The RuPaul Drag T*Word Controversy

[DapperButch]

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.]

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.