Well, This Got To Me (And Technically, It's Not Even About Me)

[Guest Natalie92]

So, I was on Yahoo! Answers and came across a question asking about trans groups being filled "middle-aged men with wives and kids" (posters words not mine). The poster goes on to say that those who are younger are actually "true transgendered people" (yes, the poster referred to the younger members of the Trans community as true trans people). Most of the comments are actually very supportive of trans people, but I feel as though you all who were attacked deserve a say. If you're interested in letting this person know the real truth here is a link.

Natalie

[Sally]

Well, I read it and I was irritated by the attitude as well as the general stupidity of the question so I decided to answer.

Here is my answer if you don't feel like going to read the whole list:

I am one of those older apparently not true transsexuals that you described but I never had any children. I did not transition at an early age because in those days it was considered appropriate behavior to beat any communist, gay (homosexual was the only printable term then) or black whenever you felt like it - the height of the Cold War, the beginnings of the Civil Rights Movement so being different was a bit dangerous - transsexual was a word not used in polite company until almost the eighties and then not in a flattering light. So fear and shame were major players in why so many transition at latter ages.

As to looking down on the younger ones, I missed that as I am a Moderator on a Site designed predominately as a suicide prevention and support site for transgendered of all kinds and all ages - I do not see the any of that behavior but then I suppose I am too busy looking down my nose at them to bother helping.

Love ya,

Sally

[Guest Amber Jean]

Sally, I had to answer too...its right after yours...

A!

[Guest Donna Jean]

I read it.

And you all gave wonderful replies to that post...

I'll not answer right now as I'm already mad enough for one day!

Donna Jean

[Guest ChloëC]

Could be the original poster is just trolling to get a rise out of people.

But, (sigh) I answered too.

Chloë

[Guest Donna Jean]

Could be the original poster is just trolling to get a rise out of people.

But, (sigh) I answered too.

Chloë

Very good answer, Chloe......

Liked it....you said pages with a few short sentences!

Donna Jean

[Guest sarah f]

I refused to post anything on there because he apparently doesn't know much about us. I used to let these things get to me and reply to them but anymore I just let them go to ignorance. I can't stand people that think they know us or what we are thinking.

[Guest ChloëC]

I understand, sarah. There are lots of times I see posts (or comments or statements, like even campaign literature, or talking heads on TV) that make me so upset with their one-sided take no prisoners view on life. But I also feel that the other side needs to be heard because in real life there are so many people who really don't know which side to believe, which statements of 'fact' are actually true.

If we don't stand up in public forums for what we know is right, who exactly will? It's tiring and frustrating, very true, but if one person's mind is opened to seeking out more information rather than just accepting the loudest shouter's view, I've done something. If enough of us keep doing it, people may listen.

It's like in another current thread here where the poster was writing about sitting around with friends and co-workers and cross-dressing was brought up. I don't expect anyone to say 'You knuckle-heads, there's absolutely nothing wrong with cross-dressing. Wise up!" But if someone says, "You know, I don't know all the facts nor do I know that person very well. Until I know more, I'll withhold any judgement. I think that's the best course, don't you?" Then I know we're making progress.

My goal right now is not to encourage people to 'take sides', it's to encourage them to look at what's being said, and consider the viewpoint, consider the source, realize that there is so much more to life than bullet points or sound bytes. Use rational thinking, and question bald statements with no supporting facts. And encourage others to do likewise. That's what shuts these people up, faster than saying, 'well, you're just a so and so, too'

Hugs

Chloë

[JJ]

Could be the original poster is just trolling to get a rise out of people.

But, (sigh) I answered too.

Chloë

That was my thought too!

If not I pity the rocky road ahead for that person with that attitude.

If they are a troll then they don't deserve any furter attention

JJ