Trans Community Concerns About L Word
I support this petition. I think the character of Max is represented in a very troubling way. It is obvious that the writers need to have a trans consultant on their staff in order to do justice the character. I find his representation to be awkward: awkward acting, awkward storyline and plot development. I think he is being used as a stereotype: FTMs become violent, jealous and hypersexual when they take testosterone. This supports a sexist and biologically determinist view of gender that is very disturbing. The writers have a golden opportunity to represent trans people and they are not doing a very good job of it. In addition to strengthening the character of Max, why not have an MTF character who identifies as lesbian? I think a trans dyke would be a great addition to the show, if handled correctly. At any rate, the producers and writers need to do a more nuanced and positive job of representing transgender people on their show.