# I Don't Get and Am Sick of Trans-Stuff
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-get-and-am-sick-of-trans-stuff/762519
**Category:** The BBQ Pit
**Created:** [August 12, 2016, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-get-and-am-sick-of-trans-stuff/762519 "2016-08-12T02:10:12Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 2
### Author:  [@Fretful\_Porpentine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fretful_Porpentine)
#### Post date: [August 12, 2016, 6:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-get-and-am-sick-of-trans-stuff/762519/21 "2016-08-12T06:11:16Z")
> [@](#):
>
> 1. if you refer to me as cis-gendered I’ll put you in the first category. I hate that fucking term.
OK, this is an honest, non-snarky question, because I’ve seen other people say this on the Internet, and I truly don’t understand the nature of their objection to the term, and I would like to understand it. Are you similarly bothered by the existence of the term “heterosexual” (or to other terms that describe a more-common-than-not default state for humanity, like, I dunno, “civilian”?) If so, why; if not, what is the specific nature of your problem with “cisgender”?
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### Author:  [@Memnon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Memnon)
#### Post date: [August 12, 2016, 7:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-get-and-am-sick-of-trans-stuff/762519/22 "2016-08-12T07:48:22Z")
> [@Fretful\_Porpentine](#):
>
> OK, this is an honest, non-snarky question, because I’ve seen other people say this on the Internet, and I truly don’t understand the nature of their objection to the term, and I would like to understand it. Are you similarly bothered by the existence of the term “heterosexual” (or to other terms that describe a more-common-than-not default state for humanity, like, I dunno, “civilian”?) If so, why; if not, what is the specific nature of your problem with “cisgender”?
FWIW, I don’t like it either. It rhymes with piss, sounds like Sissy, and is basically an ugly sounding word. It just hits the ear wrong, somehow.
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### Author:  [@Martini\_Enfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martini_Enfield)
#### Post date: [August 12, 2016, 9:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-get-and-am-sick-of-trans-stuff/762519/23 "2016-08-12T09:57:49Z")
> [@Fretful\_Porpentine](#):
>
> OK, this is an honest, non-snarky question, because I’ve seen other people say this on the Internet, and I truly don’t understand the nature of their objection to the term, and I would like to understand it. Are you similarly bothered by the existence of the term “heterosexual” (or to other terms that describe a more-common-than-not default state for humanity, like, I dunno, “civilian”?) If so, why; if not, what is the specific nature of your problem with “cisgender”?
There was a thread on this last year, but for me, one of my objections to the term is that I’ve pretty much _only_ encountered it being used as an insult, often in a “check your privilege” or “you’re part of the oppressors”-tone.
> [@Memnon](#):
>
> FWIW, I don’t like it either. It rhymes with piss, sounds like Sissy, and is basically an ugly sounding word. It just hits the ear wrong, somehow.
Also this, too.
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### Author:  [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)
#### Post date: [August 12, 2016, 10:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-get-and-am-sick-of-trans-stuff/762519/24 "2016-08-12T10:21:24Z")
> [@Bryan\_Ekers](#):
>
> You probably _could_, or at least grasp the concept if you took a college biology course that detailed basic genetics, fertilization and gestation.
That might provide and intellectual understanding - it will not provide a gut-level emotional understanding.
I have for a long time been adamant about transgender people deserving full rights and respect and freedom from oppression. I am capable of arguing passionately on their behalf. I also readily admit that I do _not_ understand their problem on an emotional level.
Then again, you don’t have to be able to do that to empathize with another human being as a human being. I don’t have to have a complete understanding of your problems to recognize that you have problems.
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### Author:  [@Sailboat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sailboat)
#### Post date: [August 12, 2016, 10:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-get-and-am-sick-of-trans-stuff/762519/25 "2016-08-12T10:48:14Z")
> [@faithfool](#):
>
> Similarly, but on a much larger scale than that, has been this bizarre ass election. When I’m doing my job in various clients’ homes, it’s on Fox or CNN. it’s every other thread here. It is all over Facebook, on the backs of bumpers and on signs in people’s yards, and most conversations seem to turn to it at some point or other. Yet, I’m still blissfully keeping from having anything to do with it.
>
> How?
>
> Because if I’m not interested in something, I find a way to keep that lack of interest between me and it. Not very difficult at all.
>
> And to think, neither of those issues (at least not yet) could result in anyone’s death. Just saying.
This is the most optimistic take on the current election cycle I’ve yet seen!
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### Author:  [@Walken\_After\_Midnight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walken_After_Midnight)
#### Post date: [August 12, 2016, 12:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-get-and-am-sick-of-trans-stuff/762519/26 "2016-08-12T12:39:02Z")
_Aneurysm of an Imbecile: My Life Story_, by Zeke N. Destroi.
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### Author:  [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)
#### Post date: [August 12, 2016, 12:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-get-and-am-sick-of-trans-stuff/762519/27 "2016-08-12T12:46:47Z")
> [@faithfool](#):
>
> Similarly, but on a much larger scale than that, has been this bizarre ass election.
The XKCD take on this phrase is more accurate than ever, since many people think that we would elect one no matter what.
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### Author:  [@GrumpyBunny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GrumpyBunny)
#### Post date: [August 12, 2016, 12:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-get-and-am-sick-of-trans-stuff/762519/28 "2016-08-12T12:49:57Z")
> [@Martini\_Enfield](#):
>
> There was a thread on this last year, but for me, one of my objections to the term is that I’ve pretty much _only_ encountered it being used as an insult, often in a “check your privilege” or “you’re part of the oppressors”-tone.
Perhaps it’s the conversations you’re involved in.
I’ve used it as a descriptor when speaking to a group that contains gay/straight/bi and trans\*/non-trans\* people. “Cis straight woman” is pretty damn specific and is indeed different than “straight woman”. “Cis” avoids the emotion involved in saying “biological” or “real” and is less of a mouthful than “I was born with bits that match my gender identity”. No one has ever used it as an insult toward me.
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### Author:  [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)
#### Post date: [August 12, 2016, 12:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-get-and-am-sick-of-trans-stuff/762519/29 "2016-08-12T12:59:54Z")
Last time I tried to wave my genitalia around like a flag, I got arrested for it. So I understand what it feels like to be persecuted.
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### Author:  [@naita](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/naita)
#### Post date: [August 12, 2016, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-get-and-am-sick-of-trans-stuff/762519/30 "2016-08-12T13:17:56Z")
Haven’t I seen this thread before?
Oh, and as people have already pointed out, the reason you’re still hearing about it is that those who don’t get it _and_ thinks it’s wrong and bad, are still making shit difficult, you dumb so and so.
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### Author:  [@joyfool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joyfool)
#### Post date: [August 12, 2016, 1:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-get-and-am-sick-of-trans-stuff/762519/31 "2016-08-12T13:19:27Z")
> [@Trinopus](#):
>
> That seems to me to be too close to what the OP is saying: “I don’t want to hear it, so stop talking.”
Considering **Leaffan** just started down this journey and it’s very personal to him and his family, versus a bunch of existential angst for the OP, I think we should cut him some slack. Don’t you?
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### Author:  [@Martini\_Enfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martini_Enfield)
#### Post date: [August 12, 2016, 1:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-get-and-am-sick-of-trans-stuff/762519/32 "2016-08-12T13:22:08Z")
> [@GrumpyBunny](#):
>
> Perhaps it’s the conversations you’re involved in.
>
> I’ve used it as a descriptor when speaking to a group that contains gay/straight/bi and trans\*/non-trans\* people. “Cis straight woman” is pretty damn specific and is indeed different than “straight woman”. “Cis” avoids the emotion involved in saying “biological” or “real” and is less of a mouthful than “I was born with bits that match my gender identity”. No one has ever used it as an insult toward me.
In my entire life, the number of transgender people I’ve met can be counted on one hand. Which means on the rare occasions I’d be discussing the concept IRL, I’m more likely to be using their name, or refering to “non-transgender”.
I’ve only ever encountered “cisgender” outside the SDMB as an insulting or derogatory term. I further understand this is not a popular or approved opinion, but too bad. That’s my experience and I’m getting just a bit tired of people telling me it’s invalid because of reasons.
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### Author:  [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)
#### Post date: [August 12, 2016, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-get-and-am-sick-of-trans-stuff/762519/33 "2016-08-12T13:24:13Z")
**Zeke** : I value the rights of trans people and the importance of fighting discrimination and brutality nigh-infinitely more than your preference not to hear about it. Complain all you want, but I don’t give a shit, relatively speaking, whether you want to hear about it or not.
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### Author:  [@Living\_Well\_Is\_Best\_Revenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Living_Well_Is_Best_Revenge)
#### Post date: [August 12, 2016, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-get-and-am-sick-of-trans-stuff/762519/34 "2016-08-12T13:35:23Z")
OP, you actually aren’t that much of an asshole. Your post wasn’t nearly as bad as expected. But please read Leaffan’s post and give it some real thought.
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### Author:  [@Damuri\_Ajashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Damuri_Ajashi)
#### Post date: [August 12, 2016, 2:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-get-and-am-sick-of-trans-stuff/762519/35 "2016-08-12T14:18:01Z")
> [@Zeke\_N.Destroi](#):
>
> I’m putting this in the pit because I expect to get slagged for saying this.
>
> I don’t understand transsexualism. I can’t. My entire - gender-related -frame of reference is based on being born the gender that I am. I don’t get transsexualism. To me, that’s fine. There are many things I don’t get but accept. This is one.
>
> I have exactly nothing against trans people with two exceptions; 1)if you were an asshole in one gender you’re still an asshole in the other 2) if you refer to me as cis-gendered I’ll put you in the first category. I hate that fucking term.
>
> The media has latched onto trans as the latest cause celebre and they are falling all over themselves in order to give exposure to trans-people and trans issues. And I am sick of it. Sick to the teeth. Sick to fucking death of it.
>
> Trans-people were born with a brain and a body that don’t match. Fine. Cool, do what you need to do to be happy. But leave me the fuck out of it.
>
> I don’t care!
>
> I don’t wave my genitalia or sexuality around like a flag. I don’t expect the world to give a shit about my particular challenges - challenges which have made me permanently miserable and wishing to be dead - and if others like me were to start waving a flag I’d not march under it. Because it is my shit.
>
> And yes I have been persecuted - though obviously not killed - and beaten for it. I’ve suffered the societal consequences for it.
>
> If you are trans, sucks to be you and I truly hope you can get it adjusted but leave me the fuck out of it.
>
> And bear in mind that what gains have been made for trans people have been made on the backs - primarily - of blacks and gays. The progress that trans-people have made in the last five years is entirely due to the work of the LGBQ community and trans-people have made more progress in those five years than the LGBQ did in the 40 years previous.
>
> For fuck’s sake you’ve won. You’ve got federal legislative support, recognition and protection - at least in North America. You’ve got a pretty good segment of society behind you. What more do you want?
>
> I will always be behind trans-peoples’ right to use the bathroom of their choice. I will always be behind trans-people being treated under law the same as anyone else. I support trans-rights and I will vote for those that favour them and against those who don’t.
>
> But I’m absolutely fucking tired of hearing about it.
>
> To be absolutely clear: I have no problem at all with transsexuals as people. I support transsexual rights. I abhor any form of bigotry against transsexuals.
>
> Let the flaming begin.
>
> Zeke
There is a good argument to be made that gay rights were achieved on the backs of the transgendered.
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### Author:  [@Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eyebrows_0f_Doom)
#### Post date: [August 12, 2016, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-get-and-am-sick-of-trans-stuff/762519/36 "2016-08-12T14:51:48Z")
> [@Zeke\_N.Destroi](#):
>
> But leave me the fuck out of it.
> [@Zeke\_N.Destroi](#):
>
> If you are trans, sucks to be you and I truly hope you can get it adjusted but leave me the fuck out of it.
😕 I would really like to hear more about how trans people are forcing you to be involved. Is this like when gays wanted the right to get married, all straight men were immediately forced to marry a man? Do you have to give yourself a shot of estrogen every time you hear about a trans person on TV?
Come on, before they can leave you the fuck out of it, you gotta say how they are forcing you the fuck into it.
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### Author:  [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)
#### Post date: [August 12, 2016, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-get-and-am-sick-of-trans-stuff/762519/37 "2016-08-12T15:07:04Z")
“Go ahead and fight for your rights if you feel you must but don’t engage in any of the practices that would draw attention to your cause so that you can make that argument to the public.”
Is that about it?
Since when has there been a successful civil rights campaign that happened without trying to make the public aware of the cause?
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### Author:  [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)
#### Post date: [August 12, 2016, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-get-and-am-sick-of-trans-stuff/762519/38 "2016-08-12T15:09:18Z")
If you are sick of hearing about something, why would you start a thread about the very topic that you don’t want to hear about?
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### Author:  [@Walken\_After\_Midnight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walken_After_Midnight)
#### Post date: [August 12, 2016, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-get-and-am-sick-of-trans-stuff/762519/39 "2016-08-12T15:18:41Z")
> [@Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](#):
>
> 😕 I would really like to hear more about how trans people are forcing you to be involved. Is this like when gays wanted the right to get married, all straight men were immediately forced to marry a man? Do you have to give yourself a shot of estrogen every time you hear about a trans person on TV?
>
> Come on, before they can leave you the fuck out of it, you gotta say how they are forcing you the fuck into it.
I’ve got nothing against transgender people. Let them be free to do their trans thing in peace, I say. But when they start making me dress in women’s clothing and sucking men’s cocks, I’ve got a real problem.
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### Author:  [@watchwolf49](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/watchwolf49)
#### Post date: [August 12, 2016, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-get-and-am-sick-of-trans-stuff/762519/40 "2016-08-12T15:29:12Z")
I don’t understand _trans_-gender either, but discrimination based strictly on hatred is always wrong … of course I’m sick of hearing about it … but the problem is hatred, not the _trans_-gendered.
I support anyone who fights hatred.
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