by Robbi Cohn | November 14th, 2009, 12:05 amThere are several fundamental themes that always seem to repeat themselves in trans matters: if the bathroom issue is most insidious, then the battle over language and nomenclature is surely close behind. In his latest book, Dan Brown has drawn attention to the latter.Although I am neither a freemason nor a Rosicrucian, I will admit to having a lay interest in the history of religions as it relates to the so-called ancient mysteries. Dan Brown has written amply on the subject in his novels “Angels and Demons,” and of course, “The DaVinci Code.” His latest book, “The Lost Symbol,” explores similar subject matter liberally, some would say, but not too far from what my lay reading of the literature would support.He manages, however, to make a “fine mess of it all” in one particularly inarticulate passage. In his books, Mr. Brown often attests to the accuracy of details within his narratives. Sadly, his use of the word “transgendering” is completely erroneous, poorly investigated and will only feed the fires of those who say he has thoroughly misrepresented the truth. He goes on to compare being transgender to tattooing and alleged bodily mutilations, setting him in rather sad company regarding his ignorance of what it means to be transgender.The fact of the matter is there is no such thing as “transgendering.” Being transgender is not a process, a person does not “become” trans, they are trans. I often encounter those who insist on using the expression “transgenders,” as though people who express gender diversity are merely things to be described, categorized and pigeonholed. Even the use of the word transgender raises hackles on the necks of some because they feel they are being erroneously tagged. This is not necessarily how they self identify. The shoddy use of language both within and without the trans world is rampant and has become a kind of “prison of our own devise,” that enigmatic Jim Morrison lyric.....
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