Caitlyn Jenner’s recent transition has made a large impact on the world, inspiring, confusing, and awakening many people to the transgender community. However, what does it mean to be transgender? How does one know if they are transgender? How can one be supportive of a friend or loved one that is transgender?
The word transgender, or trans, is an term used to describe those whose gender identity or sense of their own gender doesn’t match with the sex and gender assigned to them at birth. Cisgender, or cis, describes someone who identifies with the sex and gender they were assigned at birth. Gender is often represented as a spectrum in this sense, rather than a binary, with many types of gender, including those of genderqueer, questioning, non-binary and trans identities.
Transphobia is a major issue for the trans community. Transgender students are often victims of harassment and bullying in school, and this along with intolerance in their family and social life leads to alarming depression and suicide rates. Only 18 states have laws protecting transgender individuals from being fired due to their gender identity. Transgender people are often harassed, raped and even murdered for simply expressing their identity, according to the study “A National Crisis: Anti Transgenderviolence” published by the Human Rights Campaign. “Even as we experience increased transgender visibility through a range of inspiring national media stories, the levels of violence and harassment transgender people face — particularly transgender women and transgender women of color — constitute a national crisis.”
Trans people have always existed in culture and will continue to do so. You can increase trans visibility by recognizing trans people in your community and providing support if they are struggling or being harassed. It is immensely important to respect someone’s preferred pronouns and name. A name or pronoun change can seem like something small for you, but to someone else they can mean a whole lot about how their identity is accepted in the public eye. If you don’t know, just ask!
“Hi, ____, what are your preferred pronouns?” It’s that easy.
Junior Eric Pyle weighed in on expressing their gender identity here at Severna Park.
Q: What gender do you currently identify as? What pronouns do you use?
Eric:”Right now I’m kind of non-binary. I prefer gender-neutral or masculine pronouns.”
Q: Do you feel any pressure to go by social norms in school? Outside of school?
E: “Yeah, to be honest. It’s difficult telling teachers my preferred pronouns.” [Referring to pressure outside of school] “[It’s] a little weird to have a person believed to be your daughter going out in suits all the time.”
Q: Do you experience any form of bullying as a result of not being cis?
E: “Yes” [At this point Eric coughed loudly and mumbled something that sounded a lot like the word “parents”]
Q: What do you believe is an important aspect of being a good trans ally?
E: “Don’t question your friend’s identity. Only they know their identity.”