When Identity Becomes A Slur


     How do I 'identify'? I must state initially that I find the object in the question as posed problematic. The nature of the problem will be revealed as I continue.
     I am a woman. That is my declarative statement, simple as that. I 'identify' as what I am. Of course; there is more to the story, there always is.
     You see; when I was born I was not 'identified' as female by those that make these decisions. Doctors, my parents, the Church-'identified' me as a boy. When I was born (commonly, even today) medical science didn't understand that Gender is an innate sense that each individual has within themselves. Gender cannot be determined by looking at a baby's external sex organs/genitalia. The aforementioned medical science and that of psychology refer to someone like me as Transgender, a Transgender Woman.
     Transgender is a modifying adjective; it does not define me, it is not what I am. I am a Woman. Now; historically, a segment of the LGBT Community has thrown about the word - "Tranny". For better; and usually worse, society at large is familiar with "Tranny". Jerry Springer and more recently, RuPaul have thrust the word and it's connotation around the world via the media. Looking back historically again; if I may, in the early, emerging LGBT Community "Tranny" was used in a campy context. Drag Queens, early Transgender individuals, and many others either referred to themselves, or said to each other such things as: Oh! You're such a "Tranny". The word; and others we don't have room for here, also took on a darker side with the porn industry and sex work in general.
     Meanwhile; LGBT people gained some visibility and acceptance and Transgender women and men gained courage to live authentically and openly. We sought jobs in mainstream society. As a Community we have talents and skills all across the spectrum. Where 'identity' becomes problematic is in that search for employment; and truth be told, many every day interactions in society. Slurs that 'identify' other segments of the LGBT Community have fallen into public disfavor. They aren't uttered in 'polite' company openly. So; while there still exists undeniably discrimination against All the LGBT Community; the name calling on the street, or behind the back that formerly targeted and marginalized the L, G, and B has dramatically lessened. The Transgender Community has not overcome that hurdle as yet. Over 250 Transgender individuals are murdered each year worldwide. A frequently horrific brutal death occasionally with the word "Tranny" carved into their flesh. We are called "Tranny" by drunken thugs on the street and sometimes beaten. Many of us don't have the genetics, or resources to be assumed to be born female. Employers judge applicants on many levels and have a critical eye. In all but 13 (the count is changing) States we have no employment protection. Beyond employment, society at large grabs at a quick label, a box, to put people in. The quickest, the easiest is what they see on TV. A "Tranny" Drag Race, a "Tranny" murder-unsolved.
     The word "Tranny" is a diminutive-see wikipedia-a contraction, a lessening (lessening!) word, a modifier, and a Slur.
     So; we are back to the beginning, and you see why an 'identity' that consists of a modifier, Transgender can become a slippery slope. Once the modifier; for whatever reason, becomes contracted into a diminutive with a history of marginalization and abuse, i.e. - "Tranny"- it comes with baggage none of us wants.
     I am a Woman! I am proud to make that declaration. I am also proud to be Transgender; but, that doesn't define me or, identify me. I am a Woman named Liz e LaVenture. Simple as that. End of story.


Liz e LaVenture 5/29/2014