Category Archives: Transsexual and Transgender related issues

Revising for Trans Inclusive Language

At some point in the past, in a comment thread where we were discussing what I was then calling “routine infant male circumcision” in the United States, Grace pointed out to me that phrases like “the routine medical circumcision of infant … Continue reading

Posted in Transsexual and Transgender related issues, Writing | 15 Comments

Don’t Call Trans Women “men who identify as women”

I’m sure that there are a few “Alas” readers who will leap on this to say “but, Amp! You call people racists! You’re such a hypocrite!” Actually, I work to avoid calling people racists, just as I never called Yvonne … Continue reading

Posted in Transsexual and Transgender related issues | 65 Comments

Living While Trans — Snapshots of Daily Corrosion

Not too long ago, Autumn Sandeen wrote about an experience she had trying to get a consumer discount she qualified for.  Sandeen is a career Navy veteran.  She’s the real deal, when it comes to standing up for herself and … Continue reading

Posted in Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans and Queer issues, Transsexual and Transgender related issues | 9 Comments

My Society Almost Killed Me Because I’m Trans

Transition takes time. Everyone wishes it weren’t so. Trans people wish it were over in the time it takes you to say “knife”. So do all the people made uncomfortable by transitioning people (which is almost everyone — we do … Continue reading

Posted in Transsexual and Transgender related issues | 19 Comments

Cartoon: Trans Bills

Thanks to Grace, who was super helpful in writing this cartoon, and also suggested the word avalanche in panel 3. :-) TRANSCRIPT OF CARTOON This cartoon features two characters: A woman in a striped skirt and a black sleeveless shirt, … Continue reading

Posted in Cartooning & comics, Transsexual and Transgender related issues | 4 Comments

First Approximations

I once saw a good friend of mine by chance in line at a restaurant.  He was facing away, but I know him well, and I was confident from his height, the color of his hair, the set of his … Continue reading

Posted in Transsexual and Transgender related issues | 22 Comments

Embarrassments – Trans People and Surgery

Not too long ago, I went through a series of surgeries involving intercontinental travel to an unfamiliar country, general anaesthesia, significant trauma, and extended recovery time, including the usual post-anaesthesia depression. I was out of work for over a month. … Continue reading

Posted in Transsexual and Transgender related issues | 8 Comments

Piers Morgan’s Interview Fail With Janet Mock

Privilege can lead to double-perception; two people look at the same thing and see something entirely different. I used to think of a particular street as a fine place to walk, and was taken aback when a friend of mine … Continue reading

Posted in Media criticism, Transsexual and Transgender related issues | 45 Comments

Pre-transition Pronouns: Some Guiding Thoughts

A dear cousin of mine, a feminist who was very vocal when I was growing up, did me the courtesy of asking me a question which I paraphrase thus: Thinking of you as Grace is easy enough now, but how … Continue reading

Posted in Grace's Trans Resource Series, Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans and Queer issues, Transsexual and Transgender related issues, Uncategorized, Writing | 30 Comments

Scenes from Trans Policework: Working While Visibly Trans

I wrote most of this on Thanksgiving, but then life demanded that I do other things than finish it, until now. All names have been changed, for confidentiality. — There is a woman who lives in my city. Call her … Continue reading

Posted in Gender and the Body, Transsexual and Transgender related issues | 12 Comments