Camille Paglia disses Chaz Bono
ON THE WEB / Says trans man is 'mutilating her body'
Xtra staff / National / Wednesday, May 04, 2011
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Author and academic Camille Paglia says Chaz Bono is mutilating his body by going through a sex-change operation and fears that Bono is bringing the procedure into the mainstream. Bono is the subject of a new documentary, Becoming Chaz, which will premiere on the Oprah Winfrey Network.

Read more about Becoming Chaz here.







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Reader Comments


 
Pronoun
His body. Get it right. And if Paglia is purposely mis-gendering him, then put it in quotes. But why the hell do we pay her any attention anyway?
Ariel Troster, Ottawa Ontario
05/04/11 1:16 PM EST
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terminology counts
Agreed with Ariel. Also, it's generally referred to as "sex reassignment surgery," not a "sex change operation." This would be like an article on queers in some other media that kept referring to us as "homosexuals" or "the gays."
Shawn Syms, Toronto ON
05/04/11 1:41 PM EST
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What Arrogance
Who is she to decide what is "right" for Chaz to do? Not to mention the completely disrespectful insistence on using the name chastity. Calling his procedures "mutilation" is inflammatory and disgusting. It is none of her business what someone else does with their body, and to politicize someone else's journey/process is nothing but selfish ego-stroking. what an arrogant jerk.
randy, vancouver bc
05/04/11 3:23 PM EST
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So Camille is a closet trans man
At least, per the last piece of this video statement, changing sex did cross her mind in a serious way when she was younger. This might explain why she has a life-long hate-on for Chaz and other trans people for taking agency over their bodies in a way that she did not. Not yet, at least. May she find her own peace, starting with the permanent cease-fire on trans people's sexes.
Constance, Toronto ON
05/04/11 5:43 PM EST
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Who Cares What That Overrated Transphobe 'Thinks?'
You know, I never liked Camille Paglia's libertarian agit-prop and her constant attacks on other, far more capable feminists. Now, I learn she is a transphobic bigot as well. What disgusting comments. I would've expected stupidity like this from Janice Raymond, but this takes it to a whole new depth. As for Chaz, go for it, man!
Craig, Wellington, New Zealand NA
05/04/11 6:24 PM EST
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So... @Constance
"This might explain why she has a life-long hate-on for Chaz and other trans people for taking agency over their bodies in a way that she did not" So if someone wants to take agency over their body by cutting their arms off because they feel that their true identity is without one or both of their arms becuase they have BIID(Body integrity disorder) or starve themselves because they are anorexic I assume you are okay with that?? Transitioning is a reaction to the deeper issue of gender stereotyping. Transitioners are not pionners but radical upholders of the status quo.
pjr, Toronto ON
05/04/11 9:31 PM EST
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lackey drivel on puke, hold the ass
What a fate worse than death that Shawn Syms should ever be called a homosexual or gay. Zim's Ur-Queer uber-Apparatchik OppShtik TM)retains its hissing maidenhead.
david, toronto ON
05/04/11 9:36 PM EST
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to pjr - who are you to say?
pjr - do you have a sense of your own gender? if it matches what other people expect of you, well, lucky you. how would you feel if you were forced to live as a different gender? i don't know what's going on with people who have eating disorders or BIID, but i wouldn't subject them to mockery, sarcasm, and insults. it's easy for you to assert that trans people should fight the gender binary every day. but sometimes people want to just get on with things, and try to have some semblance of the sort of ordinary life that you take for granted every day.
carol, tukwila washington
05/05/11 2:26 AM EST
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eeh..
i think a better question would be : why on earth is xtra even publishing this awful piece of garbage?
dean, montreal quebec
05/05/11 5:45 AM EST
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cherry picked video clip
It should be pointed out this interview was from 2 years ago. Xtra posted it on YouTube in June 2009. I'm not sure why this particular clip from that interview was picked out and re-posted now. Paglia is known as an author and 'social critic' so naturally she'll have opinions that won't sit well with everyone. Perhaps this is free publicity for Chaz Bono's new movie? Or an attempt to demonize anyone who shares a differing point out of view about SRS and the idea that surgically and chemically changing one's body is the only true way for trans folk to find inner peace.
Ryan, Toronto ON
05/05/11 8:37 AM EST
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reply
First of all, Ms. Paglia has a very twisted and outdated view of transitioning and Gender Reassignment Surgery to resolve severe gender conflict. For her to refer to Chaz as "she" and "Chastity" is totally disrepectful of Chaz's choice to transition. In effect, she is saying that she will determine Chaz's gender identity, not him. She obviously feels that GRS is mutilation, which is shear nonsense. GRS is done after years of therapy with a Gender therapist and has a very high success rate for resolving psychological gender conflict.
Nicole H, Pompano Beach, FL usa
05/05/11 9:22 AM EST
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Really, Ryan?
Paglia didn't say that medical transition wasn't the only thing that helps people with GID. She said that the only medically recognized treatment for this condition is 'mutilation'. Maybe you don't think so, but to me, that's a big difference. If anyone's doing any demonizing here, it's Paglia. Attitudes like hers are why trans people get such a raw deal of things.
Reilly, Brandon MB
05/05/11 9:31 AM EST
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reply to pjr
Sexual Reassignment Surgery and/or non surgical transitioning is simply not analagous to cutting your arms off due to Body Integritive Disorder or a disorder like Annorhexia Nervosa. Both are pathological psychological issues that require appropriate treatment, which is not to amputate body parts or starve yourself. Mainstream psychological/ medical treatment for severe Gender Identity Disorder is extensive therapy with a trained gender therapist, hormonal therapy, and lastly, when appropriate, transitioning and/or surgery. This is a long process. The patient satifaction outcomes of people who correctly follow the Harry Benjamin Standards of Care are statistically overwhelmingly positive for over 90% of patients.
Nicole H, pompano, FL usa
05/05/11 9:34 AM EST
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cosmetic surgery
Following the logic of Camille Paglia, all plastic surgery would be considered "mutilation". Having a nose job, face lift, or boob job..... Sorry that's mutilation. After seeing Cher in the movie "Burlesque", she has had so much "mutilation" that her face barely moves...lol. Even tatoos would be body mutilation according to Paglia's logic. Are we supposed to get her approval to get lioposuction?
Nicole H, Pompano. FL usa
05/05/11 9:50 AM EST
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@pjr
Oh brother. What do you know about those of us who transition? Have you met ALL of us? What makes you think that we all uphold the status quo? Why don't you bother conversing with some of us, reading some blogs written by trans folks, etc before making sweeping generalizations about us.
Jacky Vallée, Montreal QC
05/05/11 6:05 PM EST
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Thank you Jacky,
You're entirely right. I'm sure if pjr took the time to actually pay attention to transpeople, they might notice that we're not only all different, but often break gender roles assigned to even our gender identity. Because we're tired of hiding behind that status quo. We're tired of making it easy for transphobes like pjr to victimize us. But absolutely, pjr, do continue to dumb trans identities down to meet your comfort level. Maybe one day when you actually meet a transperson, you'll maybe decide to open your mind a little.
Rhube, Ottawa ON
05/05/11 6:39 PM EST
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Right...
"Why don't you bother conversing with some of us, reading some blogs written by trans folks" I have met trans people, I have read the blogs....that is what I based my opinion on. "but often break gender roles assigned to even our gender identity. Because we're tired of hiding behind that status quo" Say what??? The very fact that transitioners have an issue with their gender identity is a flag indicating that they are in the thrall of gender stereotypes. Transitioners are in effect saying that there are traits that can only be expressed by women and traits that can only be expressed by men. That is not challenging the status quo. "Mainstream psychological/ medical treatment for severe Gender Identity Disorder is extensive therapy with a trained gender therapist, hormonal therapy, and lastly, when appropriate, transitioning and/or surgery. This is a long process" Did you know that some "experts" advocate the amputation of limbs for those with BIID and that there are websites where those with BIID identify themselves as "trans abled". What exactly is the difference between srs as a "treatment" for GID and limb amputation for BIID. Both are id'ed as disorders.
pjr, Toronto ON
05/05/11 7:46 PM EST
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@pjr
Why on earth does the subject matter to you? You're not trans and you clearly have no interest in learning about the subject or paying any attention to what trans people have to say about their lives. For all I can tell, you're just trolling.
Reilly, Brandon MB
05/05/11 8:08 PM EST
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Oh?
"Why on earth does the subject matter to you? You're not trans and you clearly have no interest in learning about the subject or paying any attention to what trans people have to say about their lives. For all I can tell, you're just trolling. " I did not realize that only Trans people or their supporters were the only ones who could comment on the subject or questioning transitioning was not allowed. Is that what you are saying?
pjr, Toronto ON
05/05/11 10:00 PM EST
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re: pjr
pjr I recall from previous posts of yours that your statement "Transitioners are not pionners but radical upholders of the status quo" sums up what you believe about trans folks. I think the point some others and myself will make is, your beliefs about trans people has little to no basis in reality and more importantly, who are you to tell trans people how to live their lives? Trans people have a serious disconnect between their gender and their sex, often reported feeling that way from their earliest memories, yes gender is partially socially constructed but its also clear there's a physiological basis to it as well as sex. Psychological treatment can rid someone of BID or anorexia, yet its incapable of changing people's sense of their gender. That alone proves being trans is nothing like having BID or anorexia. Frankly your belief that trans people aren't really trans but people determined to uphold the gender binary at any cost is offensive, and I'm not trans myself. Its like telling me I'm not really gay, just scared of sex with women, after all I am physically capable of sex with women, so I must be just a radical non-conformist right? I just can't imagine trans people going through all they go through just to uphold a rigid binary view of gender, especially in light of the fact you never hear or read about trans folks holding rigid gender beliefs like you do from social conservatives and their ilk. pjr your obvious resentment of trans people raises all sorts of questions about where it comes from. Are you a so-con? or are you a closet case too afraid to live as your real gender so you lash out at those who do? Mind you the real question is, who are you to tell trans people their deeply held identity is wrong? Who are you to tell trans people how to live their lives? Being trans is not a fad or a passing phase like that of some gender benders, its a very real life long thing, denying their reality as trans is as offensive as denying someone's sexual o
Rich, Toronto Ontario
05/06/11 12:04 AM EST
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So any surgery could be ?
Someone with a cleft pallet who has it fixed are mutilating their bodies as well? Its deemed needed and society approves it.. Yet because the brains of Trans people is not congruent with the bodies given to them and fixing the brain to match the body is impossible nor desired but one can change that cleft pallet or external genitals to be congruent with the mind.. This person said she wanted to be a man in her youth. SO to me this is a SOUR GRAPES story .. She didnt have the courage an now resents those of US who have had the courage.. an sometimes it takes into your mid 30's and 40's to finally be so misserable trying to be what people want you to be. Till finally you realize half your life is over and your not happy being what everyone wanted you to be.. and you live out the last half of your life pleasing who you are inside and now out.. and those who cant understand may never find the inteligence to comprehend such things are possible all they know is the lil world they exist in.
Ana, tulsa Oklahoma
05/06/11 9:25 AM EST
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Really, pjr? Really?
I, as a transperson have no "issue" with my gender identity. I have an issue with my body. It's not about my behaviors or characteristics, which I can honestly say, because I exhibit no behaviors or characteristic which could make me pass as male, and yet, I still feel the need to transition to male. Why? Because I am uncomfortable having a female body. Not because I am so masculine that I can't possibly be female. Not because people see me as being manly, so I must be a man. And that's what transgender is. It's discomfort with the sex one is born as, not necessarily discomfort with the gender roles assigned to them. That can very well be a part of it, but essentially, it's about the body. And regardless of your opinions about limb amputation for those with BIID, it's THEIR BODY. You can do whatever you want with yours, they can do whatever they want with theirs. What gives anybody the right to tell somebody what they can and can't do with their own bodies?
Rhube, Ottawa ON
05/06/11 3:48 PM EST
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Show Your Displeasure- Picket Paglia!
Enough of this. Xtra, what are Ms Paglia's plans for speaking tours? It mightn't be a bad idea for transfolk and those of the LGB community who want to show solidarity with our trans sisters and brothers to show our displeasure. I certainly intend to do so if she ventures down here...
Craig Young, Wellington, NZ NA
05/06/11 8:25 PM EST
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Rhube is
exactly right. Being trans is not about changing a body to uphold traditional gender expectations. It's about changing a body to one in which the person feels more comfortable. Interestingly, Rhube and I are on different sides of the equation, as I was born male but would like to be female. Still, like him, nothing in my day to day life screams woman or trans. I actually quite like who I am, just not my sex. And because trans males often get lumped into out-dated conceptions of cross-dressers, I want to point out that it's not about the clothes or the makeup. If fact, I'd happily wear jeans and t-shirts everyday for the rest of my if I could wake up tomorrow female. I can imagine that if you don't feel this way, it's hard to wrap your head around it. Fair enough: I really don't understand how a non-trans (or cis) gendered male feels about his gender or his body. What is tiring (and for many dangerous and sadly often life-threatening) are those like yourself who 1) claim to be broad-minded but even so think we're mentally ill or otherwise deranged and 2) because of this, feel empowered to tell us what we should and shouldn't do with OUR bodies. Why don't you go worry about your life and I'll worry about mine.
Rachel, LA CA
05/06/11 8:46 PM EST
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contentment
I was aware at the age of 4 something was different. I was also aware that I had to hide that difference or fear reprisals in the form of familial rejection or physical violence from other kids (or at the very least being ostracized). As a young child, & then later moving through puberty and young adulthood, I was terrified someone would learn this secret about me. And that is where my "body mutialtion" began. But not in the way pjr would understand. No, my mutilation came in the form of obesity, eating and eating because I was depressed and unhappy. So I hit 400 lbs at one point with the precursors of diabetes & high blood pressure forming. It wasn't until I finally accepted this about myself, which happened at the age of 34, that I began to get rid of my depression and began to get healthy. I faced rejection in EVERY aspect of my life. I faced physical violence, and every day there is the possiblity I could be killed by ignorant bigots. I had horrific things said to me by family members. And yet all through that, my health has now gone off the charts. I have lost almost 150 lbs. I have no high BP anymore. I ran my first marathon in 10/2010. I am training for my second. I have incredible support at work and from my friends and most family members. This has happened because I was able to accept this about myself despite the constant societal stigma that people like Camille and pjr perpetuate. My rebuttal to them is this, that after YEARS of therapy, and YEARS of hormone therapy, and of facing the loss of my life at the hands of myself or others, I was able to get my BIRTH DEFECT surgery, to fix what was physcially wrong, to bring my body in line with my gender identity. There is no other way, & I am not ashamed or embarassed. I am DAMN PROUD of who I am. And because I was able to get my MtoF reassignment surgery, I now have the most utter sense of serenity, peace & contentment down to my very soul. What is wrong w/ that PJR. The Congru
Michelle, Cohasset MA
05/07/11 10:30 AM EST
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Give me a break ...
There are few things in this world that make Paglia happy, not the least of which is her complete lack cultural relevance.
Michael, Chicago IL
05/08/11 4:36 PM EST
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Are we still in the 1970s?
Thank you for posting this. I had found transphobic references in Paglia's earlier writing and could not find any recent proof of her views. This shows that her second-wave feminist views of SRS as mutilation have unfortunately not evolved over the past forty years.
Tash, Vancouver BC
05/09/11 6:38 PM EST
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Surgically re-sculpted genitals resemble a Vagina
Surgically re-sculpting male genitals to resemble a vagina, does not make one a “woman,” since every cell of that body still has XY sex chromosomes. “Sex change” is a “phallusy.” It is purely symbolic. The transitioning process does not grow a uterus nor ovaries and the female-to-male constructed penis doesn't work. The hormone treatments can cause blood-clots as well as breast cancer and prostate cancer later in life. YET “Sex Change” has become very glamourous. There is even a Transgendered Supermodel and member of parliament somewhere in the world...Blah...Blah... But the daily reality are mostly shameless clumsy Mexican Trannies with 3, size 14, left feet, who get to parade around in female-like drag, wigs and make-up before they go out hooking in back alleys. The intellectual Trans look like longshoremen in bad drag. The Female-to-male Trans get to shave and act more manly that any Gay-boi. Wow what fun for them!! Such theatre works best in dim lighting. Sunlight ruins the fantasy by exposing all the details of mutilation of the face and body and other freaky fakery. Of course whatever fantasy anyone wants to live, they have the right to do so. But if gender is said to be constructed, or learned, then it is worth considering, that at least some Trans are trying to live up to Hetero expected gender roles, they just learned the wrong role? Why lure them into having unnecessary surgery? Maybe the focus should be to help them accept themselves in their natural state. That is already quite a lifetime undertaking for most people.
Sex-Change “Phallusy”, Toronto Ont
05/10/11 4:25 AM EST
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what the heck happened to her?!
She used to be so cool, and out, free thinking liberal. But ever since the far right has both been on the rise and taken over the democrat party, she's just been falling all over herself to apologize for being too outrageous and been preaching to the liberals and free thinkers to become more traditional. It isn't even in an effort to communicate or convince conservatives but rather just a good catholic girl's fear of offending social conservatives. She can be that if she wants but it's soooo boooring!
sammy krenburg, toronto ontario
05/12/11 1:52 AM EST
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The Nature of Trans
For a NON-trans person to proclaim with such certainty what is her own opinion about a TRANS person she does not know - and to be considered some kind of expert on the subject - seems ridiculous to me. The fantasy of a sex-change to gain male priviledge that some cis-gendered women might have, should not be confused with the efforts to overcome gender disphoria that lead many trans people to successfully seek out sex reassignment surgery.
phoenix, Vancouver BC
05/13/11 3:33 AM EST
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