Understanding the expression and experiences of transgender people can be challenging for many people. It is a complex issue that encompasses various dimensions of gender identity, social norms, personal beliefs, and cultural contexts. Here, we will explore some of the reasons why it can be difficult to understand the expressions and experiences of trans people.
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- unfamiliarity
- binary understanding of gender
- Cultural and Religious Beliefs
- Language and Terminology
- negative stereotypes
- Emotional and psychological challenges
- Information accessibility
- Empathy and perspective taking
unfamiliarity
Transgender issues have gained more visibility in recent years, but remain unknown to many people. Pushpa (name changed), a 28-year-old transgender woman, said how “humare zamaane me toh ye sab kuch nahi hota tha. (We didn’t have any of this in our day)” The trope is regularly used to invalidate trans individuals’ experience of their own bodies. This lack of exposure and understanding can make it difficult to understand the complexities of gender identity and the experiences that transgender people face.
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binary understanding of gender
Society has traditionally recognized gender as a binary concept, with only two categories: male and female. This binary perspective often does not acknowledge the existence of non-binary and gender non-binary individuals, leading to confusion and difficulty understanding their experiences. “As a child, I grew up with only the binary understanding of gender, facing a lack of representation in the transgender community. Coming out and transitioning, I experienced the emotional toll of being misunderstood and called by my dead name (my pre-transition name). In the workplace, I faced lawsuits based on my appearance, [and] job opportunities were denied, and I was even denied access to basic facilities. Despite these challenges, the support of my allies has been crucial in promoting inclusion and fighting discrimination,” said Nishtha Nishant (Ella/Ella), a transgender rights activist.
Also read: From captivity to freedom: the harrowing journey of two same-sex couples in North India
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Cultural and Religious Beliefs
Cultural and religious beliefs play an important role in shaping our understanding of gender. Some cultural and religious frameworks may not recognize or accept transgender identities, leading to resistance to or rejection of the experiences of trans people. These deeply held beliefs can make it difficult to engage in open discussion and empathize with transgender people. Nishtha says: “Even in places like temples, where I was revered as a goddess, I was not treated as a human being. Family, friends and society struggled to accept my transition, subjecting me to discrimination and hate.”
Language and Terminology
The language surrounding transgender identities is constantly evolving and it can be challenging to keep up with the terminology. For someone unfamiliar with terms like cisgender, gender dysphoria, or gender-affirming healthcare, it can be daunting to understand the experiences and challenges trans people face.
Also read: LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Toolkit: How to navigate the complexities of wellbeing
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negative stereotypes
Transgender people often face prejudice, discrimination, and stigma in society. This mistreatment can create barriers to open dialogue and understanding. Negative stereotypes and misconceptions can cloud people’s perceptions and hinder their ability to empathize with the experiences of trans people. “Sometimes I get fired before I even finish presenting my point of view at home or at work, while others in the same position have a very different experience than I do,” says Mohan, 31, a former transgender man. of the transition.
Emotional and psychological challenges
Exploring transgender experiences can create emotional and psychological challenges for people trying to understand. It can challenge your preconceived notions of gender, identity, and social norms. Dealing with these emotions and confronting one’s own biases can be difficult and may require self-reflection and education. “‘I’m going to have to change almost everything I think and know about sexuality if I have to make room for these new ideas,’ my uncle told me when I told him I was non-binary,” said Dex, 24. a non-binary individual.
Also read: How public data on the LGBTQIA+ community in India is formed and erased
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Information accessibility
While resources and information on transgender issues have improved in recent years, there is still a lack of comprehensive education available to the general public. Limited access to accurate information can make understanding difficult and perpetuate misconceptions and ignorance. The American Psychological Association is an excellent source for the information you are looking for.
Empathy and perspective taking
Understanding transgender experiences requires empathy and the ability to step out of one’s perspective. It requires actively listening to the stories and experiences of trans people, acknowledging their struggles, and acknowledging their identities and lived realities. “My parents put me in front of society, even when they did not understand me or my experience. I was one of the lucky few to have parents who were empathetic towards their child and not just for her honor,” said Monika, a 23-year-old trans non-binary person.
Also read: What queer people want when they ask for ‘safe spaces’
In conclusion, understanding transgender expression and experiences can be challenging due to a variety of factors, including unfamiliarity, binary understanding of gender, cultural and religious beliefs, language barriers, bias, and discrimination. personal biases, intersectionality, emotional challenges, limited accessibility. to information, and the need for empathy and perspective taking. Overcoming these challenges requires education, open-mindedness, empathy, and a willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue and learn from the experiences of transgender people.
For more stories about the LGBTQIA+ community and homosexuality in India, keep reading Spectrum at TIT Education.
(Deepak Kashyap is a counseling therapist and diversity and inclusion expert)
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Source: vtt.edu.vn