A heart felt extra thank you to our Transsexual, loud mouth queens, and militant lesbians.

[Amimnoch]

Last edited Wed Apr 29, 2015, 10:35 AM - Edit history (1)

I'm sitting here tonight both exhilarated, and terrified of the cases going before the SCOTUS tomorrow, and reflecting on just how much things have changed for us in just the last 8 years, and over the course of my 44 years of life on this small round rock that we call home.

There's been so many people, groups, and organizations that have helped us get to where we are today with our rights, but looking back, there's 3, often highly underappreciated groups that have really born the brunt of our fight for equality, more than a few in each group who have died to get us to where we are today.

I want to thank our Transgender community.. our beloved transsexuals. Always so vocal, always so outspoken, and in every fight always in the front of the battle lines.. spiked heels in hand and refusing to be silenced. I seriously doubt we'd be anywhere near where we are today without their zest and drive.

I want to thank our politically active queens. You know the ones I'm talking about, the ones who never even knew what the closet was, except for the place they keep their grand outfits. The ones who stood side by side our Transgender and lesbian communities. Our Harvey Milks.. who would also never be silenced.

I want to thank our militant lesbians. Our muscle, who likewise could always be found at the front of our battle lines, screaming down the homophobes at the rallies, making sure our voice was heard.

Like I said, there's so many more who deserve special thanks.. our allies, the Hollywood machine.. but really without these 3 group, probably more than anyone else, I have no doubt in my mind we would not be where we are today.

[shenmue]

1. ...

[JustAnotherGen]

2. I'm in your corner

[stevenleser]

3. Fingers crossed, hoping for a big victory of at least 6-3 in our favor.

I want a big margin that makes a statement. I will of course take 5-4 for the victory that it would be, but I want one or more additional votes.

[Amimnoch]

4. It's possible.

Let's be real. On our Side Justice Ginsburg, Justice Breyer, Justice Sotomayor, and Justice Kagan will decide in our favor.

On their side Thomas, Scalia, and Alito will definitely be a no go on equality.. for anything.

There's a good chance Justice Kennedy will vote in our favor, and a fair chance that Chief Justice Roberts may decide in our favor.

[MillennialDem]

5. Please don't use the word "trannies" - many trans people find it offensive (I personally don't, but

I also view it as "our word" to an extent).

[Amimnoch]

7. Context makes the world of difference!

When I say it, it is with love, respect, and a complete feeling of solidarity with their cause. It would wound me greatly if any of our great transsexual community would read anything differently in my appreciation and recognition of their HUGE contribution to our cause for equality.

When those of us who are in, or very obvious supporters of our community use it (and some other terms) it's very obvious that there is no malice.

Personally, of all the Transsexuals I've ever met (and that's not a small number), I can't imagine a single one taking offense when the word is used in the manner I used it. Heck it's quite common in our circles without offense. Even our entertainment support culture uses it regularly from Margaret Cho, to Christian Siriano, to just about every member of Ru Pauls Drag race.

However, I am a firm believer that the one who determines what is offense is not the person who is accused, but determined by the one who makes the accusation. So, I respectfully have changed the words in my OP, and most sincerely apologize to anyone who may have been offended by it. It was certainly never my intent to insult people I'm giving my strongest thank you to.

[MillennialDem]

9. Oh believe me it's clear you are not being offensive intentionally and that you do support us, but

I am trans. I started hormones in 2002 at 22 years old and I've been a member of a few different transgender message boards and I've met quite a few transgender people in my life.

Most trans women (I've only met a couple of trans men and the message boards I've been on tend to have been trans women dominated) if you ask them is tranny offensive will say yes. Some go so far as to compare it to certain racial/ethnic slurs as well. If you don't believe me, try asking on reddit.com/r/asktransgender.

As for Ru Paul, no offensive to her, but she is very different than trans people who transition. As for the contestants on her show, I've never seen it so I couldn't tell you if they are transitioning or just drag performers/crossdressers.

Again, I know your heart is in the right place.

And like I said not all trans people are offended by the word - and some use it in self deprecation as well. "Transbians" refers to a lesbian couple where both are mtf trans. "Tranny up and ____" (like cowboy/cowgirl up and ____). I've even myself said "oh this tranny is going to need a major rebuild" :p

[Rhythm]

6. We're all in this together...

And i, like you, have seen so much more progress in the last 10+ of my almost-49 yrs than i thought i would see in my whole lifetime..

Let's keep it going...
This crew-cut, loudmouth butch is more than happy to keep marching.

[Amimnoch]

8. Absolutely! Onward to equality!

Really! I always knew that our rights would come around.. someday.. but I seriously doubted that I'd ever be able to marry someone in the US in my lifetime. After DOMA, I was sure it was gonna be around for at least another 20-30 years..

In matters like this.. I'm more than happy to say I was wrong (hell, I hope my husband never sees me admitting this!)

Big group hug right back 'atcha my crew-cut, loudmouth butch sistah!

[nightscanner59]

10. You're welcome

From one militant queer who carries multiple battle scars. One who hopes and prays the future holds equitable status for the young LGBT who can live free from bigoted bullies.