The term transsexual

[feedback]

We have decided to modify our system to change the word 'T R A N N Y' into the word TRANSSEXUAL.

This 'change' that we refer to means that our system should automatically change that word when people attempt to post it in descriptions or within the forum area.

This change will only take place going forward, so you will still see places within the site where that term will still show. We are not likely to do a massive 'find and replace' for existing uses of that term within the site.

This change has been made based on our decision that that specific term is a slang term that is derogatory, and that there is no cultural or geographic reason why this term should be allowed within this site.

While the intention of the member using that term might not have been to degrade anyone in the Trans community, we have come to the conclusion that that is in fact the effect (for some members).

While there are other terms (for example, -------) that are also considered offensive and/or degrading within the Trans community, we are not taking this action for any other terms at this time.

The primary reason we do not take this action with regards to the term ------- is that it is a common term within Eastern Europe and Asia, and if we were to automatically change it within our system...we think it would just cause too much confusion.

(So, we ask that members who are offended by the term -------, to just try and look past the word, to see what the intentions were of the member using that term.)

As we have said on numerous occasions, this site is a work in progress...so if you see places where our system is not working as described, or if you have any ideas on how to make the site better (in general)...we would love to hear from you.

And now, as an example...

The word I'm typing is the word that is referenced in the title of this thread:
transsexual

As you can see though, the word displayed is no longer the word referenced in the title of this thread, but instead, it has been changed to the work transsexual.

Thanks,


PS. Please note that the change does not show within the PREVIEW pane when you are submitting a forum post, but only in the final submission.
.

[a1oenesome]

feedback wrote:
While there are other terms (for example, -------) that are also considered offensive and/or degrading within the Trans community, we are not taking this action for any other terms at this time.


Dear Mr Feedback,

I would just like to make a couple of observations if I may?

Firstly, while the "T" word can be used as a derogatory term (and can also be a rather overly broad description lumping transvestites, crossdressers and transsexual people into some homogenous group) it is in my opinion rather less offensive than some other words that other people use to describe us.

feedback wrote:
The primary reason we do not take this action with regards to the term ------- is that it is a common term within Eastern Europe and Asia, and if we were to automatically change it within our system...we think it would just cause too much confusion.


At the risk of flogging a dead horse, as I know this subject has been discussed at length in other threads, I believe that the "she-thingy" word is rather worse than the "T" word or at the very least, equally offensive, disrespectful and dehumanising. It has overtly ------ised freak-show connotations and would appear to be the sort of thing you would find in the ---- industry and the tabloid gutter press.

Think of it like the use of pejorative terms to describe different ethnic groups or people with disabilities. Such terms might have been common once but are now considered inappropriate or deeply offensive.

The other point I would make is this: In the name of some imagined "cultural sensitivity" towards other countries outside of the West, is there not a danger that negative stereotypes are perpetuated and reinforced, both there and here by the continued use of such words?

I'm sorry but I don't understand the decision, after having acknowledged the offence it causes.

feedback wrote:
(So, we ask that members who are offended by the term -------, to just try and look past the word, to see what the intentions were of the member using that term.)


Again I can only speak for myself but whenever I see that word, it usually occurs in a message full of grammatical and spelling mistakes and text-speak so usually I skip those.

I hope you will understand that this is not a rant but merely expressing my own opinions which some might (or might not) share.

[(deleted)]

`Thank you, for removing the T word from the site.

[phellum]

`It is unfortunate that labels like this continue to be used and worse, the use is perpetuated by some within the transgendered community. I can't speak for anywhere else, but here in NYC, everyone uses the "T" word. I've seen CDs, TVs and transexuals use the term to describe themselves. The club scene for transexuals here refers to such gatherings as "T" parties. The "T" word here has come to be a short form of "transgendered." T-girl and t-gurl all seem to mean more than one would think. It certainly makes it tough when it comes to dating.

I have to admit, I find the terminology quite confusing... some terms are more obviously derogatory than others, it seems. It all depends on where you are or who you are talking to. Personally, in an attempt to avoid offense, in general discussion, I try to stick to the basics in terms of ------ orientation and gender: heterosexual, homosexual, gay, lesbian, and bisexual or bi... transexual MTF or FTM, CD and TV. I avoid terms like "she-male", the "T" word... not to mention some of the other incredibly crude terms out there. In terms of addressing people I know, I refer to them however they prefer.

[(deleted)]

`we should embrace the word as gas have embraced 'gay'. It's no different.

Unless you are completey passable, and not just think you are but really are, then people may as well call you a t r a n n y. If you are completly passable then it shouldn't ever come up and I'm sure you wouldn't want to be a called transgender or a transsexual.

I'd rather be called a t r a n n y than a man. Actually it's like ------. Haters know that word upsets gays so they use it. Haters use the word t r a n n y in the same way. Actually I think it's good we are offering opposition to it because that means it will be used. We are determining the insult our haters will use. Nice. I like it!!!

[(deleted)]

`I personally find the word t word offensive and not (tran ------).... but to each their own. People have the right to use the word but I also have the right not to like it.

[(deleted)]

`I try not to get wrapped up in the political police debates too much. It's just a word. How it's used and the tone in which it's used is all that matters to me. To me, a word itself is not derogatory. However, a word (ANY WORD), can be used in a derogatory manner.

When it comes to political correctness, where will it ever stop? 10 years from now, transgender will be the word on the outs. Or someone will get upset because trans-anything implies transition and the binary --- crowd will argue that there is no transition and that they were born that way.

Me wonders if straight people get f----ered if you call them straight? Do they prefer heterosexual? Is that too close a spelling to homosexual and therefore offensive? I suppose we can't call them headies....rolls off the tongue nicely, but might carry a ------ connotation. I suppose they like to be called normal, but what if they were an extraordinary normal person? Being normal might sound offensive. Maybe we need to create a few definitions for straight people. They probably all don't want to fall under the same umbrella......sorta like the trans community.

Sorry if I offended anyone.

[(deleted)]

naturist345 wrote: `I try not to get wrapped up in the political police debates too much. It's just a word. How it's used and the tone in which it's used is all that matters to me. To me, a word itself is not derogatory. However, a word (ANY WORD), can be used in a derogatory manner.

When it comes to political correctness, where will it ever stop? 10 years from now, transgender will be the word on the outs. Or someone will get upset because trans-anything implies transition and the binary --- crowd will argue that there is no transition and that they were born that way.

Me wonders if straight people get f----ered if you call them straight? Do they prefer heterosexual? Is that too close a spelling to homosexual and therefore offensive? I suppose we can't call them headies....rolls off the tongue nicely, but might carry a ------ connotation. I suppose they like to be called normal, but what if they were an extraordinary normal person? Being normal might sound offensive. Maybe we need to create a few definitions for straight people. They probably all don't want to fall under the same umbrella......sorta like the trans community.

Sorry if I offended anyone.

You didn't offend me. You just displayed your insensitivity to us.

[(deleted)]

`I refer to my self as a TG/Transgender.. transsexual is kind of offensive xP. But I find that it can be appropriate for some people.