Both bisexuality and transgender are fluid notions of identity, while lesbian and gay are fixed identities. Some people believe that means there should be two movements: LG and BT. But then what're ya gonna do about SM players? And intersexed folks who want their own I in the alphabet soup of sex and gender related politics?
Kate BornsteinI see fashion as a proclamation or manifestation of identity, so, as long as identities are important, fashion will continue to be important. The link between fashion and identity begins to get real interesting, however, in the case of people who don't fall clearly into a culturally-recognized identity.
Kate BornsteinIt's easy to fictionalize an issue when you're not aware of the many ways in which you are privileged by it.
Kate BornsteinThe first question we usually ask new parents is : โIs it a boy or a girl ?โ. There is a great answer to that one going around : โWe donโt know ; it hasnโt told us yet.โ Personally, I think no question containing โeither/orโ deserves a serious answer, and that includes the question of gender.
Kate BornsteinMy own take on the word "transgender" is that it's an umbrella term for anyone who breaks any rules, laws, guidelines or protocol of gender. So, to really be an ally, it's important that you recognize and embrace your own transgender nature. Really, I haven't met a single person who doesn't break some rule of gender. In other words, we will assimilate you. Resistance is futile.
Kate Bornstein