I’m a bit hesitant about the concept as a whole. It sort of freaks me out, seeing as it raises so many questions about how far society is willing to go in terms of gender fluidity. We already have so many discussions and arguments surrounding gender roles and the definition of what it means to be a woman. Now this? It goes too far, in my opinion.
You may find it strange that I feel this way considering that I’m a female transgendered individual myself, but it feels like it completely eliminates what it actually means to be trans. If dolls like this are being developed, where does that stand in terms of transitioning? It almost feels like a farce or a mockery of what I and many of my trans sisters and brothers struggle to feel comfortable in our own skin.
Maybe it’s all in definition. A huge factor to consider is that shemale sex dolls are being used by cisgenders for their own entertainment. This is an issue I have always felt wasn’t taken into account with many forms of media; although we’re gathering more and more attention lately, it’s still easy and vibrators commonplace to not acknowledge the actual definition of trans and gender-fluid individuals.
I know it’s complicated, but being forced into this role by others automatically places you in a position where you’re not being acknowledged as something real but rather as something that can be purchased. It’s not a validating experience, and it’s a feeling many, many of us are familiar with. I don’t think it’s necessarily a bad thing, but it’s a very grey area – one we must tread lightly.
Admittedly, I don’t know much about these dolls. I’m sure there are some people who find them to be an empowering experience or something to use to explore their sexuality; more power to them. I’m just not one of them. It’s a personal opinion, of course, but I just can’t help thinking that instead of using these dolls, there should be more focus on understanding and appreciating the true differences in gender and sexuality. Ultimately, it’s not my decision how or when people choose to express themselves, but I’d like to think it wouldn’t be through the use of a doll.