Is "transgender" a bad word?

[Natalya]

I like 'transgender' as an umbrella term because of its inclusivity; it eliminates the divisions within our community that are created by other labels. I also like to apply the term to myself because it nicely describes the ambiguities between my physical sex, gender expression and gender identity. It's a term that bridges the gaps left by other labels – particularly that chasm that can sometimes appear to exist between the terms crossdresser and transsexual.

There are some people who do not feel the term is appropriate to them. And that's cool, too. But only so long as they don't use that position to narrow the definition of the word and create new exclusions within the community.

Natasha

[Alexis.j]

Lets see, I think that the majority of the worlds population thinks one is "gay/homosexual" when you tell them that you are different to them, trans(whatever), no matter what you call it. Hell, I've been asked if I'm gay several times when I did not have a girlfriend, and was not actively looking for one. I found it quite frustrating how people judge you, I've even had someone try an convince me I AM gay because of not being interested in looking for a girl.
Now, try and tell somebody you dress in womans clothes, underwear, etc or wear makeup. What do you think is there response???

Funny thing is, that was all before a started wearing makeup and girly clothes, I don't often get those comments anymore. .. maby they are too scared to ask, lol
I also don't care anymore if people think im gay or not, (it used to bug me very much before), but I thank "Lexi" for that, she doesn't care ...

Mmm, hope this all makes sense...