Trans in Fandom

Image by Fausto Hernandez Photography via Flickr

Ever since I started speaking on panels related to GLBT issues in Fandom, I have become increasingly familiar with the issues of our community.  They are interesting and not always what you expect to hear.

When Iambic Kilometer said this, I closed my eyes.  I've heard it so many times before.

I want to see the guy win the transgirl. I want the genderqueer person in a position of power, kicking ass, taking names. I want the transguy to live happily ever after. I want to read or watch their stories and think, "Hey, maybe that could be me." I want other people, cisgendered people, to read and watch these stories and think, "Hey, maybe that could be me." I want fandom to make more characters transgendered. I want every single minority to get even and skillful representation, and I want to overhear people on the bus talking about how cool some trans TV personality is. I want, in my wildest fantasies, some kid someday to find me at Comic Con and tell me that my trans character is their absolute favourite (iambickilometer).

Honestly, I don't think this is a matter of exclusion or inclusion, it is simply a matter of blindness.  Most writers, even gay and lesbian writers don't spare a moment to think about our trans brothers and sisters.  Out of sight, out of mind...

I think the issue is exacerbated by the gay men who are so focused on masculine imagery or the other hetero-normalized queers who want mainstream society to accept them at any cost and so they have to throw under the bus anyone who would not be in a Disney movie.

It's time for a change.  Let's get started.