Wow.. so much negativity in this thread.. so little faith in the progressive power that we as humans have!
I'm not going to tell people to lighten up, because it could very well be that their individual experiences have been so bad that they have no hope that things might change for the better for *them*.
But you have to completely blind to not see the huge steps we've taken in most Western countries, especially in the last few decades. More and more people know of crossdressing, there's media attention, a lot of countries have laws that protect crossdressers/transgenders.
Where 20 years ago support group meetings took place in absolute secrecy at people's homes or private venues.. nowadays everything is openly advertised on websites. And half of the support group meetings in the Netherlands happen in bars where the general public also comes to enjoy a drink.
Are gays/lesbians accepted everywhere in the Netherlands.. no! Do some people still point and stare when they see two men or women romantically holding hands while shopping... sure! However, compared to 20 years ago.. lots of progress. This will also happen for the transgender community (to use the umbrella term).
I would actually welcome shows that would treat CD/TG with a bit of humor.. just like Will & Grace. It had its stereotypes but it was light-hearted and (for me) funny. And I'm convinced that it, on average, did raise positive awareness for the gay community.
Does all of this go too slow .. sure.. I totally agree! But the arrow of progress is pointed in the right direction. And every kind of positive exposure is good: good films, tv shows, CD's out in the public, etc.
Not saying everyone should go out and fight for the cause, but... complaining behind a computer on a forum.. progress gained from that: zero point zero percent!
