Conformity among outsiders

[adrienmundi]

I belong to a mailing list that is ostensibly for "bigendered, third gendered and nongendered folk". It's generally pretty quiet, with this weekend being quite the exception. A short intro has led to what is the latest disappointing example of the struggle for internal conformity amongst "outsiders", specifically in who is allowed to use what words, and how. The linguistic hypocrisy of anyone attempting to make the case that "transgender" can only define those who view gender as binary is staggering, yet it is stated that attempts to break down gender rules and roles only make it harder for "real" trans people who just want to fit into the system. Other examples have also popped up, with the overt message being, "Sure, you can use these words the way you want, but it will only lead to misunderstandings and alienation within specific (ie, this) subculture, so you'd really better just use them the way we do". Ugh. I've never quite understood this sort of thing; it's both mad- and saddening.

Comments

[subjective.livejournal.com]

i'm pretty sure i'm on that list too. was it also the list where someone tried to argue that they're intersex because they are transsexual complete with post-op & full hormone status? eff that. i'm thinking about unsubbing.

there's a messageboard i read (but do not post to) that has similar arguments about names/language all the time. it often makes me want to throw my computer out the window even though i'm trying hard to understand all sides. it also makes me feel like there will never be words that feel right to me.