Transphobia (Day 16 of Living Beyond a Label!)

Transphobia is an irrational fear of, and hatred or aversion towards people who are transgender or gender diverse. Transphobic actions include harassment, discrimination, or even violence against people based on their gender identity. 

Transphobia is not rare, and in many cases is even written into laws. Even in something so simple as the perpetuation of a gender binary on forms and identification, or access to public bathrooms. Transphobia harms those who are gender diverse, transgender, or gender non conforming and is not acceptable.

Transphobia can be flagrant and obvious but it is not always so. From using the wrong pronouns, deadnaming, objectifying or even making jokes, to using derogatory language, spreading misinformation, and acts of violence, transphobia comes in many forms. 

A term with increasing usage is transmisia, meaning a mistrust or aversion toward and hatred of transgendered people. Going beyond the reactive or defensiveness implied by transphobia and being more proactive and offensive, for example trying to demand adherence to a gender binary.

Much like homophobia, transphobia can also lead to stress, trauma, poor mental health, poor physical health, and in general lower overall quality of life.

[image consists of a textured heart in the colours of the transgender flag]

So what can we do about Transphobia?

One of the best ways to combat transphobia is knowledge. Educating yourself and others with regard to transgender identities can go a long way to reduce ignorance which is often behind the discomfort turned to hostility in transphobia. 

If you are a victim of transphobia, you may want to speak up, and doing so in a way that encourages learning can be very effective. You may feel angry and want to lash out accordingly but that may simply cause them to harden their stance and put your personal safety at risk, so ensuring your safety comes first. 

If you are a friend or loved one of a trans person, it is best to speak with them about how they would prefer you to respond in such situations so that you can respect their needs in the moment.

Source: https://www.verywellhealth.com/transphobia-5077602 

If you feel up to it, share your own experiences with transphobia and/or how you work to overcome those?