Its amazing sometimes that words that are designed to clarify and communicate leave everyone confused. The word Transgender is like that, even among the transgendered. We should know that it lumps a lot of people who are nothing alike, together. That's because it gathers a broad spectrum of Transvestites, Crossdressers, Transsexuals, Androgynes and Gender Benders all under one umbrella. To further confuse things each subcategory has several other categories. There are half a dozen Crossdresser types, levels of Androgynes and two Main classes of Transsexuals (Primary and secondary). Then there are the public perceptions of us such as all Transsexuals are sexy shemales in the porn industry or that Transgender means all of us are gay emulations of women.

For some, its a more confusing ride, as its very possible to have a gay body and a straight mind, or the reverse. Sometimes only after the mind and body is one to we really know what our true orientation is.

The purpose of this article is NOT to explain the word transgender further, or to dispel facts from fiction. Rather it to show that we really ALL do have some things in common.

Closeting: We all are or were closeted at some point. Why are we closeted? We have great deal of fear, guilt, shame and low self esteem. We're terrified someone will find out and someone usually does.

Coming Out: No matter who you come out to or how much you explain its about gender everyones First question will be "Are you Gay"? That's just family and friends, as the public views us with disgust and comtempt.

Discrimination Hatred: Housing discrimination, job descrimination, bathroom discrimination. Those that hate you because you are different.

Violence: Violence against us is at an all time high even in this day and age. Remember Our Dead. Remember, there are still countries where Gays and Transgendered can be stoned to death for being who we are.

Suicidal thoughts or Depression, OCD or attempts cutting or mutilation. We have all had either some or all of these. We have the highest rate if suicide of any other group. If you are Transgendered you may have already had a period of Suicide ideation if not an actual attempt. The rate has been estimated to be as much as a third of us, or up to 11 times the normal rate. Depression is often a part of our lives and should be treated with therapy

We are learning about ourselves and how to deal with it. We are often confused about oursleves until we get the proper information or therapy. We often get conflicting information and even myths or preconceptions.. The Transgendered are growing and learning constantly unlike many other groups.

Secrets and Silent Suffering : Many of us will unfortunatley take our secrets to our graves and suffer in Silence. We are old, we are young, we are middleaged.

We are Family. The only support we are going to get is through ourselves. That's a fact. Love each other, nurture each other. Lets NOT send each other over the edge.

It follows then that it doesn't matter if we are Fetishists, secondary TS, or Male to female, or female to male. It doesn't matter if you wear fingernails and lipstick in male mode or sport sideburns or a mustache or take estrogen or testosterone. We are the same, we are Transgendered, we are Family. We face too many obstacles to take our anger out on each other. We each need to accept each other as we woulld have them accept us.

Here at Laura's Playground we accept ALL the transgendered and Intersexxed, not just some of you. We are a support site dedicated to our fine community. You will find love, friendship, acceptance and respect here regardless of what category or subcategory you are in. We are all equal in the eyes of the godess. We only have one request. Follow the rules and treat others with respect.

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