What I’ve been thinking lately:
I’ve been hearing “tranny” a lot in mainstream discourse lately, especially in so-called “satire” and “comedy.” This word is always directed at trans women and has a degree of trans misogyny that I find alarming and disgusting.
I know that I have previously used this word as an identity and as a way of reclaimation, but I realise now that while this technically could be considered my word to “reclaim,” “tranny” is almost ALWAYS used as a way to degrade and dehumanise trans women, and I don’t find that acceptable in any way. So, I’m going to do my best to eliminate this word from my vocabulary outside of reference to myself, and even then, I’m not going to use it lightly or in a context outside of discussions around gender identity.
I know previously I’ve been supportive of trans men using the word “tranny” to describe themselves, and while I still support any person’s chosen identity I want to caution people against using it lightly, or in jest, or in any way to describe someone other than themselves.
“Tranny” is most commonly used as a slur against trans women, so it’s important that that word is reclaimed by THEM, and not by others. Just as “faggot” and “dyke” have been reclaimed by those who identify that way, it is important not to co-opt others reclaimation.
Again, this is all MY opinion. Feel free to do as you wish, but remember to think about what you’re saying (and all of its implications) before you say it. My two cents.
Filed under: transgender, truths , misogyny, objectification of women, random, rants, words
