You know what they say when someone “assumes”, it means they don’t know the facts. 
Actually, the moment has not passed. It’s simple to say, “Thanks for the invite. That was one hellava party. I didn’t hear your Caitlin Jenner quip at the end but thought it might be funny.” You don’t have to tell him you thought it was a “little” funny (meaning odd/crude/thoughtless).
It’s better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.
Word mean things. If you mean bigotry, say so. Part of the problem in communication with people you disagree with is coming to common terms. That’s impossible if you change the meaning of the words. Not everyone gets the PC Dictionary updates.
Yes, words mean things. In English, “transphobia” means “bigotry against transexuals.” This isn’t exactly a new coinage, here. “Transphobia” is clearly building off the etymology of “homophobia,” and homophobia lost its clinical meaning about forty years ago; it’s been the standard term for prejudice against gays ever since.
This is not, as you suggest, a problem in communication, because there aren’t actually very many people who genuinely do not understand this.
Including you.
Your PC Dictionary is about 20 years out of date.
The people here that you’re criticizing are the ones who are using the word correctly. YOU’RE the one changing the meaning.
FYI, phobia also refers to an aversion. Like in “hydrophobia,” which refers not to a fear of water, but that some substance are averse to interacting with water.
So, Inna Minnit, you’re doubly wrong.
Or they just thought Bruce Jenner was a narcissistic, washed-up asshole before he transitioned? Or maybe they have been appalled by the way Caitlyn seems to be shirking responsibility for the fatal car accident she caused a few months ago? Or maybe they are less than impressed when Caitlyn pretends to be Bruce whenever it’s convenient. For example, when you are applying to a country club and you, “don’t [want] to worry about locker rooms and all that crap right now”.
Very heroic as I am sure you’d agree.
Now yes, could the guy be a transphobic piece of garbage like this guy, but it’s hard to judge such a thing with such imperfect information. Especially when it involves someone who was widely condemned and ridiculed before they transitioned.
It’s the “hero” reference that seems transphobic, since that is a meme in transphobic circles. To the point that I’m really disappointed with South Park for using it.
There are transphobic circles with well-known memes?
Damn I’m falling way further behind than I thought…
(no, seriously, 100% oblivious to the notion that it would be widely recognized as some sort of dogwhistle)
Well said. I’m kind of meh about Caitlyn Jenner’s story and don’t pay much attention to it, but the absurd amount of praise the media dished out and the absurd claims of heroism are kind of … absurd. Being a wealthy celebrity and going on talk shows is not heroism, regardless of whether you’re transitioning to a new gender, promoting anti-vaccine claims, or campaigning for starving children in Africa. Heroism means taking risks and making sacrifices for others, not being rich and famous.
You make a point with some merit, and many people in the trans community are critical of Jenner’s privileged and relatively glamorous cruise through transition. However they also note how she’s improving visibility and helping make others appreciate trans people as people.
Being trans in no way guarantees that a person doesn’t also have other features in their personality and life for critics to pick on.
Caitlin Jenner had somewhat of a choice to make about whether to try to be a positive spokesperson and role model, versus trying to keep a low profile. She didn’t have any choice about whether to do this as somebody other than who she was, somebody with different baggage, or somebody who didn’t happen to have an automobile accident during the whole experience. There may have been elements of heroism and narcissism in her choice, as there may have been for anybody else in the same rare situation. I propose the net effect of her choices has so far been positive, on balance.