How to Understand Transgender Issues

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.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Empathy
• Willingness to take in new information

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Resources

• Transgender support
• American Psychological Association
• Transgender Law & Policy Institute
• National Center for Transgender Equality