This is an evolving conversation that is finally getting wider recognition as trans people are actually listened to and direct these decisions. This means that changes and mistakes happen publicly, and it’s messy!

I notice that often, trans people (including myself) project our experience onto all others for some sense of validity and belonging. When we see something that contradicts our experience, it causes insecurity.

“I wouldn’t want that, so obviously this is true for everyone else and this is automatically an act of transphobia.”

“I don’t feel that way. Am I really trans?”

And so on.

There’s a desire for one-size-fits-all solutions. But I think what we need instead is the flexibility and room to accommodate multiple solutions where we have the safety of correcting people without the threat of violence.

Anywho. The nature of language and power and semiotics and ethics and aesthetics continues to occupy my every waking thought.