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My Position On Transgender Orientation

Decent Essays
Transgender Oppression This week’s readings, while uncomfortable at times, have really made me pause and rethink my position on transgender issues. I would have believed myself to be neutral where transgender issues are concerned, as transgenderism has not really effected me, or so I have thought. I begun to see that even though issues may not relate directly to me, I am indirectly effected because in the end, we are all a part of society, a society which must find a way to work and exist together if we are going to be successful. Transgenderism has become more public as there have been multiple celebrities coming forth and sharing their stories (Catalano & Shlasko, 2013), though the transgender movement began taking place in the…show more content…
In fact, Catalano and Shlasko (2013) state “the ability to name and define one’s own identity and experiences is a vital element of empowerment for marginalized peoples” (p. 427). For example, when a person is not empowered and suffers housing discrimination, they may consequently end up working as prostitutes and living in deplorable conditions as they strive to meet their basic needs (Stryker, 2013). Stryker (2013) goes on to describe the discrimination transgender people faced at the hands of police, specifically in the 1960’s. Not only were transgendered women humiliated, but they were also sexually exploited, raped, and murdered while being held in men’s jails. Additionally, Serano (2013) recognizes males to female (MTF) transgender people rank higher on the spectrum for discriminations and ridicule. Societies norms imply it is okay for women to wear men’s clothing, but not for men to wear women’s clothing. In a male dominated society, it seems inconceivable to many that a male would want to give up his male privilege to live as a female (Serano, 2013). In my own personal experiences, I have seen this to be true to an extent. Many females I know do not dress feminine, but when their dress and mannerism cross over into “too maleish”, I believe they do often experience discrimination referred to as trans-misogyny. On the other hand, I do believe Serano’s (2013)
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