"Becoming Chaz"

[Heart]

Originally Posted by Mister Bent

I understand where Heart is coming from, and it's a point worth making, but it really feels reaching to assume Chaz meant that women "might excuse sexually aggressive behavior, be more willing to meet men's need for sex..."

Well, I made the point worth making, so not sure where the "but" comes from, as I did not assume that Chaz was referencing assault or rape. It is possible to understand and support Chaz in his personal journey, (which he is choosing to make public for good reasons), and still examine the implications of his use of sexist language. They are not mutually exclusive of one another.

Heart

[Mister Bent]

Originally Posted by Thinker

Good read titled Trans Framing, or why Chaz Bono doesn't speak for me

The author also draws some comparisons to what Chaz's doc did for public opinion versus what the movie Boys Don't Cry did. Well written.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/0...t-speak-for-me

Thanks for posting this, Thinker, it's a thoughtful and well stated piece. It also helped me put my finger on some of the issues I couldn't name, but were lingering as bothersome for me, especially on this notion of "becoming" when in fact, one already "is." As well as:

"I think it's unfortunate that we've moved from that powerful narrative of trans maleness as authentic identity to a narrative of transition as medically- and surgically-constructed masculinity."

Originally Posted by Heart

Well, I made the point worth making, so not sure where the "but" comes from, as I did not assume that Chaz was referencing assault or rape. It is possible to understand and support Chaz in his personal journey, (which he is choosing to make public for good reasons), and still examine the implications of his use of sexist language. They are not mutually exclusive of one another.

Heart

Of course they are not mutually exclusive of one another, and I absolute agree his use of sexist language - in multiple applications - should be examined (most especially by him).

Thank you for clarifying that you did not "assume that Chaz was referencing assault or rape." That was from whence my "but" came, since his intent is unknown. I'm very glad you opened up the discussion on Chaz sexist language, as it was something that stood out to me while watching the documentary, and which astounded me.