A young trans guy out on Long Island gets called a “girlboy” by some young gay men at Pride.
Why am I not surprised?
Because the ignorance within the LGBQ about trans identities – and even basic etiquette – is often just as bad as it is in the rest of the world.
It makes me tired and sad.
So here are some simple rules to remember:
- Don’t ask trans people about their genitals.
- Don’t be surprised if someone you hook up with at Pride has genitals you didn’t expect.
- If you think someone is “really” some gender that doesn’t match the pronoun you’re using, it is not up to you to decide that person’s gender. In other words, respect other people’s ability to self-identify.
- Learn something about genderqueer people. Learn how to use gender neutral pronouns.
- Every person who is male bodied who is tall and wearing a wig is NOT a drag queen.
- There are straight-identified trans people. Some of them will be at pride events. Deal.
Okay, that’s all for now. Although reading yesterday’s post – about how to be a good ally within a movement in which you may have more privilege than others – say if you’re a gay white man, perhaps, for instance, at pride – isn’t a bad idea, either.
(Thanks to Christine for the lead.)