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Transgender London |
LGB - Where is the T?One of the common complaints among trans people seems to be that the LGB community tolerates the trans community generally, and outwardly supports it but doesn't support it specifically. It is a personal view I too hold, although it is not necessarily a popular one. I believe the basis for this lack of understanding stems from the basic definition of transgender itself. One who is transgendered has a gender identity that is at odds with biological sexual identity. One who is in the gay or lesbian community is cisgendered but with a same sex preference. The LGB community are gathered together because of sexual orientation/preference, not gender identity. This effectively identifies the LGB community as cisgendered. For this reason the concept of transgender is as foreign to them as homosexuality is to most of the transgender community. It would be safe to make the assumption that someone who is outwardly trans could be as great of an affront to their sensible definition of self as it would be to someone who is straight. In this, the transgender community stands alone. The only commonality therefore has to be that all of us are part of marginalized sectors of society that often experiences discrimination. However, the trans community was a part of the early LGB movement right from the Stonewall Riots in Boston. It is hard to ignore the connection. Regardless, the differences do exist despite the fact that we all should be in this together. What affects the LGB community can and often does have equal impact on the transgender community. In recent times I have had cause to become involved in diversity awareness and education on a number of levels in a number of different places. The overwhelming face I see is that of visible minorities and the LGB community, but not the transgender community. From the standpoint of a population statistic this is not surprising since the trans community is so small. However it seems that those doing the "training" always lump in the trans to form the LGBT acronym and occasionally include Two Spirit, Queer and Questioning persons to the LGBTTQQ label. This inclusiveness in label belies the lack of knowledge and understanding of transgender. If the trainers are aware of transgender they are certainly unable to promote the equality without the knowledge and understanding, and without that, they cannot effectively educate anyone. The trans community really doesn't want any different treatment than other minorities, but they do want respect and dignity in all areas of life. Supposedly these are covered by Human Rights Legislation, but that is also questioned by the trans community. In the realm of employment the F2M transsexual can often pass under the radar unnoticed, at least until body modifications are undertaken through surgical and/or hormonal means. The F2M can sit in boardrooms without much difficulty. The M2F is not so lucky. The M2F who shows up to work dressed appropriately for her gender is likely to receive covert discrimination. This can happen even with the "support" of HR departments. Performance reviews can change and a case for dismissal can be built. The initial appearance of the M2F can be and most often is, very disruptive to others in the workplace. It has been my experience that in questioning those spearheading diversity in the workplace, there is no major issue with LGB due to the fact that it is not an overt deviation of self that is visible to others. Often these people are themselves a part of the LGB community and as such very well versed in the needs as well as the solutions needed for implementing diversity programs and guides for their employers. Their work is judged on its own merit as it should be. Transgendered people on the other hand are overtly different from the norm. As a result these trainers have little or no ability to advocate on the behalf of the trans community and particularly the M2F side of it. Quite simply, often they cannot relate. Again this does come down to the rarity of trans occurrence in the population. Additionally they have to overcome their own prejudices of seeing the trans person as an affront to their own definition of self. Is there a solution? Certainly there is, but it is much larger than diversity training and education. It will have to begin with legislation that includes Gender Identity in Human Rights Codes at all levels of government. Only when the possibility of discrimination is totally removed can we go forward. Until that day it is a matter of organizational acceptance and enforcement of trans rights. This is exactly the process the LGB community needed to gain its acceptance. My girlfriend pointed out that we have come a long way in a short period of time due to the gains of the LGB community. I agree, but I also believe we are stalled until government acts. I look forward to the day when I can wear a skirt, blouse, jacket to work. I fear it will not be in my lifetime.
Kimberley June 29, 2008 |
This site was last updated 08/11/10