I seem to hear, in every television news program, and sites that post news and socio-political information and opinions that society in general doesn't want or accept transgenders in their world. Legislation is even passed to prohibit even acknowledging that we live amongst them.
Why is it, then, that during the 3 years I have transitioned FT, have I never experienced it as I go about life?
What do you think?
I think the majority of people here in the US are pretty much oblivious. They have enough other things to do and focus on in their daily lives, so it isn’t an issue for them. On the other hand, some see political advantage in throwing red meat to the faithful as we are viewed as low hanging fruit.
While I live in a fairly welcoming area (adjacent to Palm Springs, CA), there have been incidents against gay people and trans people. When I first moved here in January of 2016, there was an incident involving a gay male couple the previous December. They were leaving a bar and were attacked. While their injuries were not life-threatening, one died of a heart attack in the hospital. A year or 2 later, a lesbian couple was signing in a convenience store. Another female customer thought they were talking about her and proceeded to start beating on them. An investigation was started in July of 1999 when the dismembered body of a women was found just north of Palm Springs. She was not identified until a skull was found 11 years later. Through DNA tests, they determined that she was Raina Chessman, a trans woman. The local trans organization created an emergency fund for trans people and it was named for her.
Over time, there have been some other incidents, such as a trans woman being challenged by a casino security person. If I remember correctly, the security person was dismissed, but these are the notable ones that come to mind.
I think the message here is that even in a bubble like we have, it isn’t as liberal as we would think. In 2017, trans woman Lisa Middleton was elected to Palm Springs City Council and has continued to serve until present times. However, when she was first elected, she was the first openly trans person elected to office in the entire state! 40,000,000 people here and she was the first. I remind people that we are not as liberal as we (and the rest of the country) think we are.
Fortunately, so far I have not encountered any issues beyond a McDonald’s employee telling me that I was entering the women’s restroom. I did not acknowledge her and entered the restroom. Evidently she did not know know that, by law, we can use the facility that matches our gender identity.
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Hi Carly,
As an exPat, I feel fortunate not to be exposed to the hatred that is being fomented against transpeople like ourselves. I cannot imagine what it must be like to live there right now, especially if you are in an area where laws are being passed to make our existence a crime.
The freedom to be ourselves exists within the BoR under our Right to Privacy. No one else knows, or needs to know, who is using HRT for erectile dysfunction or vaginal dryness or for any other medical condition because it is a matter between themselves and their doctors. This is further reinforced by the HIPAA legislation.
The freedom to choose what you wear can only be restricted by obscenity laws and when I am wearing a skirt, top and sandals I do not violate those laws any more than a cis-female does wearing the identical outfit bought from the same stores in the mall.
DeeAnn was spot on with her opening sentences. The vast majority of people are focused on their own issues and don't even notice a 6'2" woman in sunglasses wearing a dress strolling through the mall. The sales staff are just happy to make a sale and don't care either.
Essentially it is the same furor that erupted about the "threat" of "gay marriage" that would "destroy" the nation. Today people accept gay families as being normal and unremarkable. The "threat" never happened because it was all just political posturing to turn out voters. The same applies to the current deluge of anti-trans legislation.
Unfortunately there are going to be serious consequences and some trans people will die as a result of this political agenda. (The same applies to the anti-abortion legislation.) There is only one solution and that is to vote out those who are pushing this nefarious agenda. In the meantime we need to support each other as best we can. Just by being normal in our every day lives we can be ambassadors for the trans community everywhere. Politeness and respect, even when faced with adversity, is the way to take the high road and be a positive role model for ourselves.
Kind regards, Rowena 👩🦳
It's all hate-mongering from the political far right. Speaking as an American, everyone of us..cis, trans, gay, or whatever, should be very worried about not only the legislation that's being passed specifically targeting the trans community; but where the political power and money is coming from to back these legislations. This is exactly how the Nazi's came into power prior to WWII. It's subversive in the way it's being used to shift focus from the real issues regarding the economy towards something that targets a very small minority of people. It's a selling point for political agendas. But the true evil lurks in where the money comes from to back these agendas. Hate mongering organizations and the religious far right (I won't call them Christians, because Christians are taught tolerance and acceptance) funnel money towards these politicians and expect them to represent their views in the legislation. That is where we need to change our laws. Political donations are destroying this country. It needs to stop.
DeeAnn (and all): Yes, in California any merchant or other facility which A) is open to the public and B) provides restroom facilities segregated by gender (i.e. Men/Women) must permit use of such restrooms according to the gender identity of the user. Calif. Civil Code section 87(b), if I remember correctly. The trick is establishing one's "gender identity" if challenged (say by store security). The mechanisms aren't 100% clear. If you are dressed and made up as a woman in public, that's a reasonably unambiguous statement of "gender identity." My understanding is that many stores, as a matter of policy, simply won't bother you in such a case. AOn the other hand, an obviously male person who, however genuine their "trans" feelings may be, walks into the Women's restroom while dressed as a man is doubtless asking for some trouble. If you, like myself and many others here, are a transwoman who has identification showing you as a legal "F," you cannot (legally) be denied the use of the Women's restroom. But the law applies to places generally open to the public. A private club may not be covered by this law. (Full disclosure: I am not a lawyer and am not trying to give legal advice. I was, however, FWIW, a litigation paralegal for 40 years prior to retirement.)
I have no desire to do the name/gender change thing. I am 74 and I just don’t see much purpose in it. It would require more effort than I am willing to invest. Note that I am speaking purely for myself with no desire to effect anyone else’s decision. It is just how it sits for me. I also have no plans for any sort of affirmation surgeries or hormone therapy. Also, whether DeeAnn, or on rare occasion, Don, my presentation is never ambiguous or androgynous. That has never appealed to me.
That is a very valid post darling. I think the world in general is slowly moving towards greater acceptance in spite of hateful, right-wing rhetoric. As I go about my day, most people are too bothered with their own lives to be bothered about you. So, unless you go 'over the top' with how you look, no-one is really bothered. Luv
Cheri xx
In most cases, it’s being used as a political platform to play to the base for future election campaigns. It’s about selfishness, not gender equality.
