Trans * 101

1. Trans* 101 Kaj Benson

2. Identities • Transgender (Trans*): A umbrella term applying to people whose gender identity does not match how they were gendered at birth. • Trans* women are women who were gendered male at birth incorrectly and are actually women. Sometimes referred to as Male to Female (MTF). • Trans* men are men who were gendered female at birth incorrectly and are actually men. Sometimes referred to as Female to Male (FTM). • Cisgender (Cis): a person whose gender identity matches how they were gendered at birth.

3. Identitiescont. • Genderqueer: A person who does not identify with the binary genders. They may see their gender identity as neither, both, or something else entirely. • Agender: A person who does not identify with any gender. • Genderfluid: A person whose gender (presentation) changes over time. • Two-Spirit: A term used by some Native Americans (originally Ojibwe) to indicate a traditional role “between genders.” There are many third genders in other non-Westernized cultures (e.g., hijra).

4. Privilege and Discrimination • Cisgender Privilege: The basic civil rights and social privileges that a cisgender person automatically receives and that are systematically denied transgender and genderqueer people simply because of their gender identity. • Transphobia: An irrational hatred, disapproval, or fear of traditionally non-normative gender expression and identity. • Cissexism: a paradigm that promotes the normativity and validity of people who feel no dissonance between their gender identity and how they were gendered at birth.

5. Gender Dysphoria • Gender dysphoria • can be body and/or social dysphoria • Trans* people are not “trapped in theirbodies” • Sometrans* people use hormones and/orsurgerytonavigatethis dysphoria • Gate-keeping • The amount of dysphoria someone experience varies. • This is especially true for non-binary people, who may not be able to change their bodies in a way that feels authentic to them.

6. Trans* people and Society • “Stealth” • “Passing” • Implies that trans* people are not really their gender • Relationships • Fetishization

7. Important Notes • Unlike the book, use person-first language. Ex: “Max is a trans man” instead of “Max is a transgender.” Trans* people are more than their genders, just like cis people. • Trans* people do not ‘always know’ that they are trans* from early childhood. This does not invalidate their identity. • Trans* people can be have any sexuality, just like cis people. • Do not assume the person is in a ‘phase.’ • Do not out someone. Ever.

8. Important Notes Cont. • If you are unsure about the pronouns you should use for someone, ask them politely. • Just like any other person you meet in class or on the street, it’s extremely rude to ask trans* people about their transition process and/or surgery. Don’t do it. • DON’T ASK PEOPLE ABOUT THEIR GENITALS. • If you have questions, be respectful and ask them politely if you can ask them questions, ideally when you’re not surrounded by other people.

9. NationalTransgenderDiscriminationSurvey 2011 (6,450 participants from the US) • 2/5 of trans* people attempt suicide, and 2/3 will contemplate it. • More than half have been disowned. • 1/5 have been homeless, 1/5 have been refused housing, and 1/10 have been evicted. • More than half have lost a job. • All of these numbers increase dramatically for trans* people of color.

10. Questions? benso941@morris.umn.edu