2015 Hop Against Homophobia, Bi- and Transphobia

Welcome to the Hop Against Homophobia, Bi- and Transphobia!

Welcome! The blog hop the focus is on transphobia. Thanks for stopping by! 

After reading the blog, leave a comment (must include e-mail address) between 5/17 and 5/24 and be entered into a drawing to win your choice of one of the following ebooks: 

Curiosity Killed Shaney
Dare To Love Forever 
Diventando: The Vessel

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What causes transphobia?

Lack of information and stereotypes portrayed by the media. The most proactive thing you can do about transphobia is to arm yourself with information and educate others.

Facts:
Nearly one million adults in the US identity of transgender.

According to a recent Pew poll, 90% of Americans say they personally know someone who is lesbian, gay, or bisexual. However only 8% of Americans say they personally know someone who is transgender.

The National Transgender Discrimination Survey, the largest study of transgender people’s experiences, found that 41 percent of transgender and gender non-conforming people have attempted suicide, a rate far higher than the national average of 4.6 percent.

What does transgender mean? Transgender is a term for people whose gender identity differs from what is typically associated with the sex they were assigned at birth. For transgender people, the sex they were assigned at birth and their own internal gender identity do not match.

What’s the difference between sex and gender?

Sex refers to the designation of a person at birth as either "male" or "female" based on their anatomy (e.g. reproductive organs) and/or their biology (e.g. hormones).

Gender refers to the traditional or stereotypical roles, behaviors, activities and attributes that a given society consider appropriate for men and women.

Gender identity is someone's internal, personal sense of being a man or a woman.

Keep in mind that gender identity is not sexual orientation. Sexual orientation refers to whom you are attracted, so trans people can be gay, bisexual, straight, asexual, pansexual, etc., just like cisgender individuals.

What is Gender Identity Disorder?

Gender identity disorder is a condition in which a male or female feels a strong identification with the opposite sex.

“Gender Dysphoria is an intense, psychologically painful and anxiety laden state which can intensify over time to the point of being intolerable.  Gender is our first and most intimate identity, and to have that be wrong in some way is deeply disturbing.  I have had many people say some form of:  “there is no choice, it’s either this or I kill myself”.  Furthermore, transitioning is a process of becoming who one authentically is.” — Ami B. Kaplan, LCSW

Does everyone who is transgender “transition” physically?

Many transgender people seek to bring their bodies more into alignment with their gender identity. While some Transgender people may alter their bodies with hormones and/or surgery, many do not.

Medical procedures don’t define someone as transgender. The gender they identify with in their minds does.

What is the correct way to refer to someone who is transgender?

Remember: Transgender is not a noun but an adjective. And transgender never needs an "-ed" at the end.

Incorrect: “Jake is a transgender."

Correct: Jake is a transgender person."

What is the difference between “coming out” lesbian, gay or bi and “coming out” transgender?

"Coming out" to other people as lesbian, gay, or bisexual is typically seen as revealing a "truth" that allows others to know your authentic self. The LGB community places great importance and value on the idea of being "out" in order to be happy and whole.

When a transgender person has transitioned and is living as their authentic gender - that is their "truth." The world is now seeing them as their true selves. Unfortunately, a person is transgender may no longer be seen as a "real" man or woman - and it can feel disempowering for a transgender person to have that experience.

A transgender person does not need to be "out" to everyone in order to feel happy and whole.

What do the initials FTM and MTF stand for?

FTM stands for female-to-male and refers to someone who was designated female at birth but identifies and expresses himself as a man. Many FTM transgender people prefer the term "trans man" to describe themselves.

MTF stands for male-to-female and refers to someone who was designated male at birth but who identifies and expresses herself as a woman. Many MTF transgender people prefer the term "trans woman" to describe themselves.

How do I know which pronouns to use?

Transgender people should be identified with their preferred pronoun. Often this is the pronoun that corresponds to the gender with which they identify. Not sure? It’s appropriate to respectfully ask their name and which pronouns they’d prefer. Some transgender people do not believe in a gender binary and prefer not to use pronouns typically associated with men (e.g. him) and women (e.g. her). Instead, they would prefer if people simply used their names or used a non-gendered pronoun such as “hir” or “they.”

Learn more about the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia

To visit other blogs following the hop click on the links below!

Transgender Resources

National Center for Transgender Equality

Human Rights Campaign

Impact Program

Susan’s Place Transgender Resources

GLAAD

Gender Talk