Trans exclusion isn’t just about not being considered in legislation, being left behind in the LGB(T) Rights Movement, or ignoring the fact that the Gay Rights Movement was started (largely) by Trans people. For those of us who can’t, or don’t want to, identify or express ourselves as either a man or a woman, it can be about a lot more. Having to think about the fact that you are entering a public restroom and are actually uncomfortable going into it (bathrooms are a crazy topic and I will probably write more). Having to think what to mark on applications, though sometimes you do get a blank or a third option for gender. Then you have to weigh the risks or appropriateness of coming out as Trans. Taking a survey. In class, divided by a teacher into “boys and girls.” If you are presenting yourself as society dictates, you may not be in the group that more accurately fits you.
For a class, I had to map my family on a kinship chart on which everyone is gendered either triangle/male or circle/female. As the chart maker, I was to be labeled the “Ego,” the centerpiece. Triangle or circle? I overlapped them, but even that wasn’t right.
It’s interesting to interact with people my age in a social setting. Oftentimes the group subconsciously divides itself along gender lines. Even, or perhaps especially, among LG(B) youth. Now, no one has bad feelings against the “opposite gender,” but this is partially part of trying to find someone in whom you are interested. I feel that this could also be frustrating for a bi/pansexual individual, having to pick a group and miss dating opportunities. However, for those in-between or outside of these gendered groups, having to pick one is really aggravating because you are being forced into a binary that you may really hate. And once you do pick, you aren’t interacting with people with whom you may (partially) identify. You are included in one group, but not the other. It certainly isn’t a conscious effort to exclude anyone, no game of “Shun the Genderqueer.” It just happens. Because “that’s the way it is.”
I think that this is going to be a major issue for Queer student groups over the next few year as more Trans and Genderqueer people come out younger, trying to consciously make an effort towards Trans Inclusion.
Kathy,
ReplyDeleteGood job. You hit the nail on the head for all of us gender queers. The binary gender constuct is just wrong in all aspects. Trans folks must stand united, stay visible and vocal. I am so glad to see younger queers taking up the cause. Good job and keep up the good fight!
De
I found myself nodding along with a lot of this. The way the current gender system works puts a lot of really damaging, artificial constraints on many of us.
ReplyDeleteI'll qualify my remarks, though, to say very explicitly that just as I support genderqueers' right to gender determination, I also support the rights of trans men and trans women to identify within the gender binary. Because the binary is used against gender-nonconforming folks so much, it's easy to lose track of how the problem isn't gender conformance in and of itself--the problem is ENFORCED gender conformance.
And I don't want to dance at any trans party that leaves behind my transsexual brothers and sisters. :)
Looking forward to future posts!
Cheers,
Julian
Post more entries, bloggers! Do ittttt! :)
ReplyDelete