"certainly more tolerant of the more overbearing strains of liberalism"

Yep. I like open discussion, and I look forward to John Horstman's comments. The term "PC" shuts down conversations. It's like the term "Stalinist." When someone labels a comment "PC" I gather that they have no substantive counter-argument, but want to shut down the original comment anyway. I like serious thought about difficult cultural issues a lot more than I like this:

>>I think trans people would benefit from moving discussions to a more realistic, honest, and less polarizing place. Consider, homosexual rights weren't won by name calling and denying the truth, they were won with science and charm.>>

The idea that you have a better grasp on what the trans movement needs than they do is ridiculous. The idea that science and charm (rather that individuals doing the hard work of coming out) won gay rights is equally ridiculous. I recommend listening to trans people rather than telling them what to do. If you want a good read (she doesn't speak for everyone, but she opened my eyes to some important issues), try: Julia Serano's Whipping Girl: A Transsexual Woman on Sexism and the Scapegoating of Femininity.

*(rather than

I think the idea of remote-controllable vibrating butt plugs calls for the invention of multiply addressable wireless vibrating butt plugs (or other vibrators) which would operate via, say, Bluetooth. A particular vibrator or set of vibrators would be selected and controlled by a device like a TV remote controller; each participant would have a controller and one or more vibrators applied to her / his body. Initial play would be to find out who (and what part of whom) was attached to each number while the target(s) tried to conceal their reactions.

Perhaps the game could be combined with Monopoly or strip poker.

@106: You had me til you got to Monopoly. Maybe it could be combined with Pictionary instead.

Or this: http://cardsagainsthumanity.com/

@108: Oh yes: a really fun game. I've played it with my daughter and her friends.

Okay, everybody----what about a mimicry routine featuring the voices of Lisa Kudrow, Mira Sorvino, Janene Garafalo, Bill Murray, Buddy Hackett, and Rodney Dangerfield for starters?

Monopoly and Pictionary? Fun!!

@110: I think you should do the routine you want to do, regardless of what we think. And you should do the voices you do best. It's your routine.

Seconded...

@111 nocutename and @112 EricaP; Thank you both!
Now, for my summoning up the courage to actually
perform this in public......!!

I'll get to working on it. More later.

@EricaP: Yep. I like open discussion

Interesting. So do I, which is precisely why I don't care for rigid, cultish belief systems, right or left, that have the effect of shutting such discussions down.

The idea that you have a better grasp on what the trans movement needs than they do is ridiculous.

Pffft. That's a cheap take down of a straw man, the implication of which is that I should shut the fuck up, not because of what I'm saying but because of who I am. What was that you said about "open discussions"? You like them, do you?

But, since you mention it, I've as much right as any other thoughtful person to opine on how the trans movement might more readily gain understanding and acceptance from the mainstream. History is full of civil rights movements, some of which have even involved people like me. Anyone can learn from that history, and you can bet the leaders who will inevitably emerge from the trans movement will have learned from those prior struggles, even if they aren't black, Jewish, female, gay, Chinese, poor, etc etc etc.

The idea that science and charm (rather that individuals doing the hard work of coming out) won gay rights is equally ridiculous

These aren't mutually exclusive. Yes, coming out comes first, and my hat is off to those with the courage to take that step. Next comes winning people over to your side. Doesn't matter who you are, you don't win over the public by forming a cult, you do it by correcting misunderstandings and bullshit with facts, and through charming representatives such as MLK, Ellen Degeneres, and Anderson Cooper.

I recommend listening to trans people rather than telling them what to do.

In other words, you recommend that I shut up. I'm getting the impression you're not actually all that interested in having an "open discussion."

Whatever. If ever you're up for having one, do let me know. I've no doubt I could learn from you, but that would likely involve me doing some of the talking.

@seandr, your post @87 bugged me on so many levels, it was hard to engage with it. But I absolutely don't think you have to shut up. I just wish you would not sound like you're the expert providing wisdom to the trans community. They're the ones with their lives literally on the line. So to me, it just makes sense that the rest of us should be somewhat respectful. But if you don't want to respect their struggle, then just keep on doing your thing and I'll speak up when I can't stand it any more.

It just reminds me too painfully of all the people scolding ACT-UP in the early years, or those telling the pro-marriage gays they were bourgeois sell-outs. People in a movement get to have those fights. Allies will have opinions, of course, but would be well-advised to show a little grace and wisdom when expressing said opinions.

I kind of hate that the term "PC" has been coopted by bigots, conservatives, libertarians, etc, to mean "giving too much of a shit about minorities/LGBT people/women, I mean, we're supposed to care, but not TOO much, you know?"

Look, PC was an excellent term that used to mean the status quo of what could be said without offending the general public - often lots of racist and homophobic things have still been "PC" because they're just veiled enough - see 98% of Mitt Romney's campaign.

But now it's been snagged by anyone who wants to be able to hold onto slurs and won't let go for the life of them like a kid holding on to their blankie.

@EricaP: If I'm rubbing you the wrong way, my rubbing skills probably have room for improvement. Perhaps I should stick to what I know - playing the attention-seeking toddler. Hi @nocutename.

@Hunter78: Language is powerful. It spurns the bridle.

Oh hi, Seandr.

Morning Vista is you watching your neighbors' Morning Glory from behind the veil of a lacy curtain.

Morning Vista is you watching your neighbors' Morning Glory through the veil of lacy curtains.

@116 PC sucks.

Wow, Dan really has a bisexual friend, I guess he can't be biphobic.
Just like I can't be racist because I have black friends.
BTW, can I have Eric's contact info, I have some questions I'd like to ask him http://bipaganman.tumblr.com/post/160301…

Just remembered this, been over two months and I still haven't heard from Dan's bisexual friend.
So, Eric, if your reading this contact me at http://bipaganman.tumblr.com/ask
I really want to know what we aren't hearing about Dan Savage.

Looking for a friend to get to know if u want a relationship willing to go that path. Need friend very lonely my number is 262 822 0658 give me a call will answer thanks love Michael aka moni