“There’s a gender in your brain and a gender in your body. For 99 percent of people, those things are in alignment. For transgender people, they’re mismatched. That’s all it is. It’s not complicated, it’s not a neurosis. It’s a mix-up. It’s a birth defect, like a cleft palate.” – Chaz Bono, public figure
Without taking any political position, I am speaking as a humanitarian about a current divisive topic. There is a growing (baseless) concept called “trans terrorism.” This term is discriminatory and specious.
Many feel biology explains it all very simply: you are born either XX or XY, case closed. And this is absolutely true from a strictly biological viewpoint. However, this stance misses the psychological viewpoint entirely. We wish it were simple, but it is not. Gender identification is complex.
Having treated several transgender individuals, I can tell you that the pain, fear, and misunderstanding are substantial. This population does not need judgment or shame; they need understanding, compassion, and acceptance, which we all deserve. Their gender identities are not a choice. The trans community represents less than 2% of our population, yet they are four times more likely to be victimized solely for their gender identities.
See more statistics in this fact sheet debunking “trans terrorism” and other false claims in high-profile crimes https://glaad.org/debunking-trans-terrorism/ (link opens in a new tab or window)
Yet rumors and ridicule fuel incorrect information about growing “trans violence.” What is growing, unfortunately, is misunderstanding, hatred, and violence toward trans people. There is no “trans-tifa” or attempt at radicalization into their ranks. They are not recruiting. It is not a trend. The trans population is so small that many people have no firsthand knowledge of what trans folk are truly like. If they met one and learned their stories, they might see that they are also human.
I recall a line from Michael Moore’s one-man Broadway show where he proposed that instead of ousting trans people from the military, the military should be comprised of nothing but trans soldiers. Moore quips: “Hell, these people survived high school!” Indeed. That is resilience. That is courage.
Respectfully, if you are offended by trans folk, focus on something else. Life is offensive. Many of us are offended by certain movies, genres of music, or politicians. Turn the channel. Let them.
You might be surprised to learn that one of our nation’s highest-paid CEOs is a trans female, Martine Rothblatt, who founded three major companies: Sirius Satellite Radio, Geostar, and United Therapeutics. As well, Paula Stone Williams, a Christian pastor, speaker, and bestselling author of “AS A WOMAN: What I Learned about Power, Sex, and the Patriarchy after I Transitioned.” Not to mention the beautiful trans actress Laverne Cox, Caitlyn Jenner, and those pioneers Christine Jorgensen and Renee Richards.
While there is certainly much to sort out regarding equality in sports, in restrooms, dressing rooms, and the costs of gender-affirming surgery, we need civil conversations with experts in health, psychology, and law to determine what is fair and respectful for all people. This takes time and open minds, not bullying and polarization.
I offer a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to help you or a loved one overcome an addiction, resolve trauma, enhance your sport, and more. Contact me to schedule your consultation.
“Misunderstanding stems from assuming rather than asking, from presuming rather than clarifying.” – Stephen Covey