranny, I would cut them!

Oh man! Please dont cut me!!! So you dont like the term! Is it a regional thing? Because the trans community around here use it all the time. But I do get the feeling that it is offensive on this fourm.

[whowhatwhen]

If your circle of friends is okay with it, then run with it.
If it's a random jerk, cut off his penis*.


*Only if you can get away with it

[Pinky188]

If your circle of friends is okay with it, then run with it.
If it's a random jerk, cut off his penis*.


*Only if you can get away with it

Your Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So I'll stop throwing it around here! Sorry girls!!! Thats my bad! I need to move out of the ghetto!

[Bree-asaurus]

Oh man! Please dont cut me!!! So you dont like the term! Is it a regional thing? Because the trans community around here use it all the time. But I do get the feeling that it is offensive on this fourm.

I think it's like the "n" word... we can use it within our community, but if an outsider calls us that word, they're in for some $#%&!!!!!

And for what it's worth, if anything, I'm transexual... not just transgender.

[Ayame]

To be honest, I really feel it depends on how it's used. I've noticed that it usually doesn't bother younger people that much and mostly older people still have negative feelings attached to it.

[Rachel Morley]

As I understand it, in the UK it's a fairly informal, and even cool, way of describing yourself as a CDer, but for me personally, "tranny" means transvestite and transvestite is not a term I personally like when describing myself. CDer, T-girl .. I'm ok with with but "tranny" ... not for me, no :2c: ... I guess I'm weird and old fashioned :)

[April_Ligeia]

I also think it depends on the context, it doesn't offend me unless I think the person saying it means for it to be offensive.

[Melissa Rose]

I'm not a fan of the word so I do not use it.

[Badtranny]

Chill Pinky, most of the girls don't like it but it doesn't really matter. The way I see it, I've earned my stripes. If you want to use the word then all you have to do is be a proud T-girl. I have good friends who don't like it and other T-girls I respect who don't like it but none of them have challenged me because they know I'm the real deal, and they also know my heart is in the right place.

I personally don't understand why people want to let the straight world own any part of our identity, but in my case if anybody calls me out as a tranny I just say; "...and?"

To me it's less like the "N" word and more like Fag and Queer. Two more words that I will not give away because the straights think they're pejorative. Screw the straights and normals. They can call me whatever the hell they want, but they will NOT tell me what I will call myself. I'm a queer tranny who used to be a fag. What of it? ;-)

Please don't worry about offending people around here, no one is immune to offense but no one should be above it either. Just be honest and real, the rest will work itself out.

[Bree-asaurus]

Chill Pinky, most of the girls don't like it but it doesn't really matter. The way I see it, I've earned my stripes. If you want to use the word then all you have to do is be a proud T-girl. I have good friends who don't like it and other T-girls I respect who don't like it but none of them have challenged me because they know I'm the real deal, and they also know my heart is in the right place.

I personally don't understand why people want to let the straight world own any part of our identity, but in my case if anybody calls me out as a tranny I just say; "...and?"

To me it's less like the "N" word and more like Fag and Queer. Two more words that I will not give away because the straights think they're pejorative. Screw the straights and normals. They can call me whatever the hell they want, but they will NOT tell me what I will call myself. I'm a queer tranny who used to be a fag. What of it? ;-)

Please don't worry about offending people around here, no one is immune to offense but no one should be above it either. Just be honest and real, the rest will work itself out.

I dunno... I have a lot of gay and lesbian friends and fag and queer fall into the same range in my experience...

But I can call them a fag and they can call me a tranny... I think it's because we're all a part of the gender/sex screwed minority...

[leotard fan]

well... the few people who knows i´m a crossdresser never call me that, but if they will, or sisy, they will not say it like an ofence, but only for fun...

[Badtranny]

I dunno... I have a lot of gay and lesbian friends and fag and queer fall into the same range in my experience...
But I can call them a fag and they can call me a tranny... I think it's because we're all a part of the gender/sex screwed minority...

Well I've been openly gay since 2006 and I tried to fit in with those guys, (unsuccessfully) and the bartenders at my local gay bar know me when I walk in and I can say that gay dudes use the words fag and queer the way gay chicks use dyke. It's no big deal but the "liberal" straights are horrified. (lol)

I tend to think that too may people gay OR straight get WAY too hung up on words and political correctness. People like me will buck the system no matter what. Mainly cuz the system needs buckin'

[DanaR]

I think it's like the "n" word.............

This is how I view it as well. I've always thought of myself as a non-transitioning TS. But transgender seems to satisfy most people that I talk to. Maybe in a different lifetime I would make some changes.

[Jacqueline Winona]

I think Bree said it best- within the TG community (greater community if you want to include gay and lesbian), it is fine. But if a non-TG person is saying it,and it's intended to demean, I would find it offensive. But, sometimes it's ignorance by the user, just not knowing the right term, so I try not to judge everyone too harshly.

[sterling12]

"Tranny" A Term often used in Titles for Porno Videos, usually preceded by The Term "Bad!"

"Tranny" Often used by felons and Neanderthals who like to use it in a simple sentence like: "Lets go kick That Tranny's Ass!"

So, that's why we don't like The Term. It's become a pejorative, and I suspect you and your friends might use it in The Same Way. Yes, some Black People use The "N" Word among themselves. But usually The One's with any "quoth" NEVER use that term.....we should learn from their experience. And like The "N" Word, It represents old ways of thinking. It hearken's back to a time when we were arrested for being "tranny's." When we could have our live's ruined, if somebody accused us of being one.

Peace and Love, Joanie

[Contessa]

I don't use either word and I am both. I love being a crossdresser, because I have been one inside for too long. I can't stop anyone from calling me either word, I just will ignore anyone using those words to describe me. I feel that any word that demeans is wrong to use such as punk and sissy queer and tranny and fag. But just because those people think I am one of those does not make me that way. Even the n word is demeaning and I don't use it either I also usually don't even use curse words or slang. I don't try to offend anyone, people are all I have, I don't have a lot of money, so why offend my only resource.

If you want to use those words go ahead, I can't stop you. But if you don't use them maybe they will go away. Call me a fem-male or fe-male that will make me smile. Don't people like to be happy and laugh. There is plenty of time for crying when people leave us. I'm sorry if I am getting off topic or too sincere I am just that way. A little girly maybe T girly(smile).

Tess

[thechic]

Depends on the context it is used in.

[ImAlexis]

It's a lazy way to shorten the term "transmission" that falls in the same sort of "I can't say an extra syllable or two" stupidity as "mag" for "magazine" or "fab" for "fabulous."

...or am I missing the point? :D

[Beverley Sims]

Like a lot of words used these days in the politically correct world. In context and a casual atmosphere among friends it can pass, but used in anger and criticism it is a different story. I once engaged in a conversation with some Black Americans about the evolution of various terms and denigrations used towards them. It was an informative discussion and helped me to understand a lot, but if you were standing outside that circle of conversation you moved away waiting for something bad to happen.

The only tranny I turn on these days has a little aerial and 10 transistors.:)

[noeleena]

Hi,

I dont use the word or the term that its used for, not used by myself or pointed at other people

I see people, the term if its used only means a very small part of what a person is about , or relates to.

For my self it has no meaning because im not refered to as one manly because im intersexed, or androgyny, & if some wont to use that word thats okay , i prefer to use thier own name as youd call me by mine noeleena.....

...noeleena...
.

[LeaP]

I've used it with affection and hate even when applying it to myself. As with most words, context is everything. I do not like its use by the (non-trans) public, as it's always meant pejoratively.

Lea

[linda allen]

I think it's like the "n" word... we can use it within our community, but if an outsider calls us that word, they're in for some $#%&!!!!!.

That was going to be my response.

And the word "tranny" can mean a transvestite or a transexual. Two different types of people.

In some circles, "tranny" is short for the gearbox in your car or boat. You have to keep context in mind.

[diannecourtney]

Good golly, we worry about the smallest stuff, I for one kinda like the word and the feeling it implies. Damn, I am a woonderful product of the term and I was not using in a conversation with my hair stylist but I did ask her if she felt I was a nut but the answer seemed genuine, no your a relief from the rest of my customers. Our conversations range from dos (I bring pics all the time), to ear piercing to make-up. Just dilly of talk and if I were a man, she would be seducible.

[STACY B]

GEEZ !! How bout Female impersonater ? There are only 2 kinds of female impersonaters ,,, WANNA BEs ,,, GOTTA BEs ,, An thats it . So from now on u refer to your self acordingly ,, LOL........LOL........

[BLUE ORCHID]

Hi Pinky, I guess that if you use the term in the negative or the posative that's what makes the differance.

[Kate Simmons]

Short for "transmission" (of a car), no? At least that's the way it was used in the 1960's.:)

[Beth Wilde]

Doesn't worry me in the slightest! Admittedly, I have never given a toss about what people call me! lol
If a guy ever shouted "tranny" at me, I'd probably shout "guy" or "man" back at him. It confuses the people with single figure IQs!

[Karren H]

I've never hear it used in a positive way in public before....

http://m.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-g.ak/hphotos-ak-ash4/428665_10150564953482051_714332050_9501178_9895522 21_n.jpg

[NicoleScott]

So what should we call a crossdresser who works for Aamco?

[Cheryl T]

Unless it's being used to indicate a major car part I think it's degrading and find it's use distasteful.

[Pinky188]

Hi Pinky, I guess that if you use the term in the negative or the posative that's what makes the differance.
Thats how I feel about it!

[suchacutie]

Since we have transvestite, transgendered, and transexual, (and transmission!), the softness of "tranny" always seemed to me to be the same kind of endearment that young children use for just about every long word by putting the soft "y" at the end. And then there is the notion that the T in T-girl (which can cover all three of the above categories) is shorter yet than "tranny". Thus, to me it all came down to usage, that tone in the voice. When we read the written word we put our own "tone" on those words, hence the situation where two people can read the same words and come away with two different interpretations. I've never seen anything negative about "tranny", but then again I've never been confronted by those who wish to use it in a negative context towards me.

[drushin703]

Ime with you Karen, I have never heard the word used in a positive way in public before. But this past Saturday, I was refered to as a she-male and
I have been uptight every since..In no way am I a she-male........dana

[RachelOKC]

Fifteen years ago my friends and I regularly used the diminutive "tranny" or "transie" to describe ourselves and each other. It was innocuous and not one of us thought it was pejorative. I'll even agree that there's an unwritten rule that says something like "If you're not part of the community or a friend of the community, you don't get to use that word." Thing is, I've almost never heard the word used by an outsider.

But at some point in the last decade, the PC gender police came along and told us it was BAD. Again note that I can't say that I've personally ever heard that word used as a particularly negative label, especially by an outsider, but no matter...it was now BAD. Apparently to the easily offended, it's now on par with the so-called "N-word". Yah huh. Will we start referring to the "T-word?"

Doesn't really matter what I think anymore because if I say the word in polite trans society, I see a bunch of scowls and probably hear a low voice of scorn. So despite that I believe that we shouldn't allow people to use our own words against us, I also find myself being ever more careful not to offend my fellow thin-skinned societally gender opressed beings.

[glynnis]

I am a tranvestite so I dont find it offensive nor does my wife.

[kimdl93]

Its generally used in a derogatory manner. If someone called me a tranny, I'd be offended. Like Bree, if referred to myself or one of my friends in that manner, I'm being a B too.

[Bree-asaurus]

Its generally used in a derogatory manner. If someone called me a tranny, I'd be offended. Like Bree, if referred to myself or one of my friends in that manner, I'm being a B too.

Yeah, this is a good note that I forgot to mention:

When I do use the word 'tranny' it's usually being in a fake-bitchy way, or I'm using it to describe myself in a self-loathing way... I still a bad word when I use it.

[Kate Simmons]

So what should we call a crossdresser who works for Aamco?
A Trenny for Trannies I guess Nicole.;):)

[carhill2mn]

Count me as one who does not like the word "tranny". Over the years it has frequently been used in a derogatory way, especially by members of the media.

[Acastina]

To be honest, I really feel it depends on how it's used. I've noticed that it usually doesn't bother younger people that much and mostly older people still have negative feelings attached to it.

I guess I would qualify as mostly older, and the term doesn't offend me at all. Never did, never will. I see it as a useful generic shorthand term, and it's simply not in the same semantic league as words like "pervert". Even "queer" has been largely defanged as a slur by its everyday use by people who used to be its traditional targets.

[Badtranny]

...and furthermore,

It really burns me up when totally closeted individuals have the nerve to tell me what words I'm allowed to use or call myself. It seems like closet cases are all bluster and courage when in the relative security of like-minded souls but get these same people out in the world and they don't say a damn thing when they hear someone use a word in a clearly pejorative way. Maybe the very same word that they so bravely expressed that I shouldn't use because it was "demeaning".

Let me tell you something, girls like me are doing more for our public perception than all the of the philosophical hand wringing of all the offended trannies combined. You wanna talk to somebody about "our image" than talk to somebody who isn't on the front lines, the rest of us have more important issues to contend with.

...badtranny indeed.

[Inna]

I feel it being derogatory, used in the sexworkers context, and derived from Transvestite! Hence our politically correct New term "transgender" which really describes the condition spot on, when in not so distant past transsexual carried sexual connotation and to unaware public was taken as Sexual deviant rather then Gender fluid condition!

[StarrOfDelite]

It's the intent with which the word is used which is important. Somewhere lost in my attic, is an old George Carlin record in which he dealt with the "what's in a word" issue. At one point he said the "F" word with varying inflections for 3-4 minutes in a row to prove his point.

[Michelle James]

I think it's like the "n" word... we can use it within our community, but if an outsider calls us that word, they're in for some $#%&!!!!!

And for what it's worth, if anything, I'm transexual... not just transgender.

What she said. It's like the "N" word except we can't call it the "T" word. That's already taken.

[Bree-asaurus]

...and furthermore,

It really burns me up when totally closeted individuals have the nerve to tell me what words I'm allowed to use or call myself. It seems like closet cases are all bluster and courage when in the relative security of like-minded souls but get these same people out in the world and they don't say a damn thing when they hear someone use a word in a clearly pejorative way. Maybe the very same word that they so bravely expressed that I shouldn't use because it was "demeaning".

Let me tell you something, girls like me are doing more for our public perception than all the of the philosophical hand wringing of all the offended trannies combined. You wanna talk to somebody about "our image" than talk to somebody who isn't on the front lines, the rest of us have more important issues to contend with.

...badtranny indeed.

We're just talking about people's opinions... no one is telling anyone what to say or call themselves.

My feelings toward the word probably have a lot to do with my view of myself... if I was more okay with myself, the word would probably lose it's negative meaning to me.

But I'm out there being a tranny every day too... and if the off chance that someone is confused or curious about me, I'm always happy to explain. I don't like to be noticed based on my issues, but if I am, I make the best of it and like to put a good face towards the world for all of us.

[minalost]

Depends on the context it is used in.

Exactly my thought as well. I've called someone a "nice person," but the context made it a deadly insult. I've also called someone a "dumb bast%^&" and the context made it friendly banter. What I wouldn't do is call a perfect stranger (ie no context for the relationship) a tranny, or any other potentially insulting word/label. Do I LIKE being called a tranny? Depends on the context!

[whowhatwhen]

...and furthermore,

It really burns me up when totally closeted individuals have the nerve to tell me what words I'm allowed to use or call myself. It seems like closet cases are all bluster and courage when in the relative security of like-minded souls but get these same people out in the world and they don't say a damn thing when they hear someone use a word in a clearly pejorative way. Maybe the very same word that they so bravely expressed that I shouldn't use because it was "demeaning".

Let me tell you something, girls like me are doing more for our public perception than all the of the philosophical hand wringing of all the offended trannies combined. You wanna talk to somebody about "our image" than talk to somebody who isn't on the front lines, the rest of us have more important issues to contend with.

...badtranny indeed.

Who said that though?
I've never heard it used derrogatory out in public but a family member once said it in a casual, not intended to be bad manner and I lightly corrected them.

No point in flying off into a frothing rage over someone not knowing better.

[Frédérique]

The term "Tranny" I’m just wondering. Is this term offensive to people here? Because I use it often to describe myself, and my trans friends do as well. I dont want to offend people if they dont like the term! My friends and I always call each other "tranny girl" so its like a term of endearment. Your thoughts....

Well, since you asked for my thoughts... :thinking:

Crossdressers in America seem to have a big problem with the word tranny, mainly because certain individuals insist that “tranny,” short for transvestite, aligns them uncomfortably with homosexuals, or homosexual...er...activities. This may come as a shock to you, but America is extremely up-tight regarding sexuality, and it’s difficult for some males to “square” themselves with the idea that what they’re doing (dressing-up like women) means they must be queer, sissies, fairies, or what have you. With that in mind, ossified opinions about the term transvestite are formed, maintained, and an unhealthy distance is created, thus keeping one’s personal crossdressing away from anything it may be cobbled together with...

It’s a shame, really, because words with the prefix “trans-“ accurately describe what we do in one way or another, and sometimes “cross-“ is not accurate enough. If you fully transform yourself by wearing clothes meant for women, you are a transvestite, case closed. If you completely change yourself (MtF) and remain that way, you are transgendered. If you are a candidate for SRS, eventually leading to the procedure, you are a transsexual – do you see a pattern developing here? I transform myself via clothing, so I quite naturally call myself a “tranny.” I like the term – it has a certain fuzziness or cuteness to it, and I don’t mind being thought of as homosexual...

I’ve had many arguments (discussions) along these lines since I’ve been here, and I can honestly say that Americans are stubborn, uptight, and defensive. Not ALL of them, of course (I’m an American, for instance), but the battle lines have been drawn – most of this anti-tranny rhetoric is thinly-veiled homophobia, and I have evidence to support that claim. It denigrates what should be an atmosphere of understanding and acceptance here at Crossdresser Central, where no crossdresser, or no tranny, should be excluded from either being who they are, or who they wish to be. If you type the word “tranny” and hit the submit button, you’re likely to encounter those who don’t wish to associate themselves with gay ANYTHING...

Anyway, you can call me a “tranny” all you like; in fact I wear it like a badge of honor. I was on a UK site much like this one, and everyone called each other tranny incessantly – that will tell you that there are other parts of the world where human sexuality, or anything related to it, is not regarded as such a big deal by the populace. Truth is, I live in a backward country, sexually speaking. With this in mind, I haven't read any of the reponses in this thread - I don't dare to...
:sad:

PS – Anyone who has the courage to call themselves “tranny” is a friend of mine... :battingeyelashes:

[Leelou]

Once again, Freddy hits the nail on the head. Many years ago, when I was semi-active with a group of other trannies that would wander out and about, we referred to each other as T-girls or Trannies. We would not refer to each other as transgender (unless transitioning) or crossdressers. As Freddy pointed out, and you may choose to disagree if you wish, if you present as female and are not transitioning you're a transvestite. Society has twisted that word to imply perversion.

If a man chooses to wear panties, you could certainly say he is a crossdresser, but he is not a T-girl or Tranny in my book. So T-girl or Tranny for us was actually a term of endearment and badge of courage for those of us that ventured into the world fully dressed.

I know not everyone agrees with this, and that's OK.

[drushin703]

great responses to this thread:

After reading all of the responses, an addendum is in order.

I am (currently) a black american.Among my close group of friends and co-workers, who are also black, the N. word is used with great regularity.
Among us, no defense for its usage is even necessary because its colloquial origins are fully understood. The word is used as a noun, which
modifies as a noun-phrase. When inflected it becomes a verb expressing an act or mood and of course an adjective which can denote the quality
of the thing being named..The N. word is far more complicated than its usage.That is pretty plain. When it is used by anyone other than a black
american it can be biteing and inciteful.On the other hand, being called a tranny, especially by another tranny, can be deliberately endering.Although
Being called a tranny by someone other than a tranny, can be-not will be, derogatory like the N. word)


If being called a tranny means I am accepted among the group that frequents here, people who pour out their souls, each day, to understand
the human condition, then forgive my indulgence, for I am truly honored......dana

[Badtranny]

I am (currently) a black american.Among my close group of friends and co-workers, who are also black, the N. word is used with great regularity.


of course, and I've heard white people tell me to my face that NOBODY should use that word, as if they were somehow the language arbiter.

Same goes for all of the so called pejorative terms that get thrown about in the LGBT scene. Why do people think they have some kind of right to tell other people what kind of language to use. If YOU don't like a particular word than by all means don't use it.

I loved your post Dana, thank you.

[KellyJameson]

I'm sensitive to hate and cruelty, I simply do not want to be on the receiving end of someones hate driven ignorance that has nothing to do with me and everything to do with them. It is so easy for those filled with self hate to try and perform a self exorcism on themselves by trying to poor their self hate into me through the maddness and sickness of their own hate. Words that are attached to hate are knives people try to cut you with in an attempt to make you one of the living dead like them. It is the hate/fear/rage/guilt/shame/impotence (sickness), not the words I avoid.

[Jilmac]

The term "Tranny" doesn't bother me at all. My first car had a three speed manual tranny. Several cars after that had four speed trannys and automatic trannys. The one I drive now has a five speed automatic tranny with overdrive.

[docrobbysherry]

U can call me Ray, or u can call me Jay, or u can call me Mr. Johnson! WHATEVER nasty thing u call me doesn't come close to what I call MYSELF!

[Pinky188]

I feel like people have pointed out the worse in me my whole life. The thing is, I know those people are just insecure and I dont worry about what they say about me. Yeah, I have been called Tranny before in a negetive way. Among a lot of other names! But to me the term tranny signifies the long road I have been down to get to where Im at now. So when a girlfriend calls me her trannygirl, I feel accepted by them and I know that girl "has my back" no matter what! Its just a stupid word girls! And its all in how you veiw the word. Its all about how you veiw life. You can choose to look at it negetively, or turn it into something positive and take it over and "own" it!

[whowhatwhen]

As an example I've been called a fag before and it hurt all the way to my core, as such I would be honestly a little uncomfortable being called that even in jest.
That's just me though, as for the guy who said that to me I honestly hope he chewed the end of a shotgun for dinner one night.

[Pinky188]

As an example I've been called a fag before and it hurt all the way to my core, as such I would be honestly a little uncomfortable being called that even in jest.
That's just me though, as for the guy who said that to me I honestly hope he chewed the end of a shotgun for dinner one night.

Well that word is never acceptible! I have been there before. Like Daily!!!

[Badtranny]

As an example I've been called a fag before and it hurt all the way to my core, as such I would be honestly a little uncomfortable being called that even in jest.
That's just me though, as for the guy who said that to me I honestly hope he chewed the end of a shotgun for dinner one night.

I've been called a fag so many times I couldn't possibly remember them all. They were calling me a fag before any of us even knew what that meant. Why in the world would you give away so much of your power that somebody could hurt you to your core with a simple word? One thing is certain; trannies need much thicker skin than that.

[whowhatwhen]

Maybe it's a shattering realization that you're different and people will forever find ways to hate and even harm you.
I do have very, very, very thin skin though.

Most of the time I put other's feelings before mine and it's definitely not a good thing.
Still, he got to me and I remember to this day how that felt.

Seriously, I hope he's dead somewhere, he was also a racist too.

[Badtranny]

Still, he got to me and I remember to this day how that felt.

It feels awful to be singled out for something you can't even help. That's why I always stand with the underdog. I'd rather give them another person to pick on than let that poor soul endure it alone.

[ArleneRaquel]

I dislike the term, to me it has a very negative meaning, I never use it.

[Byanca]

I like it. Seems accurate. To me it's just a short term for transitioning. Rolls a bit easier off the tongue. I would be upset if it was used out of context I presume.

[sexycrossdresser]

Well I am ok with this word , nothing wrong.But I think if a tranny calls me a tranny its ok.But if a man calls me something , he should call me a girl.Even if a woman calls me something , it should not be anything else other than a girl.:-/

[Miss A]

I just love to be Tranny.
BTW I just join to this forum to say i'm tranny.

[Krista1985]

I can see why others have a problem with the term. But for me it's an exciting and subversive word, and I don't mind it being used.