CaptLex
01-30-2007, 07:59 PM
I watched the Tyra Banks show today - not a big fan of talk shows, generally, but it held my attention because her first guest was an FtM TS named Joe (previously called Tammy, I think). Joe is married to a very understanding man and they have 3 kids (ages 10, 7 and 4) who also seem to be taking it well. He's not on hormones yet and has not had any surgeries (and that binder was working about as well on him as it does on me, unfortunately), but he's out to everyone now (especially now that he's been on TV) and lives full time as male.
I felt that Tyra didn't give him much time to answer the deep questions she threw at him rat-tat-tat, but he did well enough fielding them. When she asked Joe what his spouse had to say when he first came out to him, Joe answered that the husband was cool with it (hey, that gives me hope). So, they brought him out and asked him why he was okay with it all. Turns out the hubby identifies as bi, and they now have a gay male relationship, which they're both happy with (I wish I was that lucky).
There was a therapist in the audience who took the time to explain gender identity dysphoria and the Harry Benjamin Standards of Care, but I think most of that went over the audience's heads, as they seemed more interested in the fact that the couple consider themselves gay male parents. Then they trotted out the kids, which made me cringe a bit, but they were terrific. Even the therapist was surprised at how well-adjusted they were. What surprised me the most is how the kids never screwed up Joe's pronouns, considering they were calling this person "mommy" until very recently.
There was also an FtM TS in the audience who has transitioned, and he was telling Joe what to expect with the hormones, especially the first two years (you know, deeper voice, facial hair, etc.). All in all, an interesting show, even if the audience didn't seem to be grasping most of it. Maybe they will after they see more of this stuff in the media. Anyone else catch it?
I felt that Tyra didn't give him much time to answer the deep questions she threw at him rat-tat-tat, but he did well enough fielding them. When she asked Joe what his spouse had to say when he first came out to him, Joe answered that the husband was cool with it (hey, that gives me hope). So, they brought him out and asked him why he was okay with it all. Turns out the hubby identifies as bi, and they now have a gay male relationship, which they're both happy with (I wish I was that lucky).
There was a therapist in the audience who took the time to explain gender identity dysphoria and the Harry Benjamin Standards of Care, but I think most of that went over the audience's heads, as they seemed more interested in the fact that the couple consider themselves gay male parents. Then they trotted out the kids, which made me cringe a bit, but they were terrific. Even the therapist was surprised at how well-adjusted they were. What surprised me the most is how the kids never screwed up Joe's pronouns, considering they were calling this person "mommy" until very recently.
There was also an FtM TS in the audience who has transitioned, and he was telling Joe what to expect with the hormones, especially the first two years (you know, deeper voice, facial hair, etc.). All in all, an interesting show, even if the audience didn't seem to be grasping most of it. Maybe they will after they see more of this stuff in the media. Anyone else catch it?