Transcending language

Author explores the transgressive terminology 'transgendered' and 'transgenders'

 

Nothing makes me cringe more than when I see or hear someone say, “They are transgenders,” or “Jane is transgendered.” As if being a transgender person is an action, “transgender, transgendered, will transgender.”

That’s why I’m so glad author Joanne Herman wrote “Transgender or Transgendered?” a piece that explores this grammatical gaffe:

“Of course, terminology does evolve in everyday usage, in spite of what any media guide, dictionary, or blogger says. Perhaps ‘transgendered’ and ‘transgenders’ will become accepted usage one day. I hope not.”

You and me both, Joanne.

Michael Lyons is a queer-identified, chaotic neutral writer, activist, misanthrope, sapiosexual, and feline enthusiast. He is a columnist, blogger and regular contributor with Xtra and has contributed to Plenitude Magazine, KAPSULA Magazine, Crew Magazine, Memory Insufficient e-zine, The Ryersonian, Buddies Theatre blog, Toronto Is Awesome blog and Fab Magazine and more.

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