the Bungalow
Ok, so Laganja. She's quite the character and quite the performer and her closet reflects that. I am a firm believer that one's closet really is a reflection of who we really are. I have to find this video where they explore the connections we have between our clothes and our selves. But that is not really what this post is about.
This post is about the reactions that Laganja got from this video where she shares her closet. Because of course, everybody's got an opinion about everybody and everything. And this time somebody decided to give her feedback on her appearance, as people are prone to do in social media. I'm kind of glad that she has had training with the haters. When she was on Drag Race, she had to put up with fuckery and ignorance, so a few more words from one more stupid person online are not going to shake her too much.
But in a year with unprecedented violence against Trans and NonBinary people, words can be deadly. Especially when tied to the fallacy that all Trans people need to look as somebody in the binary and be unclockable. One thing cisgender people forget is that Trans people do not need to look a certain way to make them feel better. Trans people do not have to take hormones or transition completely in order to please cisgender people's need to categorize them.
"Not everyone who is transgender prioritizes or desires procedures, such as hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgeries, required for a full medical transition. While some undergo medical transitions for cosmetic, psychological, or health reasons, many won’t because they can’t afford it, face some other obstacle, or simply don’t want to.
The 2011 National Transgender Discrimination Survey found 61 percent of trans and gender nonconforming respondents reported having medically transitioned, and 33 percent said they had surgically transitioned. About 14 percent of trans women and 72 percent of trans men said they don’t ever want full genital construction surgery."
Looking a certain way to make OTHER people comfortable is not a Trans person's duty. And that's something that cisgender people forget. Well, one, because some people are dumb as a bag of rocks and two, because some people make Trans issues their own, when in reality being Trans has to do with the person who IS trans, not with the rest of the world.
I think Laganga's response was appropriate and illuminating: looking a certain way has to do with her, and not with the way she's perceived by others. Her physical appearance has to be determined by her and not by the myriad keyboard sociologists and psychologists that plague the interwebs.
Well done, Laganja.
XOXO
she looks great as a woman (love these clothes full of colours) but I bet she would look great as a he!
ReplyDeleteShe does!
DeleteI also loved the clothes, btw. And many Trans people would look good no matter what.
XOXO
here you'll see him as a man, and I'm right: he's so cute!
DeleteRight.
DeleteIt's all in the bone structure, no?
XOXO
I wasn't really a fan because I always found her a little "try hard," but for people to go after her for her looks, I just don't get it. Social media isn't to tear people down, y'all, it's to try and connect us. Sadly, some folks hide behind an avatar and a cute name and then bash strangers to make themselves feel better.
ReplyDeleteOh, there's a LOT of personality there. I see what you mean.
DeleteAnd you know that the appearance is what people go for when they don't have much to say about the character. Social media is a cesspool of iniquity.
XOXO
Since I don't watch the show I'm out of the loop here.
ReplyDeleteBut Dave,
DeleteThis is not about Drag Race. It's about the unbearable fragility of the cisgender mind when it comes to gender issues.
XOXO
Laganja looks just fine as she is.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree.
DeleteI think when she's in full drag she looks amazing.
XOXO
Some people need to get a life. Personally I think she looks good just the way she is. The world is full of all shapes and sizes, and we’re not here to satisfy your fantasies. If you don’t like the way someone looks, DON’T LOOK! Opinions are like assholes, everyone has one, but you don’t have to confirm you’re an asshole by opening your mouth, or tapping on a keyboard.
ReplyDeleteXOXO 👨🏼❤️💋👨🏽
As Bob pointed out, some people will tear anybody down to make themselves look better. And you are right, if they don't like it, they should not look. But you know people...
DeleteXOXO
I am wincing in pain just watching Laganja move in those GIFs. Sweet Lady Gaga, I would be torn everywhere. Full body cast here I come. Thanks for the updated terminology. I just learned about Mx. as a title option the other day. And thanks for sharing as usual, Sixpence. You make me smarter.
ReplyDeleteHahahaha
DeleteSame! She's a fantastic dancer. And the terminology definitely helps us all understand everybody much better. And you're more than welcome, Mr. Shife. It's not the teaching what matters, it's the willingness to learn...
XOXO
Laganja is another queen who I think is beyond talented, great style, and killer dances moves. When she came back on as a lip synch assassin she looked better then I have ever seen her. I think her transition is helping her image, and till she came to terms with what the issue was, I don't think she was sure of herself or happy, as one could see it on her face on her season. I don't think she even knew then. But once the switch goes on, it changes everything.
ReplyDeleteSadly, in person she grates my last gay nerve and not one of my favorite queens.
I agree!
ReplyDeleteI just watched her create the choreo for Trixie's video, as I told you. She was also on America's got Talent, dancing. And when she landed on the stage (literally!) in All Stars, she created a moment. And I agree with you: I think her issue could have been her gender and once that clicked...
And she can be a LOT to process! LOL
XOXO
File this under... when the gays need to step the fuck off. Who is anybody to tell anybody such awful things. It's one thing if it is solicited - paid for, even - as in an advisor. But that is nothing but bullying. That's why social media is not for me. I learned that lesson quite quick. Years on gay apps have thickened my skin. I'm now a crocodile. Kizzes.
ReplyDeleteYep.
DeleteNobody should have to go out of their way to belittle somebody else. It's all so unnecessary. Social media is an ugly pit. And as Laganja said, it's good to have a thick skin.
XOXO