Gender Diversity and the Trans Experience: Why are Trans Perspectives Important?
If you are seeking help as a parent or friend of a gender diverse (transgender or gender non-conforming (GNC)) person, it is important to understand the concept of gender diversity and to be guided by the experience of trans and GNC individuals.
What is Gender Diversity?
Gender diversity is an umbrella term that describes the variety of gender identities. Gender diversity goes beyond the simple categories of 'man' and 'woman’ and works against the assumption that it is abnormal to cross over the culturally constructed boundaries that define and contain gender. Trans and GNC people reject the notion that your presumed sex at birth should have to dictate your gender identity, your expression, and your role in society.
While it is useful to understand these concepts, you don’t need to know and understand every single gender identity that exists. It is far more important to show respect for people's gender identities, and to validate their experiences and feelings.
What is it like to be trans?
The answer to this question varies greatly between individuals, as each person has their own lived experience and life journey. However, there are a number of common themes and challenges that many trans people may face. Here are a few insights from the experiences of a trans person:
Self-discovery – Some people know from childhood who they are. They may begin to break traditional and expected gender roles as a child as they learn to express themselves. As a child or adolescent, they may feel trapped in what is expected of them. They may choose to tell an adult about how they feel, or they may keep quiet. As trans individuals grow, they learn more about who they are, they may question and explore their gender identity and become more confident in themselves. This can be both freeing and challenging.
Feeling uncomfortable – Many trans individuals experience gender dysphoria, which is a profound sense of discomfort or distress related to the incongruence between their gender identity and the sex they were presumed at birth. Gender dysphoria can relate to feeling discomfort regarding parts of their body that are impacted by puberty - such as facial hair, fat distribution, bone structure, and voice – it can also relate to feeling distressed about being perceived as the gender they were presumed at birth or being referred to or treated as such.
Expressing yourself – When people share their LGBTQIA+ identity, people usually refer to this as ‘coming out’. Coming out can be scary, as there are likely to be mixed responses, and some trans people prefer to start by sharing their identity with those that they trust. As a trans person, letting people in can be a helpful way to allow others to support and affirm your gender, and when someone tells you about their identity, it is important to ask them how you can best support them. They may want you to call them a different name or refer to them using different pronouns or gendered terms. The trans person may have started to present differently at this stage, or you may not have noticed any changes at all – either way their identity is valid.
Facing discrimination –Unfortunately, trans people today continue to face discrimination, some examples of which include anti-trans legislation, hostile work environments, and barriers to healthcare, housing, and other services. Trans people often feel that they cannot safely express themselves due to discrimination. A lack of inclusive policies and language in daily life can lead to discrimination against trans individuals by creating environments where they may be misgendered, excluded, or forced to use facilities that do not align with their gender identity. Inclusive policies and language, on the other hand, promote respect, support, and a sense of belonging for trans individuals, as well as increasing access to healthcare and other essential services.
Engaging in advocacy - Many trans individuals become advocates for trans rights and awareness. Trans people can support others by working to combat discrimination, change legislation, promote understanding and education, and spread hope to others who are on a similar journey. They may be able to work or volunteer in an area that directly supports other trans individuals, or they may help in other ways such as supporting their friends and being there to talk with them.
We acknowledge that the trans experience is a complex and nuanced topic, and do not claim to speak for all trans people. Therefore, it is important to listen to the stories and experiences of trans individuals to gain a deeper understanding of what it's like to be trans.
Why is the trans perspective important?
When you want to find more information about trans issues, the needs of gender diverse people, and what gender identity and transness means to trans and GNC people – the best source is the community themselves.
If a gender diverse person wants to share their experiences with you, either to educate you or to ask for support, it is important to actively listen and ask what support they are looking for. Some trans and GNC people, however, might not have the capacity or information to answer your questions, and some questions might be too invasive. Therefore, If you are seeking education, it may be best to look into the existing literature. You can research trans activists and literature to help you understand more about the trans experience, and our psychologists can provide you with links to these online resources.
Here are a few of our recommendations:
Activists
Organisations
For further support, get in touch with one of our experienced Perth psychologists today by clicking here.