In a sense, this was probably to expected. Just view the language now used around issues of sexual identity. Whereas gay and lesbian ”” or even just gay ”” was once considered fine it is now necessary to add a whole bunch more of sexual identities.
The simplest is LGBT ”” lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender ”” but it is not uncommon to see LGBTTIQ ”” lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, two-spirited, intersex, queer and questioning.
Use these terms enough and no longer is it right question why these various groups are being jammed together ”” even though being transgender has nothing to do with being gay and I still have no idea how two spirited became a category. The decision that they are related comes from interest groups and not common sense. And now politicians, journalists and social scientist feel obliged to repeat this litany as if it was the law of the land.
This is nothing to do with liberalism but with group-think.
What in the heck in intersex?
Wait…don’t answer that. I don’t even want to know.
I’ve been wondering that myself. So I looked it up. It’s basically what they used to call hermaphrodite. Here’s the definition from the pertinent interest group: http://www.isna.org/faq/what_is_intersex
Hmmm…I shouldn’t have read that right after lunch. I need to go find some Tums.
Here is what I wrote when I linked to it from my FB page.
What is “two-spirited?”
It’s interesting — you know the one that’s totally missing and unaddressed? Asexual. As in, lacking an interest in sex. I did a quick Google and learned that at least 1 percent of the population is asexual — but that number is likely larger if you include/identify people who are married and going through the motions despite a lack of sexual interest or desire.
So, there are far more asexual people than transgenders but TEC and Integrity and the various activist groups ignore them! That’s discriminatory! That’s not full inclusion! Something needs to be done about this! 😀
@Teatime2 – I got this definition from the Urban Dictionary:
“In contemporary times, with the advent of lesbian and gay liberation, “two-spirited” means Aboriginal people who identify themselves as gay or lesbian. The terms “gay” and “lesbian” are European in origin, so the term “two-spirited” is preferred because it is more culturally relevant to Aboriginal lesbians and gay men.”
Phew, the acronym is going to get really, really long as each language/people add their own word’s initial.
Wow, Aboriginal? Just how many aboriginal members does TEC have? Thanks, IMG. I never in a million years would have guessed that one!
Well, that’s it. I want my own acronym/orientation. I’m sure I can make up something compelling and sob on command about how oppressed I feel! 😉
RE: “I’m sure I can make up something compelling and sob on command about how oppressed I feel!”
Teatime . . . I think you must be feeling better! ; > )
Your comments are rather spirited and frisky over the past couple of weeks.
Or maybe post-General Convention has this effect on all of us!
Thank you, Sarah. Yes, recovery from my latest surgery has progressed quite well and I should be released from restriction (and this bloody awful surgical corset) soon! Other than that, I’m preparing to go to England this fall to visit friends so perhaps I’m practicing being cheeky!
Hmm, I wonder what the C of E faithful will have to say about this latest installment of “As TEC Turns.” They’re usually quite polite and understated.