Thomas Beatie, a 34 year-old Trans Man from Oregon who is carrying a child for his wife Nancy and himself, will be on Oprah today. I’m very interested to see how this story will be handled in the mainstream media. I hate to be a cynic, but my prediction is that it won’t be handled well (if the trailer is any indication,) but here’s to hopin’.
If you’re unfamiliar with Beatie’s story, The Advocate features a touching first person account here.
Our situation sparks legal, political, and social unknowns. We have only begun experiencing opposition from people who are upset by our situation. Doctors have discriminated against us, turning us away due to their religious beliefs. Health care professionals have refused to call me by a male pronoun or recognize Nancy as my wife. Receptionists have laughed at us. Friends and family have been unsupportive; most of Nancy’s family doesn’t even know I’m transgender.
I sadly will have to miss the show (but I’m going to get my Mom to tape it for me.) If anyone catches it, please post your reaction in the comments section.
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four comments
Guys I know who are interested in eventually becoming pregnant are pretty excited about this. On the other hand, I'm on an e-list for F2Ms and their allies, and the idea of trans men giving birth is still really controversial even within the trans communities. He's not the first guy to do this, however.
Some cynics are saying the only reason he went on Oprah was because he's trying to get a book deal. I say who cares? I'd be interested in reading it.
Posted by Shawn Syms
April 4, 2008, 4:33 PM
I'm totally with you on the "who cares" Shawn. From the few clips I've seen of the Oprah show I think it was handled pretty well/respectfully. The OBGYN was excellent in saying she considered it a normal, average pregnancy.
When trans issues are in the mainstream in a way that's not akin to a "freak show" approach I'm very happy. A mainstream book deal might mean good things.
I have to say though, the expressions on the audience's faces were a little too much to take.
See what I mean here:
http://jezebel.com/375903/pregnant-ma...
Posted by Stacey May
April 4, 2008, 4:47 PM
First time in my life I ever wanted to read People Magazine...
Posted by Myra
April 7, 2008, 10:35 PM
While we talked about gender issues and the likes in Saturday classes yesterday, this came up and my teacher said "That is absolutely disgusting". I wanted to punch her. It's not like this is going to make the world a worse place, right?
Posted by Brianne
May 4, 2008, 8:40 AM
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