I also think that it is a common usage by the general public and movies are aimed at them as is this article. In publishing, one chooses a title for effect and emphasis to get the attention of the reader. Substituting “transgender person” for “tranny” may not have had that effect. Readers might not have read the article. It is also awkward and longer with that change. If it gets the public to read an article that educates them, hooray for Bethany! She has found the greater good for transgendered people.

It would be no more offensive.

“You’re not drawn in because Bree is a freak without a gender…”

That's mighty white of you to say that.

Look, I know you don't mean to be offensive. But if in an article you said “You’re not drawn in because Jamiel is a subhuman jungle-bunny….”, well, you get my drift.

I also think that it is a common usage by the general public and movies are aimed at them as is this article. In publishing, one chooses a title for effect and emphasis to get the attention of the reader. Substituting “transgender person” for “tranny” may not have had that effect. Readers might not have read the article. It is also awkward and longer with that change. If it gets the public to read an article that educates them, hooray for Bethany! She has found the greater good for transgendered people.

It would be no more offensive.

“You’re not drawn in because Bree is a freak without a gender…”

That's mighty white of you to say that.

Look, I know you don't mean to be offensive. But if in an article you said “You’re not drawn in because Jamiel is a subhuman jungle-bunny….”, well, you get my drift.

There are others who identify more with the 'transgender' label and are happy to use that. They may or may not be pleased with 'tranny' being applied to them.

Then there are others who may be pre or post-op, who with successful treatment have long since got over themselves [apart from occasional forays onto the internet], and who reject all trans labelling and simply regard themselves as either men, or women. I suggest this latter group might be the most offended by the term 'tranny'. As might their husbands, wives or partners too.

Basically, most in the trans community are aware that the term tranny is often used as a markedly belittling term, even when the term is used between friends. A number of trans people are attempting to reclaim tranny as an empowering term, much as a number in the LGBT community reclaimed the term queer. However, I'd note that queer and LGBT shouldn't be used as interchangeable terms because many LGBT people (especially many who've had the term queer used against them as an epithet) still find the term queer to be quite offensive. I'd argue tranny should be used in the same way — reserved for those trans people who self-identify as trannies, or quoting someone who is used the term as a defamatory pejorative. In other words, transgender and/or transsexual probably shouldn't be used as interchangeable terms with the term tranny .

When covering LGBT subjects in stories and articles, I recommend folk refer to the GLAAD Media Guide, which has a Transgender Glossary and section entitled Defamatory Language. (Tranny is a term listed in the Defamatory Language section.) Even if one doesn't follow the rules of the GLAAD Media Guide, one should be able to clearly explain why one isn't following the guidelines.

I would say that your use of the term tranny in your entertainment related article isn't necessary — there are other less charged words you could have used instead of tranny in labeling what you consider the best films dealing with crossdressing and transsexual story elements.

the idea behind this article is to highlight some performances that take a stance on gender that is largely (or somewhat) outside a gendered norm, and the title was an editorial decision. although you're correct in your criticism, this article is meant as a light-hearted send-up of all performances that land outside of the staunch male/female dichotomy.

PS also not mentioned is one of my favorite performers who landed herself in a movie: the Lady Chablis.