Not buying trans clothing company
Editor:
As a transgender woman in my sixth year of transition, I found myself mystified when reading an article about a clothing company specializing in clothing for transgender women (“Transgender clothing company marks growth,” Oct. 5-11). The article stated they provide a full array of fashion options designed to fit transwomen. Did someone forget to tell me seven years ago that I needed special clothing because I was transgender? Really? I never seem to have a problem with fit [when I buy] clothing at any women’s store. Am I some kind of freak because I don’t have a need to buy “transgender women” clothing?
Since when does my female body need special clothing because I am transgender? This somehow suggests that transwomen’s bodies are in some way odd and different, in some way deformed. As a transwoman, I have no need for special clothing. I buy my clothes just like non-transwomen. You know, Ross, Macy’s, H&M work just great.
I find the idea of “transgender female” clothing insulting, degrading, harmful, exploitive, ridiculous and outright unnecessary. Maybe someone is confusing transgender with crossdressers or drag queens. Both of the latter are not “transgender,” which requires a diagnosis of gender-identity dysphoria, and they are not on hormone therapy physically changing their bodies.
The problem doesn’t stop there. I have seen websites selling “transgender women’s makeup.” For this woman, that is called M.A.C., L’Oreal, Smashbox, CoverGirl, etc. When will people get it? We are women! I am a woman! Got it?
— Rachel Ambrose Philadelphia
Editor:
The sports teams and Team Philadelphia say thank you to Franny Price and Chuck Volz for making OutFest the great event it is and providing the LGBT athletic community the opportunity to work together to bring sports to more than 1,300 participants during the year. Thanks also to PGN for the tremendous coverage of sports.
— Bob Szwajkos Philadelphia