Open Forum: Will Part of the Trans Community Go Extinct?

Let me preface this open forum discussion with the fact that more transgender people are coming out than ever before and gender variation is the most accepted it has ever been (in modern societies that is). With the rise of gender bending, metrosexuality, feminism, and gender neutrality many males and females are expressing facets of both their masculinity and femininity. It is no longer uncommon in urban populaces to see cisgender heterosexual men neatly groomed displaying "feminine" attributes or stereotypically female products or to see a straight woman with short butch hair in a suit. Gender stereotypes are quickly dissipating and society is moving in a direction towards acceptance of gender expression. While we are still very far from being a truly genderless world we are growing increasingly tolerant and carefree about the irrelevance of someones gender identity or expression.

With gender (not sex) slowly becoming a thing of the past will there eventually be a contingent of the transgender community (crossdressers, drag queens/kings) who don't feel the need to opt for surgical changes but merely dress in the opposite gender from which they were born go extinct? In a world where cosmestics, mucles, facial hair, and expressions are no longer gender specific someone trying to genderbend will have no gender to play with because nothing will be distinctly male or female.

National Drag History Month 2010

January 2010 marks the second year with the celebration of National Drag History Month! This month-long event salutes the richness of drag culture and pays tribute to the courageous queens & kings who have fought for equality while inspiring, educating & entertaining us all.

See films, articles and more at:
http://www.draghistorymonth.com

Word of the Gay: "Andromimetophilia"

"Andromimetophilia" is a term used to describe people who are attracted to women who impersonate men, or to female-to-male transgender individuals.

Word of the Gay: "Drag Show"

A "drag show" is a production put on by males dressed in female attire, and females dressed in male attire. The actors are commonly referred to as drag queens and kings. These shows are a form of entertainment and celebration of gender bending and expression. Shows can consist of singing, modeling, comedy routines, and different skits.

Open Forum: A Drag for Trans Liberation?

Drag shows are becoming increasingly popular throughout the country especially on college campuses. Gays and straights alike are getting involved by participating in the shows or coming to watch as part of the audience. Many Gay-Straight Alliances throughout the country are hosting drag shows at their schools which are being celebrated as a fun time to kick back and have a good time.

What are the political ramifications of drag shows? Are they a positive or negative step in the fight for transgender liberation?

On one hand drag shows are an opportunity for someone who is transgender and closeted to feel safe and affirmed with the opportunity to express their true gender identity in a setting where it is accepted (atleast for the day). It is also an opportunity for gay and straight folks alike to see that gender expression is varied and cross dressing is not as taboo as society has made us think it is. Drag shows help break down barriers of gender dichotomy, and celebrate the exploration and experimentation with toying with our respective gender identities.

On the other hand drag shows are also looked at by many as simply freak shows. They attend such celebrations much like they attend Halloween and Mardis Gras as an attempt to have a good time and laugh at their friends. Or dress up themselves for the fun of it. These people are not viewing drag shows as an opportunity to break down the barriers of gender or to promote acceptance of gender variance but more as an attempt to make fun of the opposite gender from which they identify.

Thoughts? Do you feel drag shows help or hurt the movement for transgender lib?

Word of the Gay: "Drag King"

A "drag king" is a biological female who impersonates a male. Drag is usually done for entertainment purposes and does not necessarily reflect the persons desire to live as a male or female.