The media and us.

[Anonymous]

Yep – tragic, but true (mind you, any media coverage is better than no media coverage (see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symbolic_annihilation)).

And it goes some way to illustrate my mantra, that one of the cornerstones of achieving understanding, acceptance and equality is positive media portrayal. Seen any trans* judges, doctors, politicians, public servants or business leaders on TV lately (let alone ethnic minority ones)?

What can be done about it? Be active. Be involved. Bring about change.

But hey, that’s me – an idealist, right?

[Elizabeth]

It was written from our perspective, and from the media point of view, about time. It was truthful without being ‘gushy.’ I think that such media coverage is a positive step on the long road of acceptance. The slogan ough to be, ‘Changing public perceptions around gender challenges’ As I see it, changing close family perceptions of what we are and how transgenderism comes into being is paramount. Surely, close family ridicule and rejection is a primal cause of suicidal thoughts, attempts and successes. It’s all tied up to the general view of ‘looney’ transsexuals. We have a long, long way to travel, but I think there is a pin prick of light at the end of the long tunnel.

[Anonymous]

Elizabeth-Liz – I may have it wrong, but my take on this article is that notwithstanding having transgenderism having been given greater media attention, that attention currently given seems to be along the lines of the topics set out in the article under “the standard narratives”. The point is that the media is treating trans issues in a very shallow manner and do not address the real plight of gender diversity – essentially, the section setting out “the narrative that is erased”.

I would have concluded, that the “standard narratives” seem to stop short in ‘Changing public perceptions around gender challenges’ – and at best, merely raise the point that challenges may exist. But I may be more cynical than the average punter.

I guess we agree on one thing – “We have a long, long way to travel, but I think there is a pin prick of light at the end of the long tunnel.”