Caitlyn apparently blew into Houston last week to do an Episode of I am Cait on Houston and HERO. One would assume that she would work closely with Houston trans-activists, including one of the country’s leading trans-activists, Monica Roberts. Apparently...not so much.
Per Wikipedia, intersectionality is the study of overlapping or intersecting social identities and related systems of oppression, domination or discrimination. Intersectionality is one of the key components of third wave feminism. It’s also a critical, if not a core part of trans-issues and trans-identity. Societal oppression falls most heavily on transwomen of color. From murder through economic discrimination, race and class greatly exacerbate the trans-misogyny rampant, not just in America, but across the world.
HERO was the poster child for trans-intersectionality. It wasn’t just the bathroom issue, it was protections against racial discrimination, against economic discrimination and against religious discrimination. For everyone. But, for trans-women, it was intersectional protection. Livelihoods were protected. Legal rights were protected. Lives were protected.
But, things went wrong. HERO’s defeat involved race. It involved class. It involved plutocratic interference. It involved religious leaders. It involved minority leaders. It failed because Democrats voted against it. Clearly, overtly, and simply due to trans-misogyny. It truly is the poster child to highlight both trans-misogyny and the fact that trans-misogyny isn’t just an issue with Republicans—it crosses political, racial, and economic boundaries.
So, if one was going to use the bully pulpit to create a teaching moment from HERO’s defeat, it would seem a given that the trans-activists in Houston would not only be included, but would help shape the message. They’ve worked for years on this and they have unique insight into why it failed. Including insight into how and why religious and minority leaders were co-opted into shilling Republican hate speech. And the first Houston trans-activist to be included should have been Monica Roberts. Almost 10 years writing a (perhaps the) leading blog by a transwoman of color. Winner of a zillion awards, including the Virginia Prince Transgender Pioneer Award last October. She’s a big deal. And she got dissed. Along with everyone else in Houston.
I could rant about the team that actually appeared on the show, but the photo above is worth a thousand words. The other thousand words, many of them expletives, would address the photo here, showing Caitlyn and the minister who was one of the Republican shills “praying”. There’s a lot of that going on now. And, just like all those prayers for mass shooting victims, these prayers are pretty much worth a warm bucket of spit. Trans-Houstonians don’t have any protections as a result of this minister’s actions. Neither do any other groups. Oh, and how would you rate this picture on the diversity-o-meter?
Trick question.
Many in the trans-community haven’t been wildly enthusiastic about Caitlyn. My disillusionment happened during The Interview with Bruce, where Bruce said “I’m a Republican and a Christian” and “I believe in the Constitution.” Hmmm. Ignoring the obvious responses to that, I’ll point out a huge irony that happened that very same week. One that apparently didn’t get any press, although it said volumes about what some of the real issues are with LGBT rights. The day before The Interview, the New York Times ran an article about gay real estate moguls Ian Reisner and Mati Weiderpass hosting a fundraiser for Ted Cruz. Ted Fricking Cruz. The same Ted Cruz who appeared at Swanson’s “Kill the Gays” rally. I’d say f*cking instead of fricking, but I used up all of my really bad words for the week on the “gaythoritarianism” diary last night. Yeah, it’s here on the Kos too. But I digress.
It’s about class. Probably race too, but definitely class. The gay tycoons presumably don’t want to be dead, but they’re really, really concerned about taxes. Caitlyn believes in the Constitution and the right of transwomen to pee in safety, but, let’s just say it, she really, really worries about the tax situation on the profits from her and those other shows.
I won’t say Caitlyn’s had an easy ride on her transition, but it’s been a hell of a lot easier for her being rich and white and all. Hideously expensive surgeries? No problem. Wardrobe—hell, why not play dress up with $10,000 gowns? And a glam car to pose in. And a magazine cover flaunting That Which America Is Most Curious About. Oh, and thereby reinforcing stereotypes and the sexualization of transwomen? Don’t worry about it. And let’s not forget the instant friends like Jenny Boylan. And Kate fricking “trans freaks” Bornstein, for God’s sake?
Sadly, I am Cait is the primary exposure many people have to trans issues. And it’s fluffy, fairy tale entertainment. Unfortunately, it’s being (expensively) garbed as “significant”. No, Caitlyn, significant is trans-intersectionality. Significant is calling BS on right wing hate shills (and their little prayers, too). Significant is allowing transwomen of color to tell their stories.
Shame on you, Caitlyn