Why A/B/O or omegaverse isn't inherently transphoic - a Thread
Before I start going into the nitty-gritty of the subject, I want to clarify a few things. 1) I am a non-binary person, which lands me on the trans spectrum, I can't speak for binary trans people and therefore I have interviewed a trans man prior to making the thread.
2) This thread is not a hard fact, if you find typical omegaverse transphobic I won't take that away from you. I just want to tell m opinion as well as share what my trans friends thought about the subject. You have the rights to feel differently, but let's discuss politely.
3) Context matters. This thread isn't to defend stories that are indeed transphobic, misogynistic or offensive. This is a thread detailing why I think the genre isn't /inherently/ transphobic.
Now to the thread.
Now to the thread.
Omegaverse has been an argued genre for the whole time I've navigated my way through the world of fanfics. Some love it, some don't care and others loathe it. It's often said to be transphobic by nature, portraying toxic relationships and what not. But it's not that simple.
1 - Omegaverse in books
Omegaverse doesn't only exist in fanfiction. There are books sold that feature a world in omegaverse. Most of these books are homoerotic/romantic with women often not in major roles.
In these books, homosexuality is depicted with the same normalcy as
Omegaverse doesn't only exist in fanfiction. There are books sold that feature a world in omegaverse. Most of these books are homoerotic/romantic with women often not in major roles.
In these books, homosexuality is depicted with the same normalcy as
heterosexuality. Gay marriage is not only legal and acceptable but sometimes also expected. Male pregnancy plays a role in that, as omega males are able to reproduce biologically like females.
While not perfect, these stories offer a safe society freed o homophobia, which can be
While not perfect, these stories offer a safe society freed o homophobia, which can be
comforting for gay men to read about. A world where their sexuality is treated like most societies treat heterosexuality.
Nowhere in the stories are characters depicted as trans or in any way connected to trans identities. They're not trying to say anything about being trans.
Nowhere in the stories are characters depicted as trans or in any way connected to trans identities. They're not trying to say anything about being trans.
That in my opinion already clears a lot when it comes to omegaverse, since the genre isn't even trying to comment on trans people.
Inherently it's not erasing the trans experience or validity of trans people. It's simply adding validity to homosexuality.
Inherently it's not erasing the trans experience or validity of trans people. It's simply adding validity to homosexuality.
2 - tw // boypussy, bp, genitalia
More in the gray area is the change of male characters' genitalia to female ones. As I asked my friends, they said in this case context matters the most but they didn't think it's transphobic inherently.
More in the gray area is the change of male characters' genitalia to female ones. As I asked my friends, they said in this case context matters the most but they didn't think it's transphobic inherently.
The whole idea is based around toying with biology of the world, my friend said. It's easier to cross the line here, but it's not by default crossed.
This is also usually part of the NSFW side of things, which isn't meant for a wide audience. That content is for a specific niche
This is also usually part of the NSFW side of things, which isn't meant for a wide audience. That content is for a specific niche
of people. If done in great fun, respect in mind and separation from reality, the fiction isn't meant to invalidate trans people in the slightest.
What my friends said and I had already been thinking myself, is that the genre is tricky and can be done in a very toxic way, but it always isn't. Context is the biggest key in omegaverse and to call it inherently transphobic is making a big generalisation.
Omegaverse at the end of the day isn't here to remove being trans or to make light of the experiences many trans people have. It's not erasing our existence.
Even with the genitalia thing, I find it hard to say it's someway transphobic by itself.
Even with the genitalia thing, I find it hard to say it's someway transphobic by itself.
But if you feel offended by the genre, you have your rights to do so. Just try to keep in mind where the heart of it lays before harassing people for enjoying the genre.
I won't address the other problems of omegaverse here, but I am open to talk about it. I am sorry if the thread is bad, it's my first thread, but I just wanted to finally talk about it. Polite discussion is fine, but I will block anyone coming at me with rudeness.
- end of the not so great thread.