View From The Other Half

Summary

This audio addresses the issues of a trans man adjusting to new social expectations of being a male. The beginning problem of a trans-male is the interactions of their new male persona with straight females and how to approach them in an attractive way. The moment described in the recording between females in a separate cars shows the struggle of gaining attention without fear of rejection due to their recent transition. His friend, Ethan, who seemed to have no fear of the rejection received backlash in some of his attempts. Attraction to women became more complicated and difficult after the change. Finding target audience was so difficult because females were uncomfortable with a male that had once been a woman in a sexual sense. Although, they had all the desires of a male and appearance of a male it was considered taboo. The confusion of the women added to the internal confusion of the trans men. Often times, first dates did not lead to a second. Situations like this created insecurities preventing the trans men from advancing in relationships. Lack of advance confused the partner even more. Essentially, this audio shows the added complications of romance in a trans person’s life regardless of the indifferent desires.

Outside Example

When listing to the audio I was reminded of a story of an unlikely animal caring for a different species. I grew up watching animal planet and other television stations with animal interactions. In some shows they would unlikely things in nature and I found these shows to be among the most interesting. In one show it displayed an elderly dog caring and even nursing a tiger. A feline and canine are often thought to be complete opposites and even enemies, but this dog cared and even loved this ‘enemy species’. The tiger reciprocated the love and grew up and played with the dog’s other pups. We cant be sure that the tiger knew its differences from the pups, but regardless they lived together in harmony.

Connection

The audio talked about pursuit of love and acceptance, but had many obstacles that mostly involved the rejection from others. The speaker’s friend however still found a person that loved and accepted him for his true self. Similarly, the tiger cubs were orphaned and without the necessary care of a parent. The dog, regardless of there species differences, accepted and love the cubs through raising them as her own. The audio recording and the story of the dog and tiger cubs are similar because love can be found in uncommon situations through accepting personalities.