Due to the celebrity status of Cher's former lesbian daughter, who has opted for gender reassignment surgery and is now known as Chaz Bono, will more people research transgender issues? This is something a lot of people are unfamiliar with and may think of as "weird" not necessarily in a malicious way but from basic lack of knowledge. Even people who are part of the LGBT community still need to be educated on trans men and women. I know the curiosity factor has been upped with this public statement: "It is Chaz's hope that his choice to transition will open the hearts and minds of the public regarding this issue, just as his coming out did."
Also if the larger LGBT movement has been guilty of marginalizing Trans Rights will the "leadership" now have to give more than lip-service? Aside from the very personal journey of one individual, this could be a wonderful opportunity for others to step forward to have their needs addressed. Visibility breeds familiarity after all. Timing is everything - so carpe diem!
The Human Rights Campaign has a Transgender Page on their website which is a good place to start to get more information.
Now about that reality show the family was trying sell....
photo: E-Online
2 comments:
one would hope that Chaz's announcement will help trans visibility. i am concerned, however, that cis GLb...(t) orgs will use Chaz as a means of upping their own cred with trans* folk without doing anything substantial to support trans* folk. i.e., HRC will tout "Chaz's wonderful and heartwarming story" come next Day of Remembrance, but will continue to lobby against gender-inclusive ENDA.
(came here from Self-Promotion Sunday, btw).
GallingGalla: I find myself wondering why there aren't more transfolk coming forward to fight this. I was made aware of this ongoing animosity by a trans woman and I don't get it. I already know how non-whites are marginalized but (Oprah has certainly given airtime and) I'm still trying to figure out where the strategy has failed in that regard. I'm not blaming anyone but again I don't get it. I'd like to get your thoughts on this.
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