Transgender facts
The word and meaning of transgender is something many of us may not fully understand or have even been made aware of before. Not understanding something can lead many of us to fear and misunderstanding.
Let’s separate some of the facts from fiction on the transgender community.
Fiction: Sexual orientation is the same as gender identity
Fact: Sexual orientation is about who you are attracted to and fall in love with; gender identity is about who you are.
Fiction: You can tell if someone is transgender just by looking.
Fact: Transgender people don't look any certain way or come from any one background. Many transgender people do not appear "visibly trans," meaning they are not perceived to be transgender by others. In fact, you may know a transgender person and not even be aware of it.
Fiction: Transgender people are confused
Fact: Just because a person is transgender doesn’t mean they don’t know who they are. Trans people have a gender just like everyone else. They are men, women, queer, and other genders. They know their sex and they know their gender.
However, coming to the realization that you are trans, and coming out publicly as trans, in a society that doesn’t accept or understand you can be very confusing and hurtful. Many transgender people can experience feelings of “defectiveness” or “being wrong.” This is a social problem, not a gender identity problem.
Fiction: Pronouns don’t matter
Fact: Being associated with their birth name is a tremendous source of anxiety for many transgender people. By respecting the name and pronoun a transgender person (or any person really) is currently using, you are showing a level of acceptance and respect that makes everyone comfortable.
Fiction: Transgender equality isn’t a big deal
Fact: Transgender people face staggering levels of poverty, discrimination, and violence. Transgender people, particularly transgender women of color, face shockingly high rates of murder, homelessness, and incarceration. Most states and countries offer no legal protections in housing, employment, health care, and other areas where individuals experience discrimination based on their gender identity or expression. This is a huge deal for someone just trying to live their lives.
For more information on how to be an ally go to glaad.org
For educational activities, resources or resources go to #FromThisDayForwardPBS on PBS.org.
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