Knowing one and treating them as a human being who also has feelings just like you. Don't hate but rather embrace and understand them.
"Imagine that you had a debilitating birth defect and no one understood or even wanted to hear about it. That's how many transgender individuals feel--that their body is a mistake. Inside they feel like one gender but the world perceives them as another. It's a sensitive issue that's only just being explored in popular discourse.
o 1
Know that being transgender is a medical condition called gender dysphoria. Transgender persons are not mentally ill, any more than any other segment of the population, though they may struggle more with a lack of support. Being transgender is not something that people "make up." It is a lifelong disability.
o 2
Be aware that coming out as transgender is often a gradual process. Hormones are a first step for many transgender persons. Another early move is to begin dressing as their true sex in situations they perceive as safe.
o 3
Understand that transgender persons can undergo sexual reassignment surgery (SRS), but not everyone does. SRS is a good solution for many people, but it is expensive and usually not covered by insurance. Some male-to-female transgender persons have only the "top surgery," or removal of their breasts.
o 4
Know that coming out as a transgender person is risky business. Transgender persons are not protected in the area of employment by federal or most state laws. A boss can fire them for simply being who they are. They are often targeted as victims of abuse and even violence.
o 5
Realize that transgender persons can be gay, straight or bisexual. Transgender status is about identity, not sexual orientation. For example, males who transition to female can be attracted to men or women as they were before the transition. It's their identity that changes, not their orientation.
o 6
Understand why transgender people are the "T" in the GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender) community. All are considered sexual minorities, and they share many issues, even if orientation isn't one of them.
o 7
Appreciate that once they begin transitioning, most transgender persons want others to use the pronouns that fit their new, outer appearance. If you're unsure, ask, "How do you identify?""
Tips & Warnings
- Rent and watch the movie "TransAmerica." The filmmaker and cast do a tremendous job exploring transgender issues.
- Don't make fun of transgender persons, even if you think it's "harmless." Cruel remarks add to the cycle of violence perpetuated against them.
Your post had me pop myself online for just a few minutes before I leave it again. I'm in awe to see that you've posted this, but I can say that no matter what people say or post about being transgender we'll never fit in. I know this first hand by cruel words said to me not that long ago because I'm different.
ReplyDeleteI've also learned the hard way that even though you're the nicest person on the inside and you love freely, give freely without expecting or asking anything in return and would never harm another it doesn't mean shit to a lot of people. It's the outside appearance that seems to count everywhere and that's what we're judged on. Our looks. It's God that should be the only one judging us, but alas it doesn't seem to be the case.
It's disturbing that I have to hide the REAL me in appearance just to have and keep friends because the moment you're true self is revealed they turn their backs on you and you're not worth their time or space.
I must apologize, although I shouldn't that on the outside I appear as a chick, but FAWK YOU those that snubbed and emailed me cruel words when finding out the truth! I will not apologize because on the inside of my head, my heart and my soul I am a MAN!
I AM PROUD TO ADMIT I AM TRANSGENDER!!!
And I am proud of you for being who you are, accepting who you are and stating it loud and clear. I'm proud to be your friend. And also, thank you Nat for a marvelous post. - E.
ReplyDeleteLove you, Sidney. No matter what.
ReplyDeleteI'm working on a post for next week about this because I just got done reading a comic (of all things) that really helped me see what being transgender could possibly be like. Especially the part of telling others or others finding out. It made me think of you.
Love you, Sidney. No matter what.
E, your support means the world to me. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteSunshine, love you too and can't wait to read your post. You've been a great friend and supportive since I've known you and you've convinced me...fine I'll adopt you :snickering: Hmm first time I laugh in a whole week. Pat yourself on the back for accomplishing that.
You are our best friend and family. Never forget that. We are here for each other. Even though we maybe miles apart. But in our hearts we all know the truth.
ReplyDelete