In another thread (cd vs. tg) there was a good passionate debate about labels. Some disliked the topic, but I liked it - such a discussion is the only way we can learn about ourselves as individuals and as a group.
So I decided to dig up an old post of mine from a different site. Basically it's in response to an older girl struggling to describe herself (similar to the cd vs. tg thread). At some point she confesses to sometimes feeling like a pervert. Of course, several other girls jumped on her for using such a derogatory term. Below is my unaltered post, followed by my current thoughts on the subject - this new stuff may be a little over-dramatic, but you tell me ....
######
Hi Evita, I totally understand your confusion… it’s confusing for all of us, especially because we change over time (and for some of us our perspectives change from day to day). I also understand the aversion many have with labels. However, it is perfectly natural for humans to seek labels and classifications – it helps us create order in our world and it can be very comforting to feel that we are seeing the big picture, even if that picture is a bit flawed. So, go right ahead and use whatever label you feel describes you best. If you’re like most, that label will change depending on how you feel at that moment.
Now let me turn to this term ‘pervert’ (there I said it and the world did not end). I understand that this is a toxic word, and for most of us it is extremely hurtful. But, I’ve been thinking about this word for the last few days and think that maybe we are thinking about it the wrong way. Rather than pretend it doesn’t exist (and we all know it does, and know it is thought and used by many that are unfamiliar with crossdressing, even those close to us), we should try to embrace this term – defuse it of its power. The LGB community has done this with great success. Back 20 years ago the term queer was extremely derogatory, but now it’s used to express pride and strength. Now, I don’t think we can have that kind of success with respect to the straight world. But, I do think that such an attitude can be empowering to each of us personally. So, let me be the first to say
“I’m a PERVERT and proud of it!!!!” or maybe “Power to the Perverts” or “I’m a perv, she’s a perv, he’s a perv … we’re all pervs!!”
Okay maybe I’m getting carried away (especially with that last one), but I think you get my point.
Yours in her most pervyisness Julie 💋💋💋
######
Current thoughts:
If we (you, me, all of us) are going to lose the self-loathing, drop the guilt, find self-acceptance, achieve self-love and ultimately radiate self-pride (we actually have a lot to be proud of - think about it) we are going to have to look our demons straight in the eye, get right up in the face of that ugly beast and say "YOU DO NOT OWN ME!!!" And then, quietly say "I own ... ... ... you."
Any and all comments welcome....
💋💋💋 Julie