Trans*

When I originally thought about what I was passionate about and what I thought needed to be talked about internationally and nationally, I asked the question: is there something that is not being talked about regularly or being glossed over that I could contribute to? I automatically thought about trans* rights and trans* identities. I have been involved with campaigns around my universities campus, specifically in regards to bathroom equity and gender neutral accessible bathrooms around campus. This topic is hard though, because I myself am not trans* and do not want to overstep the space that is open for allies, while also trying raise awareness around the topic of trans* inequities around the world and even in my own University. The questions about where should I stand in this discussion and if there is a place for this voice has plagued me while beginning this blog.

I have had fluidity within my own gender expression and questioned my own gender identity. However, at this time I identify as a cis woman. To me, identity can be fluid, although there are many different interpretations of gender. The trans* umbrella spans many different identities, bodies, genders, and expressions. Some identities fall within the binary of woman/man. But there are many identities that can fall within the trans* category or in the gender fluid category, that break out of that binary. This blog will attempt to span many aspects of gender and trans* inequity as possible and focus on issues that are apparent within the community. Some feel comfortable in the binary, while others feel they need to break out of the binary. Within the blog I will use the term, trans*, as an umbrella to talk about many different forms of gender expression and gender inequalities/inequities found in laws and cultures around the world. The inequities and laws vary incredibly in regards to gender and identity.

In some countries like Iran, the government recognizes sex realignment surgery and once a person goes through complete reconstructive surgery their documents can be changed to their affirmed identity. However, while it sounds progressive, those who are trans* must forgo any reproductive rights to change their gender on their personal documents including passports and birth certificates. If someone identifies as trans* but does not want to undergo surgery there is severe backlash, more so than if one undergoes realignment surgery, and one cannot change their documentation. The assumptions and expectations of gender identity, as well as sexual orientation are issues that need to be spoken about and brought into the mainstream discussion.

The idea of metronormativity, as well as ‘LGBT mecca’s’ needs to be discussed and combated as well, especially within the United States. There are many states in the United States where someone can be fired just for their gender identity and expression. There are many acts of violence against trans* individuals within the United States, even in New York City which is commonly thought about as an LGBT friendly city.

To me this topic is important to focus on because many times when attempting to speak up for LGBT rights or against the inequities that the communities face, within our own backyard and globally, the T is not always included in the discussion, even though it is included in the acronym. Trans* rights have consistently been bundled in with LGBT rights and LGBT movements. The needs of trans* folks vary from LGB rights, and many times gender identity and gender expression are specifically not protected legally, even where sexual orientation is. While there are many needs within the LGB communities as well, this blog serves to talk about the issues ranging internationally in regards to trans* identities, rights and expectations. The ‘T’ in the acronym does not refer to sexual orientation, and many times it seems that the ‘T’ is tacked on to be inclusive. But the ‘T’ in the acronym has many of its own issues that need to be focused on, including healthcare, safety, gender identity laws, discrimination based on gender identity, etc.

Even in my University I have found that trans* inclusiveness and trans discussions were not being had. Only recently, have hormones and sex realignment surgery been added to the student health insurance plan.  In addition there have been incidents relating to gender identity discrimination and bathroom safety. Safety and access to restrooms and healthcare should be a fundamental right.  

To me, much of what needs to be focused on, includes cultures around gender and experiences, as well assumptions. Questions I would like to explore: what is important in trans* rights and how do we talk about it internationally? How are trans* individuals, gender and bodies talked about in the media around the world?

The topic of trans* identities and gender expression is so expansive that I cannot discuss in this one post everything that needs to be done in regards to equality and inclusiveness within the trans* communities.