Simple and Affirming Ways to Talk About Gender Part Two: Transgender Folks

By Jordan Kurtz, MA, LPCC, Associate Therapist

Last week we began our two-part exploration of non-binary identities utilizing the Genderbread Person, a cursory glossary of related terms, discussion of pronouns, and commonly asked questions pertaining to non-binary identities. This week our lens focuses on transgender folks, common misconceptions/myths, and resources for them as well as their allies in both the Denver community and broader.

What does it mean to be transgender?

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) defines transgender or trans as an umbrella term to describe people whose gender identity differs from their sex assigned at birth. It is important to note that the word “transgender” and the modern definition we associate with it only came about in the late 20th century. However, folks who fit with this identity have existed in every culture throughout history.

Cisgender folks are people whose gender expression and identity typically aligns with their sex assigned at birth. Those who are not cisgender are not necessarily transgender and may instead fall somewhere on the non-binary spectrum. See our last blog for a more thorough breakdown of gender expression and non-binary identities.

What does it mean to transition?

Transitioning is the process some transgender and non-binary folks undertake to align their outward appearance with their gender identity. This may entail changing clothing, names and pronouns, and sometimes behaviors. Just as everyone’s identity and expression is different, as is everyone’s transition period and evolution with time. Transitioning can also include health care additions such as hormone, hair removal, or gender affirming surgeries. Legal changes can occur too, such as name changes on government issued identity documents.

Someone is transgender whether they take some, none, or all steps towards transitioning.

Is being transgender “just a phase”?

As mentioned above, existence of transgender folks has been recorded in all cultures across history. Fortunately, we are seeing more visibility for trans individuals and the LGBTQ community as a whole as corporations, legislation, media, and communities champion the legitimization of trans identities and celebrate their uniqueness and contributions to society.

Questioning the validity of someone’s identity, mocking their identity, or refusing to acknowledge someone’s identity are linked with poor mental and physical health outcomes such as depression, suicidality, and homelessness. If someone you know expresses curiosity about their gender identity, explore alongside them and offer your support.

Do all people who transition have surgery?

No. Transitioning is a physical as well as emotional and social process that can entail surgery but it is not a standard practice for everyone, nor should it be expected. Some have no desire to pursue gender affirming surgeries or medical interventions, while others cannot afford it nor access it due to financial hardships or stigma in their community or state. Advocacy for trans visibility as well as access to full health care coverage are both imperatives. Explore the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) to discover LGBTQ+ friendly facilities in your area.

I am trans. Where can I see, hear, and relate to more folks like me?

I am an ally. Where can I see, hear, and learn about transgender representation?

According to a GLAAD study, 84% of Americans do not personally know someone who is transgender. Resources gathered below place trans folks on the much-needed pedestal of visibility and illuminate the complexity, dimensionality, play, hardships, and resilience of the trans community.

Shows:

Pose: fictional series set in New York City in the late 1980s and early 1990s following Blanca- a mother to LGBTQ youth rejected by their birth families- and her chosen family, the House of Evangelista, who competes in ballroom wars on weekends.
Euphoria- follows high school teens undergoing family conflict, sexuality exploration, and addiction. Main character Jules is a trans-woman played by Hunter Schafer, and while the show artfully explores themes related to Jules’ identity, it is complementary to her humanity and friendships with others versus a main or one dimensional character trait.
Supergirl (Season 4) - an entire series following Supergirl on her hero’s journey. Flash forward to Season 4, and Supergirl is joined by reporter Dreamer- who is the first transgender superhero on television and is voiced by transgender advocate and superstar in her own right, Nicole Maines.

Movies:

Kiki (2016)- set in New York City with focus on the drag scene in the Black Lives Matter era.
Paris is Burning (1980)- similar to Pose, Paris is a documentary capturing the vivacity of ballroom culture during the HIV/AIDS crisis.
Disclosure (2020) - a documentary assessing trans visibility in film and personal reflections from interview subjects, all of whom are trans themselves.
Alice Junior (2019)- follows the dynamic and energetic life of trans YouTuber Alice as she searches for her first kiss in the heart of Brazil amidst family turmoil and bigotry.
Transhood (2020) -a documentary featuring four trans children and their families in Missouri over a five-year period as they navigate religious shaming, financial burdens and the beauty and pain of coming of age.
Boys Don’t Cry (1999)- based on the true story of Nebraskan transgender man Brandon Teena as he seeks loves while suffering as a victim to hate crimes. Though controversial for casting cisgender woman Hilary Swank as the lead, Boys Don’t Cry remains culturally significant for being the first major film to center a transgender male as a protagonist.
Tangerine- shot on iPhones, Tangerine follows transgender sex worker Sin-Dee Rella and her friend Alexandra as they seek revenge on her cheating boyfriend.