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sable_twilightIt's not the right wing or the conservatives. While they my have wealth and power and the ability to stifle our voices, at least they are up front with their hatred, prejudice and bigotry of us.
No, it seems our real enemies are those who would claim to be our allies. Or at least claim to not be transphobic. While continuing to use problematic language and promote problematic attitudes.
I would rather they just come out an say it. To these people I say:
If you want to be transphobic, then fine, just fess up to it. Openly admit that you feel your views on language and language use are superior and should be privileged over people who have PhDs and have published books and academic papers on the topic. State that you don't care about the history of violence and harassment against trans people, and trans people don't deserve any sort of respectful or considerate use of language.
Because, at least with the conservatives and the people who have the courage to admit to their bigotry and prejudice we know where we stand. We know where the battle lines are drawn, and we know not to waste our time, effort, energy and resources trying to "educate" them. These people won't listen, and that is fine. We know to focus our efforts elsewhere or through other means.
If people want to be transphobic, cool. Tell me now so I know my enemy up front. But don't claim to not be transphobic while ignoring requests to cut the problematic crap. Because that hypocrisy. And it saps the energy from the work that is being done.
No, it seems our real enemies are those who would claim to be our allies. Or at least claim to not be transphobic. While continuing to use problematic language and promote problematic attitudes.
I would rather they just come out an say it. To these people I say:
If you want to be transphobic, then fine, just fess up to it. Openly admit that you feel your views on language and language use are superior and should be privileged over people who have PhDs and have published books and academic papers on the topic. State that you don't care about the history of violence and harassment against trans people, and trans people don't deserve any sort of respectful or considerate use of language.
Because, at least with the conservatives and the people who have the courage to admit to their bigotry and prejudice we know where we stand. We know where the battle lines are drawn, and we know not to waste our time, effort, energy and resources trying to "educate" them. These people won't listen, and that is fine. We know to focus our efforts elsewhere or through other means.
If people want to be transphobic, cool. Tell me now so I know my enemy up front. But don't claim to not be transphobic while ignoring requests to cut the problematic crap. Because that hypocrisy. And it saps the energy from the work that is being done.
