Transgender London

Myths About Transgender

Many of the following myths are also a large part of Transphobia. It is impossible to accept any of these statements and not be within that realm. Unfortunately, there actually are members of the transgender community who are transphobic and do not recognize it.

All crossdressers are gay. Wrong. The incidence of bisexuality or homosexuality in the transgender community is the same as the population at large. Most are heterosexual - straight.
It is a mental disorder, these people are sick in the head. Wrong again. Science is proving that it is biological not mental in nature. Often anxiety and/or depression are a part of the transgendered person's life, but that is due to other factors, not being transgendered.
It can be cured. What is there to cure? It is not a mental condition nor a choice anymore than being cisgendered is. If you believe this then maybe you can be changed from being cisgendered and become transsexual. Does this make sense? Of course not. Go read: "What Causes It"
It is a lifestyle choice. Wrong. The transgender person has no choice or control over this. Environment growing up has no bearing on it whatsoever. They cannot turn it on and off like a tap, nor can they, or will they ever stop.
It is a sin. Says who? Nowhere in the bible does it mention crossdressing as a sin. However, it does mention that hiding in women's clothing to avoid military service is wrong, not a sin, just wrong. There are some Fundamentalist Christians that use twisted logic over this.
It's a sexual thing. Nope. Well not quite. To the young (teen) transgendered person with raging hormones there is a sexual element that wanes as they get older and often disappears altogether. There is also the transvestic fetishist who uses clothing of the opposite sex for sexual self-gratification but they are not considered transgendered by any definition.
All crossdressers are going to become women. Wrong again. There is a difference between the crossdresser and the transsexual. The transsexual is a very small part of the transgender community and of those, only a small portion will transition. The vast majority of the transgender community is made up of crossdressers. Unfortunately, it is the transsexual the media chooses to sensationalize, and of those, the few who transition.
All effeminate men are Gay. Okay, now really; you cant be serious. Are all women who play sports gay? If you think this you really need to examine your prejudices.
Crossdressers are all effeminate and limp wristed. Nothing could be further from the truth. Transgendered people come from all walks of life, all socioeconomic backgrounds, cultures, religions and sexes. There are no boundaries. They can be doctors, lawyers, judges, police or firefighters, factory workers, construction workers, salesclerks, grocery clerks or secretaries. You cant tell by looking at someone. (I personally know of people in all those professions and more including military.)
If my children are exposed to it they might become crossdressers too. This just wont happen. Someone is transgendered by nature, not by choice, or exposure. The case of David Reimer should put this thought to rest.
If I come out everything will be wonderful and my SO will accept it. Think again. Your partner has been lied to; big time, and s/he is not likely to accept it. Some do but most do not. You need to weigh the risks first. Don't be fooled by claims on some of the social networking sites.
They are just another fringe group crying poor me and yelling discrimination. They should just suck it up. To argue with this kind of logic is a waste of time. You are an idiot; Here's your sign and we'll even throw in a free tee shirt.

The following list is specifically devoted to transphobic attitudes and can be expressed explicitly or covertly. Neither is acceptable. Some have also been addressed above. In any event, these positions can be held as basis for a Human Rights Complaint in many places around the world.

There are only 2 sexes, male and female and they are biologically assigned.
Transgendered people are confused or mentally ill.
Transsexuals are “frauds” intent on deception.
Transgendered people are really gay people who cant come to terms with their sexuality
Biological sex and gender must be one and the same for acceptance into programs or groups. (women’s shelters, clubs, sexual assault centers etc.)
Rigid requirements for obtaining legal identification regarding gender.
Lack of specific protections in law
Gender Programs that refuse participation for reasons such as: poverty, age, psychiatric history, sexual orientation, criminal record, medical history or pre-existing condition, sex trade employment, desire to remain androgynous or not present as the desired sex.
Display of discomfort about transgender people
Insulting, harassing or assault on a transgender person
Refusing housing to a transgender person
Isolation of transgender by insistence on separate facilities such as washrooms, change rooms etc.
Withholding services or opportunities because of gender appearance.

This site was last updated 08/11/10