Real Time with Bill Maher: Redefining Realness with Janet Mock (HBO)

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Bestselling author and TV host Janet Mock joins Bill Maher to discuss her book, Redefining Realness, and the increasing profile of transgendered Americans in popular culture.
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[@bourne2crimson397]

Okay, I've been asking this question for a while, but no one seems to have an answer. If gender and sex are separate matters and are independent of each other, then why is it generally recommended for people who are transgender to seek sex-reassignment surgery? Why have your sex surgically altered if gender is in the mind (or a social construct)?

[@weirdfictions8132]

Hi, there. I don't know if I can give you all the answers you need, or even if my answer is completely accurate, but based on my own observations and discoveries (I am a cis hetero female, so maybe not the greatest source), sex seems to be based more on scientific constructs, where as gender is more of a mental, emotional, and (physically) external concept. Meaning that in terms of sex (What sex you are) depends on what chromosomes you have. Most people are taught that there are only two sets of sex chromosomes, XX and XY, but recent research has provided an entire list of anomalies that happen naturally that don't fall under either of those categories, such as XXY or X. How these affect the individual, I'm not sure, but a quick Google search should clear up some questions. Gender, on the other hand, is affected by a person's mental state, emotional state, and the acceptance of their physical features, including genitalia. I've never actually heard that gender reassignment surgery was recommended in any capacity, as that is only a personal choice and not a medically suggested one. A transgender person, say a transgender female, is still considered a woman, even if she has a penis. Her genetics, her sex, may very well be XY, what we as a society have labeled "male," but she is a woman none-the-less. For those that do choose to have gender reassignment surgery, it could be for many reasons, but I believe the most common one is to look on the outside the way they feel on the inside. Some can handle feeling all female but having a penis, or being all male with a vagina, others choose to have their individual and physical selves match. I don't know if this completely answers your question, but I hope it gives a little bit more information. Have a nice day. (Apologies to anyone in the trans community if I have not presented the information accurately. This is based solely on what I have learned in my limited experience, as well as my own research on the matter.)

[@rairadio7119]

Because sex and gender are related. Gender is what sets the sexual organs in motion and keeps the species going without anyone having to go any treatment. With some, there is an anomaly, their gender dont match with their sex - partially or completely. So they do what they can to fix it. But to say sex and gender are not related is a biological puzzle to me. To me it's absolutely okay to be trans/bi/gay... but not okay to say gender identity is the only identity and sexual identity is immaterial. That's not a transparent system for practical purposes... from sports to census to medical treatment to dating to crime stats.

[@runito75]

It affects the clothes you can wear, and also how people relate to each others. People are like dogs in the park. The first dogs do when they meet is to sniff each others asses.

[@alicevana]

I never got the connection between gay and trans....they seem like two very different things and don't understand why they are grouped together

[@TINKERB121]

There is none. I don't understand why the T was added to LGB.

[@alicevana]

Tinker B right? Attraction to the same sex vs. I want to go through surgery/hormone treatment to become the opposite sex....so different

[@alicevana]

***** not really....there are plenty of issues that are not related. I have no idea how "I am into my sex" is similar to "I want to go through chemical treatments and surgery to become the opposite sex." Plenty of differences

[@truthseeker000000]

LGB is about who one is attracted to sexually and wants to sleep with. T is about gender identity and who a person identifies with. They are different issues. A transgender person can be gay, straight or bisexual.

[@A__Love]

The connection is cisheteropatriachy. It's like how POC's connection is white supremacy.

[@Loiichi]

Her face @ 1:20 😂 "What you order at lunch" 🙄

[@kammanzil]

WELL SAID JANET!!! LOVE YOU XX

[@BloodAndGutsTV]

... And his suppose to be politically incorrect LOL

[@salasvalor01]

This is why liberalism > conservatism and it's not a left vs right spectrum but a good vs bad spectrum. Although there are some lessons liberalism should probably take from conservatism.

[@tiradoentertainmentllc.2517]

I don't care for Bill Maher much but I can listen to Janet Mock all day--so well spoken. I felt this way in early 2000s...but I wasn't willing to lead a crusade and still aren't but glad Janet is willing to.

[@PintsofGuinness]

bummed that laura jane grace didnt get a mention

[@laughsngasps]

I’m serious thinking about the 56 and trying to list in my head. I like her. She’s bold!

[@walterhigo7658]

5:45 How come they want their own specific "box" in Facebook, Tumbler, and all sorts of legal documents, but then when it comes to bathrooms they want to force everybody else to share their private space? Should'n they demand to have their own specific bathroom?

[@ray25lee]

Because taking a piss and making a social profile aren't even sort of the same thing. I know people like equating transsexuals to dogs when it comes to human rights, but those feelings don't justify actual treatment of people. 'S like saying "If my doctor needs to know my sex for my files, why isn't there a separate pharmacy for males, females, intersexes, eunuchs, and transsexuals?" If you think my analogy doesn't make any sense, congrats on understanding how your parallel didn't make any sense. Again, they have jack to do with one another. One is the willing divulgence of personal information that you don't even need to share, one is categorizing people in public by their genitals, which I personally find really creepy that people are so infatuated with knowing what genitals people have 100% of the time they're taking a shit. There's porn for that, maybe keep your sick fantasies in the internet and leave the rest of humanity alone.

[@lunari64_]

...stalls are pretty private.

[@OldskolFan]

I'm a heterosexual female who was always a tomboy; I guess now that is listed as a crisscrossing

[@sheet-son]

Don't even entertain their language gymnastics. It's all part of being a dumbass democrat. Anything that makes then feel even a little bit uncomfortable should be banned from society, as if they possess a right to never be offended. Words have meaning for a reason. The words for her are transvestite, or chick with a dick.

[@jasonfenton8250]

That's not how being transgender works. You are simply a masculine presenting woman. Being transgender is a different thing.

[@GajendraKSingh]

Soon we will use percentage system...... Like 90% male 10% female........ for both sex and gender.

[@sheet-son]

I would imagine pretty soon after that is when it's also acceptable to say 2+2=5. Words have meaning, that's why there are so many of them, in this case the appropriate word(s) would be transvestite, or man dressed as a woman with mutilated genetalia.

[@GajendraKSingh]

Randy Savage​ read DSM IV, just to get the idea of classification.

[@OptimisticCynic715]

Gajendra Singh Soon we will ignore verifiable evidence and immutable facts. Then we'll sink into an insane religious delusion like the dark ages.

[@rej524]

+Brian wow, your ignorance is beyond words. male transvestite (more accurately, male cross dresser) means a person who identifies as a man that likes to dress as a woman VS. transgender woman means person who was assigned male at birth but identifies as a girl, therefore a girl. There is a HUGE difference between these terms. Do your homework before you spew ignorant shit online. God bless your little soul...

[@titanfalltitanfall6773]

People are confused

[@asmrcity3147]

Be grateful for well spoken, intelligent humans like Janet, to explain it to those people.

[@markbillman6295]

How does one redefine what is real?

[@hazelt3138]

Her title comes from NYC ballroom culture. It's slang. Do your research.

[@rexeverything5942]

you dont, thats the way to madness.

[@kingboobs20]

I'm not even reading the comments I'm just downvoting all of them on instinct.

[@OptimisticCynic715]

Brie Russell That's what a religious fundamentalist does. Don't think about anything, just shut off your brain and attack when your fantasy world is threatened.

[@kingboobs20]

OptimisticCynic715 Quick browse of your history, you seem to be VERY obsessed with trans people, that raises questions.

[@lf8198]

Probably a good instinct.

[@neilwiththereeldeel]

hey, some of them might be insulting of this thing that is his guest 😁😁

[@xfreespirit1979x]

Pansexual: pan·sex·u·al - panˈsekSH(əw)əl/ - adjective - 1. not limited in sexual choice with regard to biological sex, gender, or gender identity.

[@amysnow56]

I don't have anything against transgender ppl. I just don't get them society is what determines what is male or female behavior. If a boy was born to a society like ancient Sparta,for instance where women were warriors would the boy still feel he was really girl? Or if this boy were born in a society were women were severely repressed would he decide he was ok being a boy?

[@TINKERB121]

Justin Lloyd They're referring to stereotypical feminine and masculine behaviors, and used woman warriors as an example. Individual behavior doesn't somehow mean you are in the wrong body. That's a harmful thing to teach - if you enjoy or like X, Y, and Z, you MUST be a girl.

[@amysnow56]

Thank you, Tinker that's exactly what I meant.

[@amysnow56]

I see what you're saying they would identify with the opposite sex no matter what the social parameters were.

[@tkdmaste12]

I think Bill is into Janet

[@marcelmolina6421]

Smooth Operator I saw that

[@AndersAndersendark]

Really dont mind, be whoever you wanna be.

[@rs72098]

Can I be a bobcat? Will you change the English language just because of me and my preferences?

[@jasonbrown4130]

She's gorgeous

[@liananickel9937]

Jason,congratulations...you're gay.

[@liananickel9937]

​@Trix SandsHe like you.

[@courylanders4142]

Hey, Jason she has an option to keep or remove HER penis.But if you still thinks He's a woman,more power to you.

[@whitespeed7281]

Is she wearing a yamaka?

[@blackraider777]

thousand genders of tumblr, that's the real joke on this show

[@crheaven9955]

bill maher couldn't wait as soon as he got the opportunity to kiss da boy girl .... 0:32 lmao dude wild

[@CS-wn2sz]

her doctor has skills.

[@virces6563]

*his

[@Flaytt744]

LOL

[@voykoloni2392]

her voice coach has skills too.

[@13bullshit]

Its so weird

[@laurag.m3072]

HE, he is a he.

[@seyi1168]

So, if I feel like a cow... I'm now a cow, Alright America! Thanks for teaching us That we are now goats without sense. It's simple,America has become 'rich' that it doesn't think straight again.

[@GreenOnionBrother]

Have you ever heard of the the term "argumentum ad absurdum"?

[@GreenOnionBrother]

***** You do realize that it stays an argumentum ad absurdum no matter how often you repeat it, right?

[@GreenOnionBrother]

***** A lot of people think a lot of things. The logical fallacy you've just used is an argumentum ad populum, BTW.

[@NatsumiTakanawa]

If you want to be a woman/man, fine. If you want to become a different species and think thats the same as changing your biological sex, then you have a problem.

[@GreenOnionBrother]

***** Ahm, because we are one species, while gender is less easy to identify. Do you identify it by chromosomes, hormone levels, genitals etc? Because in case of androgen insensitivity syndrome the genotype is male while the phenotype (genitals etc) is female. So what are they? There are multiple version in between. Certain brain structures having a female characteristics while the genitals are male, a mixture of both types of genitals (internal and external) etc.

[@mikew9423]

Gender is not a construct--it is a biological reality. Individuality is what is fluid, and the expression of that individuality is specific from person to person. On the LGBTQQI end, there must be a recognition that we weren't created as malleable clay creatures in a fantasy themed world. Humans are male (XY) and female (XX). Additional or mixed chromosomes do not change the core gender but do have significant negative, lasting health effects. The other side, the more traditionalist or conservative folks ought to recognize expression of individuality does not inherently harm society, power structures, or another person's place. In most circles, people who identify as a tree, animal, or multiple "systems" are considered to be mentally ill--Tumblr disagrees. Tumblr, however, is not arbiter of morality or a force for legal change. Building laws that enable people to state they are a fairy (i.e., not a human) or have several people operating as a "system" with one or two of those people "fronting" (i.e., actively in control of the person) in a legal context would cause havoc. When we push identities as important, rather than character, we fall closer to the zero-sum game of protections. In the end, ogres, trans, or greysexuals are all thing: human. Why aren't we focusing on making the protections for humans specific to an ever expanding list of identities? The ultra progressive left believes they are empowering and protecting a new class of people (those "fairies", "trees", and "systems"), but it seems to me that they are muddling up an otherwise rational process of protecting people because they are humans and not because they have some specific identity on a list; eventually, someone will again have an identity that isn't on that list, forcing the list to expand--shouldn't why just truncate it all to "human"?

[@jpats6124]

Heh! This is exactly the problem people have with homosexuality, let alone anything else.

[@sun1one1]

You need to learn some science. XY and XX aren't the only options and that's just for starters.

[@mikew9423]

I absolutely agree: sexual identity dismorphic disorder is a real problem, and is the problem I believe you are eluding to. Depression is highly comorbid with SIDD as a result. How is it treated? With complete acknowledgement of human pain and full support of the transition away from the source of the pain. The gender binary argument is becoming an increasing difficult argument to make. Not because of profound or significant research refuting the gender binary, but because of the aggressively driven politically correct culture. Many elements of gender expression are cultural, but biological gender is not cultural. That in no way diminishes the man living in a woman's body who needs to be able to express himself fully, with or without surgery, HRT, or new clothes. Gender is binary, but identity is fluid. You are XY, match cultural norms for maleness, but prefer long hair? Okay. Wearing dresses? Okay. Still male, just with an identity which extends off of being male. A person who maintains their self awareness, stays grounded in their belief in themselves, and remembers themselves to happiest when they are themselves, will be entirely unphased by any comments made about them. In other words, teach resiliency and not PC bullshit.

[@YOUUU2B]

Your referring to sex, male and female. Gender refers to social roles.

[@mikew9423]

Justin Lloyd I struggle to follow that logic. Society may not make things easy, but surely we can see the difference between individuals who identify with their gender/sex innately and those who do not. Those who do not live lives in a state of confusion, depression, loneliness, and with no sense of direction and not going to be able to live their fullest life. Looking at long list of suffering which individuals born into the wrong sex suffer, we cannot, as humanists and clinical practitioners, say they do not have a particular issue that, once address, can be corrected. I do need to make a correction, however, because of my age: it is not longer called "gender identity disorder", but is now called Gender Dysphoria in the DSM-V, to better convey the mental status of individuals who are born into genders which are contrary to their identity. The DSM-V goes on to clearly state "gender nonconformity is not in itself a mental disorder." I want to emphasize the importance of a diagnosis for these individuals so they may access appropriate care but also to use language that does not stigmatize them. It is a difficult balance to strike, but with honest dialogue we can be successful in bringing clinical practices to individuals with gender dysphoria.

[@poppaDehorn]

i dont care what you identify as... gender is gender.

[@walterhigo7658]

I'd like to know if Janet is now going to start a twitter boycott of Bill's show since he mentioned the sex-change operation just as Piers Morgan did. Back then Janet said that was "offensive" but he (Janet) seems ok with it now.

[@TINKERB121]

Maher is a comic so its a little different. Plus if Mock makes it a habit to do such a thing after every interview, no one is going to want them on their show.

[@johnfernelius460]

Do folks here really not understand the difference between sex and gender? Sex is biological, gender is a societal construct. Or, sex is the equipment you're born with, and gender is how you express it. More alarmingly, why do people care about gender expression? If a male-to-female individual honestly makes you upset, you have some major insecurity issues.

[@walterhigo7658]

John Fernelius Isn't gender something people are born with? How can it be a "social construct" then?

[@OptimisticCynic715]

John Fernelius I don't think the average person is really upset by drag performers, because we're all in on the gag. But someone actually trying to convince people that they're something they aren't, that's a very different situation.

[@rairadio7119]

Gender is not a social construct. A doctor doesn't consult the society before saying 'It's a boy'. It's simply another word for sex. We do not go about genderless till we are ready to choose from 1000 genders. Masculinity and femininity varies from person to person. And in that sense, one might not feel like a boy or a girl and wish he or she was born into a different body, doing things differently. Society should allow them that support and space, but not hide their sex. Each identity should contain both sex and gender. So nothing wrong with a transgender woman. But a transgender woman claiming she is a woman, hides her sex. It's not a rational way to structure a society - from sports to medicine dosage to procreation.

[@lehuanani3341]

People need to stop being Arrogant. And get secure with there!!! Insecurities

[@headrockbeats]

Nice lady. Or should I say: Nice #491.

[@marcelmolina6421]

😂😂😂 So Sad ( Once you go down then you realize she got a Tree Trunk ) 😂😂😂

[@MrMan-qj3gt]

What is the difference between feeling like I want to be a duck and feeling I w ant to be a woman.

[@Relbl]

So at 3:45, is she saying that Trans-people are just trolls? Gay trolls... go figure. People that go out of their way to make OTHERS uncomfortable as a way of making themselves feel comfortable really are PoS in my opinion. If that's really their motivation (or at least this person's) then they are just bad people who have been empowered to be shitty by our enabling society

[@FlowWolf7]

I'm trans and the whole get in your face and gender fuck concept pisses me off. We are trying to be part of society not separate even further. People like her are not helping with this rhetoric.

[@BrinkersMad]

hormone imbalance - some sort of mutation must have happened or something idk

[@neilwiththereeldeel]

and thanks to sympathizing with shit like this, we are all dealing with these nonsensical debates about gender which Maher now criticizes...in a way he lead us to this bullshit 🙄🙄🙄

[@RocStarr913]

Don’t criticize what you clearly don’t know.

[@neilwiththereeldeel]

@@RocStarr913 yes you are the sentient being that he has created but now he rightfully (little late but still) criticizes. Congrats, dumb woke fuck 😁😁😤😤

[@EHCBunny4real]

Despite "redefining realness," Janet is still suffering from male pattern baldness. She's is losing her hair at the crown. Nothing gets as real as that.

[@EHCBunny4real]

400 years from now when an archaeologist digs up the remains the facts will differ.

[@EHCBunny4real]

A dead man can tell no tales. The facts will speak the truth Your dna and bones will tell the truth.

[@EHCBunny4real]

I'm about being logical in a physical world, and it can be a bit confusing when others want be to be otherwise. It's about getting everyone to be involved in your roleplay.

[@EHCBunny4real]

You're being illogical if you believe everyone believes what you say. Get a grip and move on.

[@EHCBunny4real]

I don't have to argue because I have the facts. Nothing is going to stop a man from having male pattern baldness, not even a letter from the governor. Why? Because it's part of being a man.

[@joe2k20]

better than Caitlyn Jenner 👅👅👅👅👅

[@VIZIONARYxx]

Disgusting.

[@tonyyayo2115]

would have tricked me

[@deadeaded]

Tricked you into what? Believing that she is a woman? She IS a woman. That's not a trick. A trick implies some kind of deceit.

[@sheet-son]

deadeaded actually he is a man dressed as a woman with a wig.

[@deadeaded]

***** Other people in the comments are saying trans people should be labeled, and that people who use the prefix "ciss" should be shot, but your problem is that I'm too PC? Really? Oh yes... shame on me for being accommodating to minorities.

[@SailingSeignior]

Uniblonder Chromosomes define sex or gender?

[@SailingSeignior]

Uniblonder How so?

[@Bolek989]

not a fan of this

[@felixicon]

maybe the only black 'woman' on his show he hasn't smashed

[@sellmav]

Oh my gosh...IIAQ? Or whatever the F? Get over yourself.

[@marcelmagi4600]

All she's famous for is dissing Olympic gold medal winning Caitlyn Jenner! Sit down, gurl. No one cares.

[@RocStarr913]

Caitlyn Jenner is a self-hating transgender. She still supports a political party who don’t support her way of being at all and has voters that likely would beat her to death if they could.

[@musham6295]

Heterosexuality in danger and will become extinct

[@mr.glabalabadubeestuthemex3845]

Do what ever you want to your body, I don't care. But don't start to jail people for "misgendering" like Canada

[@charlettaramono8949]

That's a MAN baby yea!!!!!!!

[@manawahinekorero9534]

Look at where the movement is now. Disgraceful and nothing more than abusive to children. Be sure to interview some of the Detransitioners that are now coming out Bill because boy, do they have some insights!

[@LJamesStudios]

I wonder if anyone believes in good old fashioned biology.

[@MsLogic-zq7df]

What a load of....Biologically the creator created man and woman. Full-stop!

[@sodthong]

The good Lord would not approve lol

[@Cashout95]

Sarcasm?

[@sodthong]

SepiDogg Yep :)

[@sodthong]

catwalk33 Meow

[@sodthong]

catwalk33 Nothing as funny as an inbred troll, apart from GOD BOTHERERS lol

[@MrGooshness]

That’s a complete lie.

[@jamiloo1]

So she is a man right

[@IShotMyLastMuse]

can you have children? nope. So not a woman. Be what you want to be, i don't care, but don't expect me to just buy it because you say so

[@yasd1432]

pinomauro many women cannot bear children. So are they no longer women?

[@rudy.tootie]

pinomauro some wemen can't have children.. so are they not a woman???

[@jerichosound]

he seems like a chick.

[@MsLogic-zq7df]

What a load of....Biologically the creator created man and woman. Full-stop!