Julia Scotti’s response to offensive ‘Tranny Granny’ costume

Halloween is upon us and right on the heels of last years Caitlin Jenner costume comes the "Tranny Granny." You can see the costume, which has been taken off of Walmart and Amazon, here.

I reached out to my "transgendered woman" friend and "America's Got Talent" finalist, Julia Scotti, who sent me her thoughts on the costume.

With Halloween once again upon us, it is time once again for straight cis men, the upright citizens and parents of your block, and maybe the coach of your kid’s team to indulge in their secret passion; dressing in women’s clothing.

A couple of years ago, the slinky, Caitlyn Jenner costume (you know, the one with the cleavage?) was all the rage among the macho set who were, at least for one day, able to express their own gender dysphoria in a socially acceptable way.

This year, a company called Rasta Imposta is paying homage to the elderly transgendered population with the introduction of the “Tranny Granny” costume. It is reminiscent of comedian Carol Burnett’s charwoman character and comes complete with “Curvaceous butt and boob pads to create the look”. Yes, you manly man types will be the hit of your party, all while secretly enjoying the sensation of soft lingerie against your skin and knowing that in another world and another life, this could have been permanent.

As a woman of transgendered experience, I find the whole idea of dressing up to sublimate one’s true self ridiculous. I don’t understand why men have to hide this part of their psyche. I guess it might be difficult for them to come out to their families and the guys on the softball team. You know, their buddies might say something to hurt their feelings or worse, beat them to death. They might lose their jobs. They might lose their families. They might not be able to find a place to live or get health coverage. Why, they might become so depressed that they consider suicide because of their decision. And of course, they might not be able to use a public bathroom, join a church, get married or find someone to love and who loves them.

So, I get it guys. Being transgendered in this world requires courage. It ain’t for sissies, like those folks who only dress up once a year. But I think I’d change the name of the costume from “Tranny Granny” to something more appropriate like say, “Hidden Harry” or “Secret Sammy”. I don’t know. It’s not my job to make up names… or call people them either. I’ll leave that to the marketing geniuses at Rasta Imposta.

Happy Halloween.

 

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