Do you agree with this statement? Read more here: “A lot of gay men are gay men as a consolation prize because they couldn’t be women”, says trans author Juno Dawson | Attitude Magazine
That's not a good phrase. I agree that there are people who label themselves as "gay" when they are actually trans (the reasons for that can be discussed). But the phrase is easily misinterpreted, and doesn't correctly express the idea (i think) she wants to transmit. And the "consolation prize" thing is kinda offensive in my opinion...
She basically says being gay is a choice, which is offensive to millions of gays and lesbians. There is nothing wrong with being trans, but there is nothing wrong with being gay either. Many gay men and women are perfectly happy in the body they were born, and that should be totally fine and acceptable. It's wrong to judge them.
I've heard gay men say similar things about trans women *sigh* It's making the mistake that anyone who is gay or gender non-conforming is automatically trans. What of those who transitioned but later decided it wasn't for them? True, I think many people can technically go either way, but because something was true for you doesn't mean its true for all. She does touch on something important: how depressed many gay men are, but that has more to do with living in a homophobic society. I'm sure some people would be happier if gay men and women could just "turn" trans, but that's not how things work. Besides, if they're living as gay men, but are trans women, they aren't gay men, right?
I feel that this is one of the cases in which what she was trying to say has nothing really to do with the title of the article and of this thread.I think that she was just trying to point out that a lot of trans women take on the identity of gay men because they can't transition or are afraid to do so. As far I can understand, when she said consolation prize she meant to say that the closetted trans women in question have a larger amount of freedom to express their femininity because they identify as gay and are a part of the LGBT community. She is talking from her own experience and as such we can assume that she is directing her comment to other trans women and not gay men.
That's some ignorant shit right there and is proof of the division between members of the community. Usually it's gay commenting on trans people but this just reinforces it goes both ways like racism. Basically, fuck that bitch and move on.
Seen plenty of people who are trans and gay at the same time, it's not rocket science. Some people get their facts screwed up, but we shouldn't let the ignorance of a few derail anything. It's not like the US where such would get you a government seat.
I'm gay and on the feminine side but I would never want to be a female. I enjoy being a male personally.
this is pretty offensive in my opinion. i understand how some gays get mixed up with the trans population but that doesnt mean that this woman has the right to tell others what they are or arent.
I don't agree. I like being a guy very much and I don't want to be a women. No offense ladies, I just really like being a guy.
Omg, drama, drama, drama. Wtf ppl? This is what internalized oppression does to ppl. Everyone wants a scapegoat. Why can't we all just get along? Jesus!
Reading the article makes it seem a lot less controversial than it otherwise seems: the point of the article is that for people who grew up without even knowing transgenderism is a thing figured they must be gay - I guess. Seems less relevant for Millennials and later generations given the education level, if it is something that is/was relevant at all in the first place.