A few days ago, Harriet Hall wrote a post on Science-Based Medicine titled “Gender Differences and Why They Don’t Matter So Much.” The article left a bad taste in my mouth for a number of reasons. Aside from what I feel is a gross misrepresentation of various criticisms of Michael Shermer (which I will leave to Ophelia and PZ to deal with as they see fit), the bulk of my issue with her post deals ... »
For Christmas, I got the latest hipster craze: an old-timey retro phone thing that plugs into my smart phone, so that anyone playing “Crazy or Bluetooth?” can feel alive again as they gaze upon my curled cord descending into my purse (Kidding! I don’t have a freakin purse). Some day soon, a friend in need will call on me; I will pick up the headset. “Yessenia, you’re ... »
Mr. Harmon, I just read your article, ”Judge goes too far in sex change ruling” published in The Boston Globe, and I must say I’m quite disturbed by your complete lack of humanity. Not only does your piece read like a second grader’s essay about unicorns, but it’s so full of cissexist bigotry I’m stunned you didn’t sprout a second penis from sheer testoste... »
This week, someone whose blog I follow wrote a post complaining about complaints that her blog was cissexist. Now, I had never seen cissexism in her writing (though I may have missed it due to my own privilege), and she’s a feminist who so far seemed to be quite an ally to the LGBTQ community. The response was (predictably) bad, to which she wrote a follow-up post saying, basically, people should ... »
When I disclose my transsexual status to someone unused to being around trans* people the second most common response I get is something like “Wow, really? I never would have known! You totally look like a normal guy!” The statement usually is accompanied by a shocked expression, but once in awhile it’s a condescending smile. It is meant as a compliment, and it isn’t one. E... »
As a transgirl smack-dab in the middle of her transition, I have a vested interest in transgender rights developments around the world. Often times I’m left disappointed, but some news coming out of South America earlier this month has me all aflutter; Argentina has passed a transgender rights law light-years ahead of any other. But what does that mean? Well, any adult who feels the need can chang... »
This article in a feminist zine, Ism, with some changes, under another pseudonym of mine, Amber Lamps. Like most polyamorous couples, my partner and I realized the spark died long ago. Now we’re content to simply exchange pleasantries on the rare occasion we pass each other in the hall, on the way to our many dates with people attractive enough to maintain our attention, yet va... »
(Due to a post scheduling technical error I have yet to figure out, this AI is a day late, apologies everyone!) A talk-back radio show my partner recently happened to tune in to ran a segment on transitioning, particularly focusing on the process of changing one's birth certificate to reflect one's preferred gender. While the trans* advocate being interviewed did a good job at explaining... »
