The RuPaul Drag T*Word Controversy

Martina · 05-29-2014, 03:30 PM

I think "tranny" is universally understood as a pejorative. If some trans folks want to use it among themselves, then fine, who are cis folk to say? But I don't think cisgender folks ought to use it.

RuPaul did make the argument that tranny has been used to refer to a drag queens as well, and she is that. So if she is claiming it in that way, it does add a wrinkle.

I think the she-mail thing is kind of funny. It's a pun. A joke. It's not like a person was called a she-male. But I like humor that skirts the offensive.

Unrelated to this kerfluffle, I do think that the controversy about using the word transgender instead of transgendered is a joke. Sorry if I offended. But seriously? I get the argument, but some well-intentioned slob got badly publicly attacked for it a while ago. I think the person who reamed him quit some organization in protest and just had a major fit about it. I can't recall the details. But my response is OK, whatever.

I am old. I find gender studies unbelievably boring. Hence, I don't read a lot about it. I am surely more educated than 99% of Americans because of where I live and the communities I have belonged to, but if I accidentally say transgendered and some child angrily corrects me, we are going to have words.

DapperButch · 05-29-2014, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Martina

I think "tranny" is universally understood as a pejorative. If some trans folks want to use it among themselves, then fine, who are cis folk to say? But I don't think cisgender folks ought to use it.

<CLIP>

Ditto.

RuPaul's use of this word is not new and there has been discussion in the trans* community about this for the last couple of years.

I do see the difference between a transsexual/transgender person (one who sees their identity as part of the opposite sex in some way) using the term "tranny", and someone who identifies as their assigned birth sex, but enjoys wearing clothes of the opposite gender (drag queens or transvestites...they may use the umbrella term transgender, but that is not less common), using the term.

I haven't read all the details, but my understanding is that RuPaul does not identify as a female. He identifies as a drag queen (and maybe with the term transgender as an umbrella term?). I assume he uses a male pronoun. If this is the case, and he is cissexed, than no, I do not think he should use the term "tranny". Just like the N work, the D word, etc. It really is common sense.

Mel C. · 05-29-2014, 04:53 PM

Interesting topic. I'm not sure why some people feel they can choose which words are acceptable for others to use and which are not. If somebody calls me "sweetie" it can be mean or nice. I think The onus is on me to determine the intent prior to reacting. I don't think I use the T-word but if I heard it or saw it somewhere, I would look for the context.

05-29-2014, 03:30 PM	#1
Martina Senior Member How Do You Identify?: * Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: * Posts: 4,999 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 13,409 Thanked 18,285 Times in 4,167 Posts Rep Power: 21474854	I think "tranny" is universally understood as a pejorative. If some trans folks want to use it among themselves, then fine, who are cis folk to say? But I don't think cisgender folks ought to use it. RuPaul did make the argument that tranny has been used to refer to a drag queens as well, and she is that. So if she is claiming it in that way, it does add a wrinkle. I think the she-mail thing is kind of funny. It's a pun. A joke. It's not like a person was called a she-male. But I like humor that skirts the offensive. Unrelated to this kerfluffle, I do think that the controversy about using the word transgender instead of transgendered is a joke. Sorry if I offended. But seriously? I get the argument, but some well-intentioned slob got badly publicly attacked for it a while ago. I think the person who reamed him quit some organization in protest and just had a major fit about it. I can't recall the details. But my response is OK, whatever. I am old. I find gender studies unbelievably boring. Hence, I don't read a lot about it. I am surely more educated than 99% of Americans because of where I live and the communities I have belonged to, but if I accidentally say transgendered and some child angrily corrects me, we are going to have words.

05-29-2014, 04:53 PM	#3
Mel C. Long-time Member How Do You Identify?: WIB - woman identified butch Preferred Pronoun?: Your choice...not really a button for me Relationship Status: ♡ married 1/1/2019♡ Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: San Diego Posts: 2,149 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 5,772 Thanked 6,828 Times in 1,621 Posts Rep Power: 21474854	Interesting topic. I'm not sure why some people feel they can choose which words are acceptable for others to use and which are not. If somebody calls me "sweetie" it can be mean or nice. I think The onus is on me to determine the intent prior to reacting. I don't think I use the T-word but if I heard it or saw it somewhere, I would look for the context.