Ruffled Feathers?

By Allie McLaughlin


Ed. Note: Two weeks ago an article by Leah MacLean referred to a story that Allie wrote in which a comment was made about conservative TGs. Here is Allie's response.
First off, let me say that I never expected that comments in my interview with Nancy Nangeroni would result in someone's identity crisis. I agree that there's room for all of us in this vast, slowly opening closet filled with feather boas, silky dresses, and denim work shirts. What I expressed — since the interview with Nancy couldn't be broached without a comment on political points of view — was that I was astonished to find that there are transgendered folk who have conservative values. This doesn't mean that they don't exist. Only that I, in my albeit sheltered world-view from The People's Republic of Cambridge, MA, found it surprising.

The way I look at it, conservative (read Republican) administrations tend not to include gays, lesbians, and transgendered folk in their political platforms. Therefore, it seems odd that someone from either of these groups would, in turn, support a conservative party or candidate. If someone out there can introduce me to a conservative politician who openly supports strong anti-discrimination laws, then I may someday consider voting outside my own party.

Allie McLaughlin I'll be the first to admit that I'm somewhat naive, perhaps characteristically idealistic, when it comes to politics. I tend to identify my transgenderism with a sense of life-long oppression, and further associate life-long oppression with an allegiance toward progressive, open-minded values. In this regard, I'd never suggest that Leah (or any other conservative TG) crawl back inside her closet, regardless of the style of wardrobe inside. In fact, though it wasn't my intention, I'm glad that my interview with Ms. Nangeroni ruffled someone's feathers enough to coax out commentary on an issue that will hopefully have increasing exposure in this forum.


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