What transphobia looks like: A primer for family, friends and loved ones

[Shana A]

What transphobia looks like: A primer for family, friends and loved ones

A misappropriation of terms and complexity of factors have served to muddy what is quite clearly inappropriate, and sometimes abusive behaviour on the part of some friends, family, lovers and partners of trans people. The following behaviours go beyond mere ignorance of trans issues and land squarely in the category of harming others, writes Xander Sarkisova.

26 December 2011

http://www.thescavenger.net/isgd/what-transphobia-looks-like-a-primer-for-family-friends-and-loved-ones-817.html

The following is an unrepresentative sample of some behaviours which can be emotionally harmful to trans (includes but is not limited to transsexual, transgender, transexed) people:

1) Refusing to accept the exploration of trans identity.

Example: You bring up the possibility or curiosity of what it means to be trans and your partner doesn't want to talk about it. They claim they are "overwhelmed," "not ready for it" and that it is unfair to do so.