I’m Tired of Hearing the ‘M-Word’

It’s funny, the words people adopt as standard when describing things. You can learn a lot about someone’s views on a subject simply through the words they use in serious discussions of it. For instance, consider the “agenda” of gay rights supporters. The only people who refer to the gay rights movement as having a cohesive “agenda” are those who oppose it. Why? Because it lets them paint it in a scary light, as a looming menace.

There are plenty of such telltale words within discussions of transsexuality as well, but one in particular stands out: mutilation. I have not encountered a single trans individual or sympathizer who has ever used the term “mutilation” to refer to any aspect of transsexual existence. This is a term strictly used by those who deride, denounce, or otherwise disrespect trans individuals.

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