“Who/What is a Tranny?”

**Message from Viewer: ** ‎(I’d rather message you this, but it doesn’t seem like i can messge you)

Hey queen, so you know I dig you and that your attitude and your make-up is a total inspiration to me all the time… but I really have to say something about the way you use words like “trans” and “tranny” when you’re talking about your make-up, etc. As a trans person this not only bums me out, but also worries me. The “t-word” is a word that is used in incredibly violent ways towards trans women and many many trans women have come out to speak against people who aren’t trans women (including trans men like myself) using that word. I’m sure you don’t have any harmful intent, but it would mean a lot to me if you would think some more about the harmful impact of those words, and how even when we think we’re using them in a fun, ironic, or loving way, they still contribute to the culture of violence and transphobia that results in the deaths of so many trans women (especially trans women of color).

Here’s a couple links to videos and articles that are written by trans women who can talk about all of this much more eloquently and appropriately than I can. I trust that you’ll take the time to think about this. Much love xo

http://www.bilerico.com/2010/12/lets_talk_about_tranny_-_meanings.php

http://youtu.be/vYDTY2obWg8

My response: Hi Myles! Firstly, THANK YOU for bringing up this topic and opening my eyes! It is extremely unfortunate that many trans women are abused for being themselves; and how the word “trans” is [can] be used in negative context. This also applies to all women, men; people. All walks of life; somewhere there is someone being abused, bullied, belittled for who they are; and this is not just!

Contrary to the links you’ve posted above, I’ve always viewed and used the word ‘trans/tranny’ as a huge compliment. My gfs (and when I say gfs, that’s also including my gay bfs) use it all the time as a way to flatter each other. For example, if my weave (or actual hair, we still call it weave; confusing, I know) is looking on point and/or makeup, we’d call each other trans or something of that derivative (ex. tranmode, tranpira, tranny, tranny god mother, etc).

Let’s look at a proper definition of the word “trans”, shall we?

“trans-  1. a prefix occurring in loanwords from Latin ( transcend;transfix ); on this model, used with the meanings “across,”“beyond,” “through,” “changing thoroughly,” “transverse,” incombination with elements of any origin: transisthmian;trans-Siberian; transempirical; transvalue. 2. Chemistry . a prefix denoting a geometric isomer having apair of identical atoms or groups on the opposite sides oftwo atoms linked by a double bond. Compare cis- ( def. 2 ). 3. Astronomy . a prefix denoting something farther from thesun (than a given planet): trans-Martian; trans-Neptunian.”

“Beyond”

“Changing thoroughly”

… “Beyond”?!

This is brilliant!

Dictionary.com obviously doesn’t think the word Trans is negative of any sort. How the word became used in a derogatory way to attack our fierce trans boggles my mind!

Here’s my definition of what who/what a Tranny actually is;

A tranny is more woman than the average; fierce, confident; knows what she wants; follows her intuition; leads by example; encourages and empowers her fellow females; women [and male] empowerment; knowing and owning who you are. The list goes on… She sounds pretty amazing, right?

Society and the media has it’s way of manipulating and misconstruing anything! It’s a really fucked up world we live in. When someone tries to attack you by calling you a Tran (which really doesn’t make any sense), respond “Damn fucking right!” Why let other people’s insecurities and ignorance convert something so positive into something antagonistic; to try and “destroy” you? Don’t.

Don’t ever give anyone permission to make you feel inferior.

It is a shame that this word is used violently and a way to attack people; Let’s educate them! Let’s spread the awareness that being a tran is nothing to be ashamed of. We can change this ‘stereotype’. I want my viewers, friends, friend of friends, fellow trans, butches and drag queens and everyone in between to know that being who you are is nothing to be ashamed of.

Who do I consider a tran? Beyonce (obviously), Madonna (Queen of trans), Lady Gaga (Tranny Disciple), Ciara (No one whips their weave as fierce a Her), Rihanna (she’s sophisticated butch/tran), Kelis (since day one), Jennifer Lopez! I love all these women! And yes, they are all [in my books] Trans.

I am on a mission to convert, no, RECTIFY what the media has fuct up for all my fellow Trans.

Pretty sure baby jesus is on my side on this one.

I hope you can see where I’m coming from. My motive is to spread positivity, confidence in my sisters and make them feel unstoppable!

Thank you again for voicing your opinion. I am so grateful that my viewers are so vocal and passionate about their beliefs!

Keep evolving, never be sorry for who you are and show ‘em who’s the baddest bitch/witch/tran of them all.

ALL MY LOVE, MILA XXX