First
an update on the physical changes. Voice: a definite drop in it, cracks a lot which
is annoying but won’t be forever. Hair: Hair is everywhere, I found some on my
toes!!!! Back, stomach, legs. Basically hair everywhere except my face ☹ 6 months on
testosterone and changes are definitely noticeable in my overall body shape and
face shape. I have a more “masculine shape” but with soft like features.
So
now that that’s out of the way time to talk about what really grinds my gears.
Transphobia. It’s the only way I can logically explain what is going on in the
news today. The current administration is wanting to go as far as take the word
transgender out of the dictionary. Like, it will be forbidden to not only be
it, but to speak it. So I shall be he who shall not be called that let’s call
him she (Harry Potter much?)
What
is transphobia? Well exactly what it sounds like- not liking those that
identify as transgender. More specifically from the world wide web the agreed
upon definition is: Transphobia is a range of negative attitudes, feelings or
actions toward transgender or transsexual people, or toward transsexuality.
Transphobia can be emotional disgust, fear, violence, anger, or discomfort felt
or expressed towards people who do not conform to society's gender expectation.
It is often expressed alongside homophobic views and hence is often considered
an aspect of homophobia. Transphobia is a type of prejudice and discrimination
similar to racism and sexism, and transgender people of color are often
subjected to all three forms of discrimination at once.
Child
victims of transphobia experience harassment, school bullying, and violence in
school, foster care, and social programs. Adult victims experience public
ridicule, harassment including misgendering, taunts, threats of violence,
robbery, and false arrest; many feel unsafe in public. A high percentage report
being victims of sexual violence. Some are refused healthcare or suffer
workplace discrimination, including being fired for being transgender, or feel
under siege by conservative political or religious groups who oppose laws to
protect them. There is even discrimination from some people within the movement
for the rights of gender and sexual minorities.
Besides
the increased risk of violence and other threats, the stress created by
transphobia can cause negative emotional consequences which may lead to
substance abuse, running away from home (in minors), and a higher rate of
suicide. (Thank you Wikipedia for help on this)
For
more information on this see the link below:
It
has been scientifically proven that transgender adolescents and children report
living a happier, healthier life when support is given from family and friends.
I’m not saying every one of my family members needs to be on board or that my
friends need to be 100%. But it sure does help. For my friends who know me
best, coming out as a transman was not a surprise. Often I am asked a lot of
questions about proper pronouns, what name I prefer, and surgery. The first two
I have no problem answering, but as for surgery well I’m not going to ask you
about your parts so I expect the same.
I
will never stop saying that a good support system is essential in whatever you
decide to accomplish.
If you take a look at the suicide attempt rates, they are
much higher among transgendered men (female-to-male). Can I say I haven’t had
suicidal thoughts, or perhaps attempted in my life, no I cannot. As taboo it is
to talk about yes I once preferred to be dead then to let my family down. I was
raised that my family name meant everything and always do the right thing, even
if it meant I was miserable. Obviously I have finally shaken myself of that
thought pattern but it hurts when you see someone who lives a country apart
from their family, speak to them every day via web chat and text throughout the
day about the most random of subjects. They also group web chat once a week
with the ENTIRE family so that everyone can play with the 1-year-old nephew. My
family is but a car ride away. Being trans is not why I am not close with them,
again a whole other blog that I may or may not post. I may have shaken myself
of the thought pattern, but the habit of making sure my family is not
disappointed is still there.
At
the end of the day anyone whether trans or not if you feel alone. YOUR NOT.
There are numerous support groups and hotlines you can call. If you suspect
someone is at risk, there are the SAME hotlines you can call for how to help
them. Moral of the story love is love, taking transgender out of the dictionary
will not stop me from being who I am, and the more hate you put onto a certain
group of people the more we become targets.
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