RuPaul's Drag Race

Cydoniac wrote: »

Also remember that the drag community is often a safe zone for transwomen

I wasn't going to comment here because I don't watch the show, but I do feel like I have to post because there is something I'd like you to understand. Words like 'tranny' and 'shemale' hurt. A lot. I don't know if I can sufficiently explain to you why these words hurt so much, but if you were ever in the position of having them roared at you from a passing car, or sneered at you in a bar by someone who wants to make sure you hear them and know you're not welcome, or overhear those words whispered or giggled and suddenly feel eyes on you because you wonder are people talking about you. These are words that cut to the bone for trans people, because they bring with them feelings of hatred, hostility, of derision and being ridiculed, feelings of being 'other' and unwelcome. To paraphrase a certain Irish LGBT icon...

They. Feel. Oppressive.

And you know, regardless of the context, those words still hurt, they are still nasty and they still serve to remind us what some parts of society think of us. When they are not used in reference to trans people, we still see that they are vicious terms, and here on boards we can see perfect examples of that when people call Linda Martin those words, precisely so they can be as hurtful as they can towards her. Those words are never nice, so when people come along and condescend to trans people that we shouldn't be so sensitive or that it's ok because it's in a certain context, or they shouldn't have to be considerate to people who those slurs directly affect, THAT feels oppressive.

So you say that the drag community is a safe space for trans people? I think that an awful lot of transgender people have articulated how and why these words are hurtful and hateful slurs, and among many other LGBT groups that highlight how negative these slurs are, GLAAD have stated how "These words only serve to dehumanize transgender people and should not be used." I really, really don't think that there is much ambiguity left with how trans people feel about these words, so how inclusive can a community really be when they prioritize using slurs over trans people? How inclusive is it, when the only other people who are so invested in using these slurs are people who vehemently hate and despise us. The drag community right now is coming across like Jim Walsh complaining that he can't call gay people 'fairies', and how do you think this feels to trans people?

I don't want this to get drawn into a debate, I don't want to discuss the validity of these words or if they're OK under certain circumstances, they're not. I just want to ask you to consider the impact these words have on the people they are usually directed towards. Go back to enjoying your show, and discussing the happenings of every episodes, it'll be far more interesting than my little interjection here. But I would like to leave you with the words of Carmen Carrera to consider also:

Although I am certain RuPaul’s Drag Race didn’t mean to be offensive, let this be a learning experience. I think the show has opened up and educated the minds of many people who were ignorant to the world of drag and has made equality and respect a possibility for those involved, not only as equal beings but as phenomenal artists. There has always been a huge presence of trans artists in the drag scene. “Shemale” is an incredibly offensive term, and this whole business about if you can tell whether a woman is biological or not is getting kind of old. We live in a new world where understanding and acceptance are on the rise. Drag Race should be a little smarter about the terms they use and comprehend the fight for respect trans people are facing every minute of today. They should use their platform to educate their viewers truthfully on all facets of drag performance art.

Cydoniac wrote: »

I just want you to know I didn't mean to be malicious about it

I didn't think it was malicious at all

eviltwin wrote: »

Its made me wonder, is drag itself not offensive then to trans women?

No, not at all.

Think I'm ready to start watching the season properly! Will probably be caught up within a day or two!

Only recently started watching and am now finally up do date I'm hoping adore takes home this years title!

Sharon Needles is coming to The Dragon in June :D:D:D:D:D:D

Bianca is coming to the dragon in July You'd swear I worked for the dragon or something hahah