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Cutting through transgender debate

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What do students think?

The New York Times conducted a survey of student opinions about the Obama edict. They reflected a surprising 'freedom' of thought, given that the media and their president were pushing the pro-transgender agenda so forcefully. The few predictable supporters were outshone by these free thinkers:

* It's a decision that should be left for the school's administration and board to decide. Also, it shouldn't be a reason to pull out federal funding if schools choose not to follow this law. It's also up to Congress to write the laws, not the executive department. (Josh Booher, 18, Columbia, Pennsylvania)

* 1) I don't think it is the federal government's job to dictate what each school district does with its students. That is extreme government overreach, and it sets a bad precedent for the future. 2) I think that it is endangering females by opening the doors for any man who wants to enter locker rooms and restrooms where females are. I am not saying that transgender people will be the ones committing crimes; however, these laws and orders will allow any guy who wants to to enter these previously all-female spaces without being restricted by law. If schools want to provide a gender neutral restroom or space where transgender people can go, that is one thing, but eliminating any place where girls can go and have privacy from men is a very bad policy. This is terrible. (Grace Driggers, 17, South Carolina)

* It is first of all not the federal government's job to determine this for every school, and to be 100 percent honest, this makes me as a female very uncomfortable. This liberal push for equality in virtually EVERYTHING is beyond ridiculous. You are given a gender, and whether you agree with it or not, you go to the bathroom you are assigned -- not the one you determine. Mr. Obama, this is terrible, and for everyone out there that says this is a step for a safer environment, you are very, very mistaken. (Abbey Morgan, Parrish, Alabama)

* While I agree with the Obama administration in general and am an advocate for transgender rights, I'm pessimistic about the outcome. Schools that oppose challenging the gender binary will continue to do so, as they probably already resent the fast pace of social change and left-leaning federal government. In fact, schools with conservative administrations may be even more anti-trans in defiance. More open-minded, progressive schools probably have listened to student input in allowing transgender students to use the appropriate bathrooms and don't need the federal government's advice. All in all, this decision seemed like it was made for show; however, I agree with it and its significance is in its empowerment of and official solidarity with transgender students. It gives them a voice. (Jenny Xu, 16, New York)

* As a high schooler, I honestly couldn't care less which bathroom somebody uses if they're using whichever one matches their gender identification. I believe that the whole freakout on this issue is a ploy to distract people from the real issues that face us, like childhood poverty, undue corporate influence in politics and income inequality. (Andrew Figueiredo, 18, Wichita, Kansas)

Watching heterosexual politicians with their own cynical agendas, supported by a scattering of rock stars, basketball players and businessmen, pontificate on a highly complex and still-disputed issue--what does "transgender" mean?--makes a mockery of politics. Yes, gays were (and still are) subject to scapegoating. But Obama's move merely adds to the resentment of many otherwise indifferent, tolerant citizens, increasing homophobia if anything.

Thai vs US ladyboys
Thailand is the most sympathetic to this 'third sex', where kathoeys (ladyboys) are a regular part of entertainment such as movies, music entertainment, and television shows. But even if they have the full sex change, they are still men in their passports.

At least American transgenders have one up on them. As of 2010, in the US, not only transsexuals, but transgenders can change their sex in their passports with a letter showing "you have had clinical treatment determined by your doctor to be appropriate in your case to facilitate gender transition." Translation: anything goes. With or without genitals, American men who don't like being men can be officially women--at least in State Department eyes. Only states are daring to buck the tide and call a spade a spade--until the Supreme Court decides otherwise.

Enough of this tempest in a teapot. Occam's Razor states: don't make things unnecessarily complicated.

As long as you are still a male, use 'the men's'. If you really, really want to be a woman, using Occam's Razor, have the offending member cut off and a vagina fashioned from it, undergo cosmetic surgery, take estrogen for the rest of your life, and then use 'the ladies' with no complaints from anyone. But make up your mind!
xxx

* LGBTQQIP means Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, and Pansexual; LGBTQIA means Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Intersex and Allies. There are many other acronyms vying for popularity.

American Herald Tribune

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Eric writes for Al-Ahram Weekly and PressTV. He specializes in Russian and Eurasian affairs. His "Postmodern Imperialism: Geopolitics and the Great Games", "From Postmodernism to Postsecularism: Re-emerging Islamic Civilization" and "Canada (more...)
 

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