I am testing out a new series, we’ll see if the title sticks. Crossing The Web will (tentatively) be posted every Saturday with news and happenings from around the TG world. In many cases, these stories aren’t much more than a headline but in others there is much more depth to be found.
One major goal of this series is to keep myself and you all informed on news that you may have missed or want to recap. Let’s see how it goes.
This week we have a new development in Indian voting, another student getting kicked out for wearing women’s clothing and a new television show focusing on trans issues.
Third Gender Box for Indian Voters
This week in New Delhi, India officials added a third gender option for voters. Choices now include male, female and other. According to an official statement, eunuchs and transsexuals now have the explicit option of choosing a third gender outside of the traditional binary.
Sent Home for Dressing in Drag
A week and half ago O’Rhonde Chapman, a cross-dressing biologically male student was dismissed early in the school day because, according to the principal, she was breaking the dress code. Chapman was wearing a wig and stilettos. I embedded a video interview below.
FTM on HBO
In entertainment news, HBO is developing a new original drama tentatively titled “T”. The new show will center around a female to male transgender and is developed by a married couple, Anya Epstein and Dan Futterman.
I couldn’t find any further information on this television series but I will be sure to keep you updated.
My Thoughts, Your Thoughts
It’s good news that India is now allowing for a third gender box to be checked off , though I’m not sure exactly how much p0sitive impact this would have. I’m not big on politics but speaking from a TG standpoint I would imagine that the voters will feel a bit more comfortable when filling out election forms.
Another week and another student getting kicked out of school simply for clothing. While I know there are arguments on both sides, it is a bit of a downer that Chapman was sent home and denied reentry until she changed her attire to fit the dress code.
I plan on watching this new HBO drama in the hopes of learning a thing or two about what it’s like to be FTM. Hopefully they will keep things honest and true to life.
Would you like to share your thoughts on any or all of these stories? I would love to read your opinions and viewpoints, please leave a comment by filling out the form below.
And don’t forget to have a wonderful weekend 
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photo credit: pink_fish13
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Jessica hi, I just viewed the video about O’Rhonde Chapman and find it still incredible that people have a hard time with anyone that is comfortable with his(her) lifestyle. What seems to be important here is the fact that O’Rhonde is comfortable with herself. She is an example for others to not be afraid to reveal feelings. She is a model for all kids out there that sit in closets everyday afraid of public opinion. In this day and age we need kids to feel free to express themselves more than ever. Great job Jessica in pick-in up this story. Love you girl.
Louise
Yes, she is very confident and sure of herself
Sometimes cross dressing teens are their own worst enemy. While no one should be kicked out of school simply for cross dressing, schools do have to maintain certain standards of safety and decorum. That means that spike heeled shoes and sexually provocative clothing are unacceptable, regardless of gender. Stilettos on slick tile floors, where students are rushing back and forth to class, are an accident waiting to happen. Along with sexually provocative clothing, they are also a major distraction. If O’Rhonde Chapman was simply wearing some flats, a pair of girl’s jeans, and tasteful blouse, tee, or sweater, I wonder if she would still have been sent home?
Melissa
That’s a good point to consider, thanks Melissa
I noticed the article on the girl sent home from school. If she had dressed a little less outlandish(shoes) maybe this wouldnt have happened. I like to fit in and not try to make such a loud statement about who we are.GGirls dont wear silletos to school. We must be more reasonable to be accepted. In this case she brought alot of it on herself. Change is a slow process. It would be nice if the world accepted us overnight but this will never be the case.
That is definitely a valid point, thank you Leslee
sometimes I wish I would’ve worn what I wanted in high school. I just didn’t want to risk getting sent home
Yea, and I couldn’t wear what I wanted cuz we had uniforms
No, I’ll just say this. I didn’t view the clip. If females are allowed to dress in male fashion and there is no problem I see no reason that a male can not do the same if done with style.
Right on Joe
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