Current Events > REMINDER: "Super straight" is transphobia!

(+) Yeah! (+)

Super straight is not a valid sexuality and it is transphobia.

Dont be part of the problem by identifying with transphobia. Bigotry is not cool.

https://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Superstraight

Do people still say this? It seems like it came out of the weird manosphere corner of the internet, people kind of laughed at them, and it disappeared.

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no

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Claiming you cant be attracted to someone on the basis of them being transgender is inherently transphobia (and a false notion.)

Not wanting to date or be intimate with a particular individual because you arent attracted to that individual is totally valid.

Are people still unaware that "Super Straight" is a transphobic dogwhistle? I thought this was common knowledge at this point.

Even though transgender has the word gender in it, its not actually a gender (such as male/man, female/woman, nonbinary, etc.)

Garabandal posted...

Are people still unaware that "Super Straight" is a transphobic dogwhistle? I thought this was common knowledge at this point.

Apparently so!

Thats okay because this can be a safe space for learning.

specialkid8 posted...

Do people still say this? It seems like it came out of the weird manosphere corner of the internet, people kind of laughed at them, and it disappeared.

This. I haven't heard that idiotic term in years.

KitKats posted...

Claiming you cant be attracted to someone on the basis of them being transgender is inherently transphobia (and a false notion.)

Not wanting to date or be intimate with a particular individual because you arent attracted to that individual is totally valid.

What if someone would never have sex with a trans woman who has not had surgery? I don't see how it is transphobic to not want a penis involved. But I agree that that person may still find them attractive.

Not advocating saying super straight though.

bsp77 posted...

What if someone would never have sex with a trans woman who has not had surgery? I don't see how it is transphobic to not want a penis involved. But I agree that that person may still find them attractive.

Not advocating saying super straight though.

Nobody has to have intimacy with a penis (or a vagina!) if they dont want that. Its important to communicate boundaries with a potential partner.

Please pardon the old man in me, as I have never heard this term prior to this...

So, if a man is not attracted to a pre-op trans woman, that makes them transphobic?

KitKats posted...

Nobody has to have intimacy with a penis (or a vagina!) if they dont want that. Its important to communicate boundaries with a potential partner.

But what if this person wants to have sex, and therefore only interested in cis people (or possibly post op trans women)? Doesn't seem inherently transphobic

BTW, I am not talking about myself. I would be willing to have sex with a trans woman, but unlikely to happen now that I am married.

bigblu89 posted...

Please pardon the old man in me, as I have never heard this term prior to this...

So, if a man is not attracted to a pre-op trans woman, that makes them transphobic?

I don't think so, but I think announcing to the world "I am super straight!" is.

bigblu89 posted...

Please pardon the old man in me, as I have never heard this term prior to this...

So, if a man is not attracted to a pre-op trans woman, that makes them transphobic?

It depends on the reason.

Are you not attracted to them because they still have a dick, and that's not your thing? Not transphobic. Are you not attracted to a pre-op trans woman because you want your own biological children? Not transphobic.

But if you're not attracted to them solely on account of their being trans? That's transphobic.

bigblu89 posted...

Please pardon the old man in me, as I have never heard this term prior to this...

So, if a man is not attracted to a pre-op trans woman, that makes them transphobic?

Unless youre watching adult content or something ofc, you typically wont know what is in someones pants immediately upon encountering other individuals.

even if that's the case, screaming the fact is weird and unnecessary and the act of making a big deal about the fact that you are not attracted to trans women with a penis is like making a big deal about how you wouldn't have sex with a fat/tall/short/light skinned/dark skinned/different type of person or whatever.

i do think it's "internalized" transphobia, but i dont think it makes you a transphobe.

at the end of the day it's kind of like drawing all the attention towards yourself, also, for something that might not ever even be an issue. unless you've got a story to tell, it's probably better to just be an ally. no one ever said u had to have sex with anyone.

bsp77 posted...

But what if this person wants to have sex, and therefore only interested in cis people (or possibly post op trans women)? Doesn't seem inherently transphobic

BTW, I am not talking about myself. I would be willing to have sex with a trans woman, but unlikely to happen now that I am married.

Whether or not you consent to being intimate with someone is different from attraction and sexual orientation.

To put it more simply, if someone is attracted to women, that does not mean only cis women. Sexual attraction doesnt work that way, and its transphobic to say your sexual orientation is only cis people, or that its not possible to be attracted to someone/anyone solely on the basis because they are trans.

Many people operate on stereotypes or cliches, but trans people actually come in all shapes and sizes, as do cis people. Being attracted to women doesnt automatically mean youre attracted to every cis woman, either. You can be attracted to one woman but not another.

KitKats posted...

Claiming you cant be attracted to someone on the basis of them being transgender is inherently transphobia (and a false notion.)

Not wanting to date or be intimate with a particular individual because you arent attracted to that individual is totally valid.

I think automatically disqualifying a person with a specific set of genitals(pre-op) or a person unable to have children(post-op that haven't frozen eggs/sperm, infertile men/women) is fine, but those reasons tend to also get used as transphobic dog whistles. And yes there are other ways to have children(adoption, foster care, surrogacy) lots of people unfortunately don't feel it would be a "real" parent/child relationship, for whatever reason.

bsp77 posted...

I don't think so, but I think announcing to the world "I am super straight!" is.

I dont think anyone does this, or at least Ive never heard anyone say it.

Hell Ive never heard this term until today either tbh.

IfGodCouldDie posted...

I think automatically disqualifying a person with a specific set of genitals(pre-op) or a person unable to have children(post-op that haven't frozen eggs/sperm, infertile men/women) is fine, but those reasons tend to also get used as transphobic dog whistles. And yes there are other ways to have children(adoption, foster care, surrogacy) lots of people unfortunately don't feel it would be a "real" parent/child relationship, for whatever reason.

Absolutely. Some people are only looking for casual, no strings, etc. as well.

Alternatively, straight men can date a pre/non-op trans woman. That doesnt make him gay or bi.

The whole thing was pretty cringy, but insisting that someone's gender identity somehow trumps another person's sexuality is really gross.

My question is what makes it super? Does your sexual preference run around dressed up as Superman?

KitKats posted...

Unless youre watching adult content or something ofc, you typically wont know what is in someones pants immediately upon encountering other individuals.

So, if you meet someone, find them physically attractive at first glance, then find out they are trans (either pre or post op) and then decide you wouldn't date them based off of that, that's transphobic?

As a 46 year old straight man that's been married for 20 years, I'm honestly in the weeds on something like this, but would like to educate myself.

Nemu posted...

The whole thing was pretty cringy, but insisting that someone's gender identity somehow trumps another person's sexuality is really gross.

So, this is another example of transphobia. Nobody is saying you have to date someone youre not attracted to or that you are being forced to be attracted to someone.

bigblu89 posted...

So, if you meet someone, find them physically attractive at first glance, then find out they are trans (either pre or post op) and then decide you wouldn't date them based off of that, that's transphobic?

As a 46 year old straight man that's been married for 20 years, I'm honestly in the weeds on something like this, but would like to educate myself.

That is your prerogative to decide who you date or who you dont date.

Someone may be attracted to someone and then find out their grandmother is black or brown, and then decide they dont want to date or have children with that person based on that criteria. It happens.

I haven't heard the use of 'super straight' since 4chan types tried to spread it as a way of poorly dogwhistling transphobia a few years back. Is it coming back around now? Ugh.

If you see it used on GameFAQs please mark it!

KitKats posted...

So, this is another example of transphobia. Nobody is saying you have to date someone youre not attracted to or that you are being forced to be attracted to someone.

Saying it's transphobic not to be attracted is dictating other people's sexuality, and that is gross. It's very possible that someone who otherwise might be attracted and willing to be with a trans person is held back by such beliefs, but that's a person by person scenario and that is their own personal journey. This broad idea that it's inherently transphobic is bad.

KitKats posted...

That is your prerogative to decide who you date or who you dont date.

Someone may be attracted to someone and then find out their grandmother is black or brown, and then decide they dont want to date or have children with that person based on that criteria. It happens.

But in a situation like that, or really either, you can then be labeled a transphobe or a racist, no?

KitKats posted...

Alternatively, straight men can date a pre/non-op trans woman. That doesnt make him gay or bi.

I want to highlight this part as well because it is very important in these discussions!

Straight men can and do have intimacy and relationships with trans women who are pre/non-op.

What about Super Straight God Super Saiyan Blue?

Never heard the term before, it sounds ridiculous.

Sexuality is a complex and nuanced thing. I believe trying to generalize labels for people can be more harmful than helpful, unless they are quite blatant in their position; I will never date any trans no matter what! But most people seem to care about genitalia when it comes to their sexual desires, so its understandable if a trans person lacking the proper genitalia isnt their type.

Personally, height and face are usually my general factors for attraction, but hair and voice are also important and usually only arise for some trans people. Im not overly concerned about whats in someones pants, though Im not a big fan of plastic surgery.

Is "super gay" a "heterophobic dogwhistle"?

I've heard some really enthusiastic gay people call themselves super gay and I never assumed it was in bad faith.

KitKats posted...

Whether or not you consent to being intimate with someone is different from attraction and sexual orientation.

To put it more simply, if someone is attracted to women, that does not mean only cis women. Sexual attraction doesnt work that way, and its transphobic to say your sexual orientation is only cis people, or that its not possible to be attracted to someone/anyone solely on the basis because they are trans.

Many people operate on stereotypes or cliches, but trans people actually come in all shapes and sizes, as do cis people. Being attracted to women doesnt automatically mean youre attracted to every cis woman, either. You can be attracted to one woman but not another.

I agree

LoveLikeJazz posted...

Is "super gay" a "heterophobic dogwhistle"?

Are they part of an online community using it as a way to generalize and attack all heterosexual people? If so probably.

If not, it's probably someone just very proud of their sexuality, or sharing that they have zero attraction to the opposite gender.

Error1355 posted...

Are they part of an online community using it as a way to generalize and attack all heterosexual people? If so probably.

If not, it's probably someone just very proud of their sexuality, or sharing that they have zero attraction to the opposite gender.

Can't the same be said about "super straight" then?

Good or bad faith, just depending on the context?

Im attracted to feminine features. Ive encountered several trans people in my life but no amount of surgery and makeup has been able to make them pull it off in my book. Im happy that they are living their best life but its just not my sexual preference

Nemu posted...
No, this is false and actually harmful to progress for equal rights and social equality.

Combating bigotry and racism, homophobia, prejudicial discrimination are vital to improving society, as well as inequality as it relates to wealth and class.

The difference is people learning to unpack their prejudices and set a good example for others, rather than double down and perpetuate more bigotry and harm, to their friends, peers, children, etc.

Lots of people have subconscious bias, racist ideas, so on and so forth. That doesnt make them bad people because of how society shaped them. Whats important is they grow as people and be a good ally and citizen.

Trans people, for a closer example, grapple with internalized transphobia and that can be a big mountain to climb. Others, like Caitlyn Jenner or Blair White, perpetuate transphobia while being trans themselves.

Stop making up meaning of words.

waterjoe posted...

Stop making up meaning of words.

Real what is a woman energy

LoveLikeJazz posted...

Can't the same be said about "super straight" then?

Good or bad faith, just depending on the context?

The phrase 'super straight' was coined for the purpose of transphobia, that's the context that is making it transphobic. It's not really difficult, IMO.

Id also like to point out that not all phobias are solved by knowledge and education. Oftentimes a phobia can have a deeply rooted subconscious cause that can only be worked through with therapy. I have some phobias of different humans, and theyre by no means choice or based on ignorance. I dont believe Ive ever let most of them slip except my fear of babies; Ive had to confront a few times and its always been trivialized by others who find out.

I suppose what I mean is, if someone has a phobia and they dont let it alter their treatment of other people in regular scenarios, then Im not sure its right to condemn them for it. During conflict or forced exposure, their phobia might slip out, and that can be a different story. But if you know someone does have a phobia to you as a person, it seems best to avoid confrontation when possible.

Were really complex creatures, and generalized statements are inherently wrong.

Error1355 posted...

The phrase 'super straight' was coined for the purpose of transphobia, that's the context that is making it transphobic. It's not really difficult, IMO.

Yep, it is trying to say the person is only attracted to cis people (which is inherently transphobic.)

Its like if someone tried to make a sexual orientation based around skin color. Nobody is buying that as a legitimate sexuality.

KitKats posted...

No, this is false and actually harmful to progress for equal rights and social equality.

Combating bigotry and racism, homophobia, prejudicial discrimination are vital to improving society, as well as inequality as it relates to wealth and class.

The difference is people learning to unpack their prejudices and set a good example for others, rather than double down and perpetuate more bigotry and harm, to their friends, peers, children, etc.

Lots of people have subconscious bias, racist ideas, so on and so forth. That doesnt make them bad people because of how society shaped them. Whats important is they grow as people and be a good ally and citizen.

Trans people, for a closer example, grapple with internalized transphobia and that can be a big mountain to climb. Others, like Caitlyn Jenner or Blair White, perpetuate transphobia while being trans themselves.

None of that has to do with personal attraction. You are trying to dictate people's personal sexuality. That is no less gross than telling anyone else that their sexuality is wrong. The whole super straight thing was really cringy and unnecessary, but there are different ways to define "straight." It's up to each person to define themselves.

BDSMKane posted...

Id also like to point out that not all phobias are solved by knowledge and education. Oftentimes a phobia can have a deeply rooted subconscious cause that can only be worked through with therapy. I have some phobias of different humans, and theyre by no means choice or based on ignorance. I dont believe Ive ever let most of them slip except my fear of babies; Ive had to confront a few times and its always been trivialized by others who find out.

I suppose what I mean is, if someone has a phobia and they dont let it alter their treatment of other people in regular scenarios, then Im not sure its right to condemn them for it. During conflict or forced exposure, their phobia might slip out, and that can be a different story. But if you know someone does have a phobia to you as a person, it seems best to avoid confrontation when possible.

Were really complex creatures, and generalized statements are inherently wrong.

Its certainly something to say about putting in the work and individual responsibility, if that includes therapy too. No one can do that work for you, but it still requires that knowledge and education to do in the first place and unpack those prejudices.

Nemu posted...

None of that has to do with personal attraction. You are trying to dictate people's personal sexuality. That is no less gross than telling anyone else that their sexuality is wrong. The whole super straight thing was really cringy and unnecessary, but there are different ways to define "straight." It's up to each person to define themselves.

This is false and Im not sure why you are so hung up on this line of attack towards me.

Some self examination is probably in order, I imagine. Thats on you though - I cant do that work for you.

Error1355 posted...

The phrase 'super straight' was coined for the purpose of transphobia, that's the context that is making it transphobic. It's not really difficult, IMO.

As well it may just be very likely that they're taking the piss out of "super straight."

Remember, super-straight guys are nasty. They don't wash their genitals or butthole because touching those means they are gay.

Got some tags ITT, so that's nice.