Reclaiming words

[publictrans.livejournal.com]

A language question:

"Tranny" and "tranny chaser" - Who can use these words? I was recently in a situation where another queer person was using them, and I felt that they didn't have the right to. Their casual use of the words made me uncomfortable.

So - are these words reclaimed? Who is allowed to reclaim them? Any thoughts? I'd especially love to hear about differences for MTF or FTM spectrum folks, or other gender variant people who don't necessarily identify as trans.

It seems to be the day for posts about words

[badoingdoing.livejournal.com]

So I thought I'd bring up a set that frustrate me: Phrases like "guys and gals," or "men and women." I just can't help but think "well, what about the rest of us?"

I mean, I kinda expect it from day to day life. To be on the level, I have a bit of an ulterior motive with this post: the amount phrases like that pop up on this board can get frustrating. I don't want to harsh on anyone (I mean, they're such common phrases I doubt most people think about how they might hurt), but I realized that if I don't speak up about feeling marginalized, I can't expect people will ever think about how such phrases can be hurtful.