Happy Friday, people!!!
...and since it's Friday, I have something different for us to discuss...
Have you heard that transgenders are now eligible to compete in the Miss Universe contest?
If not, you can read about it here.
Here's a quick summary... A Canadian male underwent transgender surgery and therapy. This person currently meets the standards for legal recognition as a female in the country of Canada. She wishes to compete in the Miss Universe pageant in the near future. Initially she was declined due to not being a woman "naturally". Supposedly, after conversing with GLAAD, the Miss Universe pageant changed the rules effective 2013.
Personally, I'm not sure how I feel about this.
I'm a very liberal person that will openly defend anyone's rights.
I believe that everyone is created equal and that no one should be treated differently.
I am all for transgender surgeries if it makes an individual happy.
My views on life are very modern day hippie. Think peace and love!
That being said, I do not feel this person has the right to compete for the title Miss Universe.
Ok, wait, hear me out before you attack!
I also feel that a woman with a nose job, breast implants, or any form of reconstructive cosmetic surgery should not be qualified to compete in the contest either.
Miss Universe should be a wholesome, naturally beautiful, dedicated, and passionate woman that wants to use her title to make a significant difference in the world.
I hate that natural imperfections are out of style.
The bottom line is simple.
There are rules and regulations to join in a competition.
If you don't meet qualifications, you can't compete. It's not discrimination. It's the rules.
After thinking about it and coming to the above conclusion, I feel really guilty.
Who am I to judge who qualifies for the Miss Universe pageant?
That's when I sent out a mass e-mail asking a variety of people for their opinions.
This is what I got:
"I don't have any problem with it. I think those that do are actually concerned or jealous that a transgendered woman would win. HOW YOU DOIN lol"
Female, 34
"Of course not. In fact, if she competes, I will not watch."
Male, 33
"I think it should be allowed because everyone has the right to do whatever they want and be whoever they want to be. Restricting people based on their preferences displays a form of discrimination. Love, don't hate."
Male, 22
"No, that's cheating!"
Male, 23
"As long as they no longer have any male parts, then I am okay with it. If contestants completely changed their anatomy to a female, then they should be allowed to compete. If they have both male and female parts, then I don't agree with it."
Female, 44
"I feel it is not right because you should be born of your sex, naturally."
Male, 49
"If they are transgendered then I'm assuming they are identifying as female. So although their sex is male, their gender is female. I think that since they identify with the female gender they should be allowed, but to play the devils advocate, their sex is male, not female and therefore should not be considered eligible. It really comes down to Sex vs. Gender."
Male, 20
"Transgenders, along with anyone else who has undergone surgery that alters their appearance (facial or body) should be banned from the contest."
Female, 49
"I think that they should be allowed but only if they are fully female, meaning if they've went through surgery and are getting hormone therapy."
Female, 21
"Darling ... have you lost your mind ??? The pageant is call "MISS" Universe not MR. Universe. that's a separate pageant !! would not be in support of it .. sorry."
Female, 46
Do you think transgender women should qualify to compete in the Miss Universe Pageant?
I'm all for her to compete, but I can see your point on the natural thing a little bit but not enough to sway my opinion.
ReplyDeleteBut I think their status should stay unanswered during the paegent so the judges arent biased against them. B/c if they let that girl in the story compete. I'm sure the judges will cut her first chance they get simply bc they know her story and probably arent on her side
@Adam...You bring up a valid point. The networks can let them compete, but it doesn't mean they won't compete when it comes to the judging.
Deleteit is discrimination and totally do not agree with you, Jaxie, especially as a psychologist. You can never compare him/her with ladies who did plastic surgeries. He didn't do it to be prettier, but to get the body his mind was born for. He was born with a female mind and personality and he is a woman, not a man. That's why she has every right to compete in miss pageants. Why should he be discriminated, isn't there already enough separation, injustice, hatred and all kinds if -isms in the world?
ReplyDeleteAnd how do you think she would feel if she hears you calling her unnatural?
This is where I was on the fence about things. I'm not saying I'm right or wrong, I'm just saying that after thinking long and hard, I couldn't get past that one point.
DeleteI honestly respect and admire every transgender for going through that grueling process. It has to be draining both mentally and physically. Unfortunately, I don't believe that it gives them the right to compete for the title as Miss Universe. But like I said, who am I to judge?
Thanks for participating in the friendly discussion!! I appreciate your opinion and giving me a different outlook to think about :)
This is a sticky wicket and hard to answer without really researching all the aspects of judging such a competition. Adam brought up a point I hadn't thought of and that's not letting the judges know who is transgender and who isn't. I'm not a huge fan of beauty contests. Just the name "beauty contest" raises my hackles a bit. Even when the name is changed to the more PC pageant it's still a beauty contest. And really I think as a society, we should have grown beyond these contests. But that is just my personal opinion and isn't based on extensive knowledge.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you Anne!!! If they admonished the whole "beauty" part of it, then it would be a totally different ball game. They want to motivate people to make a difference in the world? Have a Miss Philanthropist contest. Sigh...
DeleteHigh five to your statement. You can't alter something and fake it and win. On te other hand I want another category for this no mr,no miss just universe for post op transgenders and boby building women and feminine looking cute guys.
ReplyDeleteThat would solve a lot of problems and give me something yummy to look at!! Here's to just Universe!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteI deleted your comment because it was inappropriate and mean.
DeleteMy answer is no. It's confusing enough trying to not hit on dudes that look like women anyway. Let's don't add to the confusion.
ReplyDelete"When I said let's get to third base.....I didn't mean Cricket!!!
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteReally good question. I haven't given that much thought but do people still watch the pageant? I thought it was one of those things that was slowly being phased out... like vcrs or something ;)
ReplyDeleteWe watch the pageant. I think it's just an excuse to cuddle on the couch with your girlfriends and bake home made cookies ;) lol
DeleteP.S. I still have a VCR lol
Hmmm all serious today the cat doesn't like that, Pat will have to take over..haha
ReplyDeleteI suppose in a way it is discrimination, as such rules were set way back when and people refuse to change them because it's the way it is or some bs like that. But it is called Miss Universe for a reason, because they are looking for MISS.
Your sex is always going to be male no matter how you change yourself because that is how you were born, so I just don't think they qualify for it. Just because one thinks and calls themselve a woman, doesn't make it so in their dna.
Beauty contests bring out the worst in the worst of people anyway, they are more cuthroat than some serial killers, well almost..haha...so I think they are a load of crap anyway. Plus yeah all those people getting nose jobs and rump jobs and filling themselves with plastic should not be allowed either.
If the judges knew they would surely kick the transgender out the first chance they got or maybe the second chance just so no one can accuse them of discrimination.
Tough call, but my answer is no they should not be allowed.
It's a VERY tough call!! Being the open minded person that I am, I actually feel guilty for coming to the conclusion that I did. But who's to say that our opinions are right, that's why I was interested in hearing what others had to think.
DeleteOn one hand I think that it's great that people are becoming open minded enough to allow such a thing, but on the other hand I don't think allowing it is merited on technicalities.
I hate getting all serious, but I figured this was worth discussing ;) I was very surprised to see of the 10 people I surveyed, it was an even 5/5 for and against it. I was even more surprised to read that many of the men I asked were for it.
Well there should be no guilt as you actually thought about it and didn't just jump to the oh no way! conclusion that many people do. And yeah opinions are like those things the cat said to put bumper stickers on..lol...everyone has one. It is always interesting to see others view points too when constructive and not a spammer like Bart, he does that everywhere though, just so you know.
DeleteYeah it is great that people are more open minded, but then I think a lot are just faking it to, so they are perceived when you hear what a person says when they think no one is listening is truly when you know how open minded they are. I agree, I think it should be no surgery of any kind done to join them.
Serious is good every once in a while it brings about quite the discussion and/or ranting haha the cat just has no taste. Yeah I was kind of surprised at the men aspect too. But to each their own. If it fully goes mainstream or whatever and they are all in it, I wouldn't care, I just don't think such a contest does apply to them being in it.
Friendly arguments are how people learn. It's not necessarily to change someone's mind about something, but to teach them a different perspective they may not have seen before.
DeleteSo the cat was taken by surprise as well? As long as it wasn't just me! :)
Yeah friendly arguments are the best because sometimes you just don't see a certain side to it that another does. Opens one up to new views. Of course then you have the people with the whole "I'm right, your wrong and that is all there is to it" attitude that there is just no sense in wasting your breath.
DeleteWe'll pretend it was not just you anyway to make you feel better..haha
I got into this same argument on Facebook with one of my male friends so I'm staying out of this one. However, I do want to applaud all of these commenters for such thought provoking, well spoken words and very little negativity here no matter what side you are on. Well done!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThis isn't an argument, it's a friendly discussion. I'm deleting all the comments that I deem inappropriate. As adults, we should be able to discuss a debatable topic without being demeaning. Kudos to all my commentors, with the exception of one that I had to delete, for posting their opinion while respecting others.
DeleteI'm indifferent. Whether they let her or not doesn't really affect me.
ReplyDeleteOk, fine, you get a free pass ;)
Deletei'm really on the fence with this! typical libra, i suppose!! part of me says yes, since he no longer has male genitalia and is no longer a male. but then i say no, since he's not a natural female--like you said with the breast implants and all. shucks. i give.
ReplyDeleteLOL At least you're consistent with your sign ;) Have a great weekend girl xo
DeleteI've seen the girl in question. No doubt about it, she is HOT. She looks great.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, this is discrimination and it shouldn't happen. She should be allowed to compete. By all appearances, she's had everything removed and IS a woman by the standard definition.
I'm not mad at you, Jax. This is a good topic that should be discussed.
She does look great and it's so awesome that she followed what her brain was telling her. There's no need to conform into what society what's you to be. I admire her for that.
DeleteThanks for not getting mad, and yes, it should be discussed. I'm loving everyone's different opinions, even though I may not agree.
Have a great weekend! xo
Okay so here's the deal...
ReplyDeleteI see what you're saying, a woman with a nose job or a boob job shouldn't be able to compete because it's not what she was naturally given.
But as a woman who has had a breast reduction, there are 2 reasons someone would opt for cosmetic surgery. There are the people who get it simply because they want to look better. And then there are the people who get it because of health reasons, both mental and physical.
I got my reduction because mentally I HATED myself. Hated my chest, hated how it made me feel, hated how it made me look. I also got it because my back constantly hurt, because of the grooves in my shoulders from my bras.
I transgender gets surgery because mentally they do not identify with their sex. A transgender male becomes female because mentally he is a she. And so I think that that is very different from a woman who gets a nose job because she doesn't like her honker.
I think they should be allowed to compete. If they're female mentally and they change themselves to be female physically then that's 100% female to me.
I too have had surgery that was half medical and half cosmetic. I've spoken about my spinal surgery on here previously. Do I believe that this disqualifies me from competing in Miss Universe (like I'd be qualified anyways lol)? Yes, I believe that it disqualifies me.
DeleteI can relate to surgeries bringing a mental instability into your life. You have to worry about how you dress. Some days are you way more self conscious than others. And on the other hand, it's putting you at a medical risk. I thought about all that before making my decision as to where I stand. That's why I feel guilty about feeling the way I do.
Thank you so much for sharing your opinion and your story! I'm appreciating all the different angles I'm getting in this discussion!
I could care less.
ReplyDeleteI'm not saying that to put down your post, I am just saying that I really don't care what people do, so long as it doesn't harm or hurt someone else. The only thing that this could hurt is the integrity of the competition (which I honestly think is a joke) or the women involved in it who have devoted their lives to it. But the thing is, it is not like some unfair element has been added that would give an advantage to someone born as a male.
If they introduce a weight-lifting or boxing as one of the competitions, then we can talk.
On a side note: Bart strikes again!
Except this time his common was extremely offensive and inappropriate. It actually got me angry!!! Err. (Yes, I just growled.)
DeleteI love your point about the integrity of the competition being a joke no matter who competes. I never thought of it that. While this certainly isn't keeping me up at night, it's bothering me that my typical hippie attitude didn't come to play when I was asked how I felt about this.
Thanks for sharing your opinion!
hey girl. I don't think he/she should be allowed to compete for the same reasons you mentioned above. I totally agree that it should be on natural beauty!
ReplyDeleteThanks for giving your opinion! Have a great weekend :)
DeleteI'll be honest, transgenderism makes my brain ache with the complications it throws up. However I agree with you that if it helps people and doesn't harm anybody else then go for it. But why not have a transgender beauty pageant instead of trying to muscle in on Miss Universe. Although I didn't even know Miss Universe was still held these days.
ReplyDeleteYes, Miss Universe is still held. I normally do not pay attention to it either, but the controversy sparked my interest. Thanks for sharing your opinion! Have a great weekend :)
DeleteI think these competitions are silly anyways. But I think they should allow her to compete. These aren't about natural beauty, or they wouldn't wear make up and gowns. It's about how good you look made up. She looks great made up.
ReplyDeleteAnd she is just as much a she, as women born a she.
She also seems better spoken than some of the ladies I have seen previously who've won. So by all means, throw her in the ring if she wants in there.
I certainly agree with the competitions being silly. That's another great view! While I may not completely agree with you here, you did bring up a great point.
DeleteHmm, I definitely see your point, but hear me out:
ReplyDeleteWhat if anyone could compete, but the judging was more realistic? That is, if they can tell that someone has been obviously altered, they can decide against it. That way, tasteful alterations could still fly, and the competitors would be more conscious of how surgeries will affect their standings...
I'm probably the worst person to have an opinion on these tho, as I rarely pay attention to any sort of beauty contest.
I would love for everyone to be able to compete. Then we could see some sexy, chizzled abs up there. Tasteful alterations are one thing, but some people are starting to look like puppets with all the surgeries they've been through!
DeleteI grew up on Long Island, in what we called a Ferry Town because it ran the ferry to Fire Island which, as you know has the legendary Cherry Grove, etc. So, I grew up around gay, lesbian, transexual, etc people. The community I live in now also has a large gay population, and I'm glad. I want my children exposed to this element of society because it's normal and needs to be accepted as such. I don't want them to ever think that because someone is different than us, it makes them unequal.
ReplyDeleteYes, my point is coming soon LOL Beauty contests suck, IMHO. Women already feel like crud about trying to live up to society standards, and to parade them around on stage and be judged? Really? And, I'm not fat by any means, I'm 5'2" 118 lbs (went to the doc yesterday LOL) - so it's not me I'm worried about, it's my daughter.
As for the contest itself and the transgender lady - nope. I feel like Trump caved to the pressure. It should be 100% surgery free. If he wants to make the money, and you know he does, create a separate contest where ALL surgeries are allowed not some.
Girl, as you know I ain't too far from ferry town. I grew up going to Cherry Grove. I love it there and I LOVE the people. (Did you hear that their infamous bar burned down last year? So sad!!!!)
DeleteTrump caved at the mention of getting lawyers involved although he says it had to do with his communication with GLAAD. Thanks for opinion! I'm loving all these different views.
Oh no! I didn't hear about THE bar...so sad. It's been around forever, longer than you, my dear LOL. Yep, Trump did cave when lawyers got involved. Sad too, because I like the guy - especially what he tried to do for the rebuilding of the towers. Have you been in Trump Tower? The toilets are gold! Okay, not real gold, but still - I peed into a golden toilet!!! Hello fancy wee wee!!! LOL
DeleteYes, it burned down less than a year ago. We all were VERY upset!!!! I like Trump too, when it comes to business. I'm not sure about his politics, but he sure could do wonders for our economy.
DeleteI have never been in the Trump Tower, but now I'm in inclined to go. My butt wants to sit on gold. It really does!!!! hahahahahaha
Anything that pisses off Donald Trump is fine by me. And besides, if I object to it, Perez Hilton will shake his head at me, and act like I'm the devil...and I don't want that.
ReplyDeleteLOL As much as I love Perez, he is OVER THE TOP with certain things. While I don't agree with what the disqualified Miss America said, she is still entitled to her opinion and shouldn't have been bashed for sharing it. Wouldn't Perez have her told the truth then lied just to get on his good side? Sigh...
Deletei actually don't know what to think and what to write in your question! its hard to say my opinion. i believe that each of us has the right to do and to make things as what we feel. but each of us should know the limits!!! xoxo, Haus of Gala
ReplyDeleteWe absolutely have the right to do and say what we feel. It's part of our natural rights. Limits is a great word to use for this. Hope you had an amazing weekend babe. xo
DeleteWow, lots of conversation about this subject. I started off thinking that "he" should be allowed to enter and then you made a very good point - that no-one who has had surgery to enhance various body parts should be allowed to enter. I think that is an excellent point.
ReplyDeleteThanks Claire for taking the time to read through everything! It's so interesting to red everyone's view on this. I've gotten so many perspectives that my mind never thought of. :)
DeleteIf they want to compete in miss universe I guess they should be able to, but they probably wont do very well since they wont be as feminine in appearance.
ReplyDeleteHmm, interesting point. Thanks for sharing!
DeleteIf it's a beauty contest, the contestants should be judged on natural beauty. That is, beauty that they were born with, not induced by surgery! Also, if you were born a man, you're a man regardless of what was taken away and replaced! To validate my point, I'm sure that he can't get pregnant or can he/she? This is a great topic to have a debate about though. Enjoy your weekend. :-)
ReplyDeleteI am not 100% sure about the pregnancy. From the research I did, no you can not have a child. There was actually a transgender male that I found that was pregnant. There are still female parts inside of you.
Deleteyou make a good point.
ReplyDeleteI sometimes think things like this get taken too far in the name of political correctness.
Things always go too far. That's what makes us human ;)
DeleteI can't view gender reassignment surgery as being comparable to surgery performed for purely aesthetic enhancement reasons, personally. That to me would be comparable to disqualifying a person for having reconstructive surgery for a cleft palate or following an accident or something.
ReplyDeleteValid point. Thanks for sharing!
DeleteYou are reading my mind here. I am so open-minded and truly believe that transgender people do what they do out of necessity. And if they need to change to love themselves and feel good about who they are then more power to them!
ReplyDeleteIn terms of this issue though, I do perhaps feel like it's a bit unfair. I happily accept a transgender person as the gender that feel they are but sometimes Biology wins out a bit. I don't necessarily think it's right that someone with male-DNA is competing against other women in a female competition. Body structure is different, skill sets are different... some things just can't be helped. I just don't know if it's right to do that.
In other news, I think Beauty Pageants are generally pretty dumb so I'm not losing too much sleep over it. I did watch an interview with her and she is gorgeous and seems very happy- so that made me happy.
Ohh, I love how we think alike!! I agree with you. It's great that this person is happy. It makes me guilty to feel the way that I do, but I can't past the fact of the plastic surgery. My friend made a similar comment as you did. He said, you can't change the chromosomes.
DeleteWell, here's to her happiness! Hope you had a lovely weekend :)
I disagree with you. I think we should let her compete until the contest is 100% natural: no makeup, no shaving, nothing. ;)
ReplyDeleteNo shaving??? Oh, that got a eep out of me! hahaha
DeleteThey will ought to make certain that one regulatory body knows what one other one is hoping
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