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@ cis folks!!! AGAB terms—such as AFAB and AMAB—were created as alternatives to MTF/FTM, which overemphasize our birth sex and make the false and harmful assertion that we are a different gender before our transition than we are after.
AGAB terms exist as a means for trans folks to subvert this damaging rhetoric. Trans folks should generally be the only one using these terms to describe ourselves. There is usually a much more specific (and accurate) way to say what you ACTUALLY mean, instead of specifying AGAB.
Want to communicate that you have [such and such] parts?! say it! And only say it when it's actually relevant
Want to clarify that a particular person has lived experiences of misogyny? say that!
Want to explain that someone is affected by transmisogyny? then say that.
Want to clarify that a particular person has lived experiences of misogyny? say that!
Want to explain that someone is affected by transmisogyny? then say that.
Think through what you're actually trying to say instead of needlessly specifying AGAB.
Often, when cis folks use these terms, it is simply thinly-veiled transphobia ("Don't worry, I have the CORRECT parts!!")
There is very rarely, if ever, a colloquial reason to emphasize someone's AGAB, other than transphobia
There is very rarely, if ever, a colloquial reason to emphasize someone's AGAB, other than transphobia
and yes, this is a call out post for all those folks on @lex_app_, a supposedly trans-affirming safe space, who use these terms as a way to say, "hey, look, I'm not trans!!!!!!"
also, here's my VERY shameless plug of this podcast interview with @Dr_Whomever where we chatted about alternatives to assigned-gender language!!! available wherever you get podcasts https://anchor.fm/transandcaffeinated/episodes/Em-Rabelais-theythemme--faefemme-on-white-feminist-violence-in-nursing-eo04n5
