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Friday, 23 May 2008 23:17 |
 I’m pissed off.
With my GP away, I ventured into one of those ‘turnstile medical centres’ recently. Clearly unaware of my sexuality, the doctor mentioned he had a number of transsexual (TS) patients – or as he so eloquently put it: “you know, those blokes on hormones”. He went on to say: “one of those transvestite freaks stole my briefcase and a prescription pad once…of course, they’re junkies and prostitutes, you know”.
Well, my jaw nearly hit his faux mahogany desk. After taking my blood pressure, he suggested I cut back on the salt, though I’m inclined to believe his bigoted and ill informed comments were to blame; I’m surprised I wasn’t rushed to the hospital in cardiac distress! So with International Day Against Homophobia falling only a week earlier and further to equality reforms announced at 2020, the brutal reality hit me – seems we have a long way to go before we’re even remotely close to true equality.
This was an experienced doctor in Sydney’s east, who ‘treats’ TS patients. Well, if you call a five minute consult and a prescription for Androcur any sort of treatment. I had to wonder, how many other patients are served up this offensive, archaic shite? With doctors often held in high esteem by patients and the general public, it was time to mount my soap box and try and set him straight.
I mentioned I felt that he was referring to his transgender patients, not transvestites – though I think he cared less for any clarification. I said I felt his comments to be an offensive generalisation based on indigent stereotypes, with potentially harmful consequences. I mentioned I’ve known a number of TS people and they were, moreover, not all drug addicts. I also informed him that one of my best friends happens to be a trans woman currently doing her Masters at uni. His reply: “Well, let’s hope it’s not just a matter of time before he gets into the heroin.” OMG!
I was clearly bashing my head against a wall and was so strung out by the whole ordeal, I was tempted to ask for a Valium to calm the nerves.
Isn’t it enough we have to deal with discrimination from red-necks and the religious right? For me, a dullard yelling “f*ckin queer c*nt” from a revved up Torana is much easier to fathom. While still inherently offensive, I tend to laugh the Mr Toranas of the world off as miserable unfortunates who know no better. I quite simply have no regard for such people - poor sods probably can’t even tie their own shoelaces.
Naturally enough though, we tend to respect the white coats, so I guess an experienced, well-educated doctor touting such malicious claptrap registers somewhat higher on the shock-o-meter. Just goes to show the importance of vigilance and that ignorance and discrimination knows no socio-economic or demographic bounds. A bitter pill to swallow indeed.
If you’ll excuse me, I have a call to make to the AMA.
- Hard Driver
Am I over-reacting? Had a similar experience? Feel free to share your thoughts below, or email Hard Driver:
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