I don't see this thread ending well either.
Arbon has it right. refer to them as women. If you need to be more specific you can do that within the conversation (i.e. natal).
Kristyn, you're quote is wrong. It isn't a compliment, in fact it is very disparaging It is used in the gay community not as a compliment but as an insult and usually used to refer to women (I won't even discuss the origin, you figure it out and then stand back when you call a woman a "fish").
As mentioned anyone can take offense at anything. The whole concept of "owning" it bothers me too. If a group of women don't want the "girls" label, they shouldn't use it between themselves. One sees this in almost every marginalized group. It annoys the hell out of me...it confuses others. It is like telling a child "Don't say that word it's bad" and turning around and using it yourself. I learned that the hard way 35 years ago. If any of my friends calls me a "girl" or any derivative thereof I walk away. Probably why I don't play well within parts of the "community". The word "Brick" is a derogatory term for someone who wants to be part of the TG community but isn't accepted as such or by the lesbian community for someone who won't fit as female
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Now that we have settled that...if this thread has any more legs I will be surprised
