Trans/genderqueer stereotypes?

Question

I'm writing a paper on breaking the gender binary system (I posted a few hours ago for suggestions about that) and now would like to write about, and debunk trans/genderqueer stereotypes. Any suggestions would be totally appriciated!!!!

Answer 1

Wow, I don't know what's going on with Goddess. I think someone read the question too fast.

I'd be happy to help you (again). Here are some stereotypes that I've noticed:

1) Almost everyone seems to believe that transsexuals are gay pre-transition. That is, if a man announces that he wants to become a woman and will be transitioning, everyone assumes that he is attracted to men (and same for women who do so). It used to be impossible for straight (pre-transition) people to get sex changes; Lou Sullivan (a gay transman) fought very hard to change that, and won. In reality, there are roughly equal numbers of gay transsexuals (those who are gay post-transition) and those who were gay but, after transitioning, lead heterosexual lives.

2) Nearly everyone, including some transsexuals, believe that you must adhere completely to gender binary stereotypes if you have a sex change. That is, if a man transitions to a woman, the new she is expected to be feminine to the nines; after all, what's the point of spending all that money unless you're going to really "be" a woman (or vice-versa, a man)? But the fact of the matter is that there are trans individuals who encompass a wide gender range; not too long ago, I remember reading a blog or some-other by a transsexual woman who was agonizing over the flak she got for being a butch woman, since everyone assumes if you're chopping off your penis, you should "look like a woman, too" (whatever that means; women come in all shapes and sizes).

3) A lot of people seem to think that female-to-male transsexuals are "trying to get 'male privilege'" by transitioning. They are accused of 'taking the easy way out' and becoming men rather than challenging our gendered world and making it possible for women to have more power. I've heard people say that they are anti-feminist for this, and a lot of them get generally spat upon by people who see them as betraying their sex. In reality, of course, nobody is doing that at all; the brand of being a transsexual (not to mention the massive cost, both monetarily and physically, pyschologically, and emotionally) is far worse than being a woman in today's society.

4) Similarly to #3, people seem to think that transsexuals aren't allowing themselves to be who they are. They seem to think that they are perpetuating the gender binary by wanting to transition their sex. For example, someone might think that a transwoman is a disgrace to the genderqueer cause, because rather than stay in a male body and help people understand that feminine males are possible, she cowardly switched over to look like a 'natural woman' so that she wouldn't get any flak for being different. This is, of course, completely untrue- there is lots of research out there showing that there are possible brain differences in transsexuals, and moreover, your sex/gender has more to do than with just how others treat you; it's also about how you feel in your body (and you'd be surprised at how much a difference male and female hormones can make someone feel; read a transsexual memoir and you'll understand).

5) People assume that it's a choice, and not an actual disease (gender dysphoria), or if they think it's a disease, it's in a "they're sick" way, versus having an actual clinical, perfectly normal condition. Moreover, lots of lay people seem to think that the way to deal with this is not to change the body, but, since there is a mind-body discord, to change the mind instead. Of course, in reality, there is no (proven) way to change the sex of someone's mind; our brains are immensely complex, full of interactions between genetics, biology, personality, past experiences, formative childhoods, our feelings, our fears . . . the list goes on. You can't just go in there and say "Here, you're a man."; therapy is not going to work like that.

6) People seem to think that transsexuals just decide on a whim to do what they want; few know that they have to go through tons of gender therapy to get permission to get hormones and to have surgery OK'd, and have to live as that gender for a year or longer. It's rigorous, and the people who transition are dedicated.

7) That their bodies don't function correctly. I don't know how many questions I've answered on here from people wanting to know if transsexuals can orgasm. If surgery is done right, with a skilled professional, then transsexuals of both sexes can have ultimately wonderful, fulfilling sex lives and do so.

Those are some main ones I can think of. Feel free to e-mail or message me if you'd like to chat some more on the topic.

Answer 2

I think the biggest thing you need to differentiate is the difference between transsexual/transgender people and sexual preferences. Being a transsexual or transgender is NOT a sexual preference, and it has nothing to do with whatever orientation you happen to be. The groups may be similar in oppression and society's eye.. However in depth they are very different. Gender Dysphoria (the technical term for transsexual people) is feeling out of place in one's gender. This does not determine which gender you are attracted to.

The next thing I would suggest researching and 'debunking' is the misconception that transsexualism or transgenderism are mental illnesses. However that one I'll leave up to you to get into.. As you can see from a response above mine, there really ARE some people ignorant enough to think things like this are mental diseases.

Answer 3

Stereotyping is inevitable. But it's up to the person about about whether they judge the people off of the stereotype or whether or not they get to know the person before they judge them. I think about the stereotype of people all the time (that kid is emo, that one is punk etc.) but I try not to confirm that in my head until I really get to no them. Other people think these things, then proceed to act and judge on the stereotypes. So Stereotypes are good for finding out about the person's outside appearance and how they carry themselves, but they don't hold the true personality, for that you have to dig deeper.

Answer 4

There are a lot of discussions of misogyny in the trans-masculine community. If you're interested in that, feel free to contact me directly and I'll tell you all I know! I've been to a few conferences and listened to great discussions of this...

Answer 5

There are all types of Transgendered people.

1. The type that are simply enjoy a little bit of femininity in their lives. Maybe they have a pair of heels hidden in the closet. Perhaps they like to wear pantyhose to work. Maybe they like to get dressed but have never really tried on make up. They tend to hold everything close to the vest, not wanting anyone to know of their feminine desires.

2. The type of girls that like to get all gussied up and can’t wait for some time free and to get in front of the mirror or camera for some photos. They don’t spend a lot of time en femme, usually not by choice. The transformation is something that they enjoy. The way they look and sharing their look with others is a turn on for them.

3. The type of girls that like to take on a feminine persona, and get out and mix it up. They get together with others for outings, or parties. Sometimes they even like to venture out on their own. The thrill comes from being with others while in the feminine persona.

4. The type of girls that want to transition, but because of ties in their current lives are reticent to do so. They live on the sly with their alter lifestyle and enjoy what they do with a cloud of guilt and frustration hanging over them as they do so.

5. The type of girls like those above, but have let the cat out of the bag and let others know of their feminine ways. No more guilt, and who they are is publicly known. They say, this is who I am, take it or leave it.

6. The type of girls that have fully transitioned and live 24/7 as a woman. They have basically started over and have begun a whole new life for themselves. Many times they have said goodbye to most or all of their friends and family and are looking and finding new ones.

7. The type of girls that have become Transexuals. They have done everything they can to be as much of a woman as they possibly can. Sometimes they are supportive to girls on the same journey, sometimes they have totally cut themselves off from the Transgendered community because in their eyes, they are a woman, no longer Transgendered, and want to let go of all the reminders of the journey.

I’m sure you could add many other categories in between all of those. After all, we are all unique in and of ourselves.

The thing is, I want all of you to know that all of us at EnFemmeFinder.com are dedicated to being a source of information and resources to help you, whatever type of TG you may be.

And to be truthful with you, we’re learning as we go. We don’t have all the answers or everything you may be looking for, but our goal is to become better and better with each passing day.

Answer 6

I think people generally assume that transgender people, ultimately, can't accept themselves. They act out in accordance to what they think they should be, whereas if they'd just learn to accept themselves they wouldn't have to go through the time and effort and money. Whether the steriotype is true is another matter, but I think that's generally what people think.

Answer 7

You are the most insulting person i,ve come across on this internet. What is a trans/genderqueer Sterotypes? You are the sterotype cause people are always the same judgemental or is it the stero red neck. One day my wish for you would come across a transgenerded face to face you coward,Stop being so bitchy and acting like a queen, Are you ugly or just nasty.Go pick on someone causing trouble like yourself.

Answer 8

I'm not sure what the stereotype is supposed to be but, my new BF is a tranny. If I can help, let me know.

Answer 9

transgender people are sick in the head... anyone who wants their penis removed and a vagina put there ought to be shipped to germany