Those who identify as transgender are far from being seen as equal, and the current political climate is making these individuals feel even more in the dark. One issue that many of these people face is the discrimination against them due to the lack of education and understanding on different gender and orientation identities.
This lack of education can cause extreme gender dysphoria due to little resources provided for people transitioning, as well as expensive surgery or medication costs to provide assistance in making their physical appearance match how they feel on the inside.
The Trump administration is not making it any easier for these people to transition in peace.
Trump’s team wants to redefine what the words sex and gender mean, which is causing major uproar from those involved in the transgender community. Sex is defined as a person’s biology, for example, genitals, sexual organs, and other physical features.
Gender, however, is defined as “the state of being male or female (typically used with reference to social and cultural differences rather than biological ones).” Gender, is an identity, and not based on appearance.
People are born male, female, or intersex. Intersex is an umbrella term for people who may have chromosomes that do not match their genitals, those who have both genitals, or the absence of parts of their genitals.
About 1 in 2000 babies born have some form of sexual anatomy variation, but many go unnoticed and are not in harm’s way. Gender, however, is how someone views themselves, not how others view them.
Cisgender people are the most common,those who identify with how they are born. But, since gender identity is on a spectrum, people can identify as transgender, agender, genderfluid, etc.
With Trump’s comments on not allowing transgender people into the military, targeting transgender students in regards to bullying, and back and forth on the gender neutral bathroom debate, his presidency has been a heated one. Trump trying to redefine sex and gender would make it difficult, if not impossible, for people of different identities to change their gender, get the surgeries they want or need, and receive medication that will help them transition.
According to CNN, “The proposed definition, if adopted, would erase federal recognition for Americans who identify as a gender different than the one they were born with. The change would also mark a shift from the Obama administration, which expanded the legal definition of gender in several instances.”
Transgender people are in no way a new concept. However, these people are still seen as controversial and not as individuals. With celebrities coming out as trans, media portraying transgender people in positive lights, and an ever-growing supporting community, America is taking steps towards acceptance.
Trump’s discriminative words are only pushing these people back into hiding. Someone being transgender does not impact anyone else; and if it does, it is that person’s issue for being judgemental. It may be difficult for some, since the transgender community is not as common as many may think.
However, Americans should start looking at individuals as people with feelings and emotions, and not automatically disrespect them because of what they do or do not have between their legs.
