"Man or a Woman?" And Other Pointless Questions...

So, the other day in my Gender Violence class a few students were having a discussion pre class. Because I am a super nerd and arrive early and sit in the front row, I have learned to listen to music and ignore the discussions so that I don't end up throwing a table at people (the things people say in public astound me). However, this particular day, I forgot my Ipod (awesome) and was forced to listen to a discussion between three students about the film Boys Don't Cry (if you decide to rent it, grab the tissues and a pillow to hold).

One of the students was a white male (we'll call him D Bag) and another was a transgender male (and has been wickedly open about his experience and really opened up the eyes of some class members; we'll call him Chris).

D Bag mentioned that he tried to watch the film for an extra credit assignment and couldn't finish it. Okay, the film is incredibly hard to watch and there's no shame in admitting that. However, he pretty much went on to blame Brandon (this is based on a true story so it's a REAL PERSON) and called Brandon a "lesbian who dresses up like a boy to get laid". Awesome. I was horrified but in response "Chris" said that his problem with the film is that people who are transgender shouldn't "lie" about who they are.

I have been thinking about that comment ever since. "Chris" said that he is very open about his (past I think was the word) and he believes in complete honesty. I agree with complete honesty in a relationship but I also don't know that gender identity should be included in that.

I'm not saying I never want to know but I also don't think it's a first date conversation. To be honest, I don't care. If you say you identify as male then cool. If I love you then I love YOU. And if you're a transgender male then you're male. On the other side, I understand that every individual is different and some may choose to identify as a transgender male all the time rather than "male". It really depends on the people involved and the situation.

So, I don't have a firm idea or opinion on where I stand but I suppose my real question is, "Does it matter?" As long as we're in a consensual, loving, and equal relationship where we are both attracted to each other (such as my relationship with Will.I.Am) then I'm good. So, let's all move onto more important and relevant questions such as, "Are you pro choice?"