what do you think is the # 1 issue

[peky]

The number one issue in the USA is the absolute need to keep the Republicans out of public offices, that would make easier to pass pro transgender laws; and yes to win this one we need to win the "public opinion wars."

We need for Congress to pas the "employment Non-discrimination Act,"  and legislation that makes mandatory to include the treatment of GID under every "Health insurance Program," the rest would follow

[Olivia P]

Great in theory, but it will never happen.

With that attitude it wont no.

Unity however is the only true way this crazy world is going to get sorted out, and no it wont get sorted out within our lifetimes, however, if you live your life pushing such a pure goal, step by step things will shift ever gradually in the right direction.

This is how all the breakthroughs in equality happened in the last 100 years or so. And now that the internet is a thing, its easier than ever to communicate with all human beings globally, which only makes it easier to get together and take action in the here and now so each and every one of us can make peace with the world we have to live in and find some sense of inner peace and true happiness.

[ana]

I vote for unity.

With unity comes influence, and with influence comes change, and with change comes...
medicare, understanding and acceptance.

[JennX]

Discrimination.

Especially in the workplace. There have to be Federal laws to prevent it and consequences when it occurs.

[Tori]

Public perception of us and understanding of our condition.

People still believe we do this for sexual thrills, that we all get surgery, that trans women are all entertainers, streetwalkers, or totally off-the-wall and that trans men don't exist, that gender is purely a social construct, etc.

It results in discrimination, people fired and denied housing because they transition, trouble finding romantic connection, crazy laws that require us to have surgery to change our documents, etc.

This is pretty much the pivot point as I see it, as well.

[Jess42]

How about Hollywood portraying us in a more positive light. Maybe they could put out more movies that show us just in normal life situations instead of the prostitute that possibly witnessed a crime and questioned by cops. Or the over the top exaggerated perceived stereotype with hairy legs, five o'clock shadow and overdone makeup. How about a transgender talkshow host? Like someone else said and science and the medical world look seriously into what causes this besides so called "psychological problems". An extra limb is a birth defect, autism is a birth defect and since it seems that some females and males were born into the wrong body, can that not be a birth defect too? Or at the very least, prenataly what causes a male body to have a female brain and vice versa.

[Tori]

Hollywood would also need to work on their stereotypes of cis men and women as well as gays and lesbians and ethnic minorities too...

Hollywood is fantasy.

I make my living as an actor... it is a sad fact for any group. We all are portrayed too simply.

[Jess42]

Hollywood would also need to work on their stereotypes of cis men and women as well as gays and lesbians and ethnic minorities too...

Hollywood is fantasy.

I make my living as an actor... it is a sad fact for any group. We all are portrayed too simply.

Hollywood may be fantasy Tori, but everyone seems to guage the world by what Hollywood puts out in movies and shows. Maybe they need a little less fantasy in Hollywood and a little more reality, not just reality shows. Really if everyone truly understood that simple statement "Hollywood is fantasy" the world may be a better place. But I guess it's most people's escape from reality.

[kira21 ♡♡♡]

1. visibility
2. acceptance

[Tori]

Hollywood may be fantasy Tori, but everyone seems to guage the world by what Hollywood puts out in movies and shows. Maybe they need a little less fantasy in Hollywood and a little more reality, not just reality shows. Really if everyone truly understood that simple statement "Hollywood is fantasy" the world may be a better place. But I guess it's most people's escape from reality.

We are saying the same thing in different ways.

[stephaniec]

Hollywood may be fantasy Tori, but everyone seems to guage the world by what Hollywood puts out in movies and shows. Maybe they need a little less fantasy in Hollywood and a little more reality, not just reality shows. Really if everyone truly understood that simple statement "Hollywood is fantasy" the world may be a better place. But I guess it's most people's escape from reality.

How about a medical TV drama series based on a character like a plastic surgeon like Dr. McGinn.

[Tori]

Well, it became Nip/Tuck.

[stephaniec]

Well, it became Nip/Tuck.

well it would be more interesting seeing a transgender surgeon help other transgenders along. plus I like the new you

[Tori]

 

[Colleen♡Callie]

Orange is the new black has a well done portrayal of a transgender woman on it.  The character is played by a transgender actress.  In flashbacks prior to and early in transitioning the character is played by the actress' twin brother.  She was arrested for credit card fraud that was entirely done to finance her transition which further breaks the typical stereotypes we see on shows.

So, honest portrayals are starting to come into mainstream media, slowly.  As long as we avoid procedural cop shows entirely.

[stephaniec]

 

[stephaniec]

I think one thing that could definitely help would be some form of educational tool to enlighten the general public what it actually means to be transgender  the total package of diversity and reasons. Before I transitioned I only had the vaguest notion of what it was like to be transgender. I was like the many who thought of prostitutes and lip sinkers .Absolutely no idea of the multilayer world of this community. If there was a lot more involvement in web sites like Susan's it would be a great educational tool. I know when I was going to school and struggling with being transgender , I thought my only options for a job was prostitute or female impersonator . I put the option of transitioning on hold at that time because of the job opportunities. I see now from being on Susan's that you can be successful in a career and transition. the transgender community needs to be more openly available to be seen in its entirety.

[Janae]

I would say health care & iron clad trans-inclusive anti discrimination laws across the board.

The issue needs to be pressed that transsexualism is a legit medical condition that needs proper treatment. Insurance companies need to cover any and all surgeries and stop listing them as "cosmetic". Hrt and access to mental health care shouldn't be a struggle to obtain in the wealthiest country in the world in 2014.

I think, someone else touched on this, that the public needs to educated and the point stressed that this is a condition that's serious and it effects real people. From children to teens to adults.

I think gender, sex & sexual orientation need to be properly taught in school. When I was in 6th grade health class transgender and transsexualism was NEVER brought up. We only learned about males & females and sex as it pertained to reproduction. Because of this a entire group was left out. As a young trans person if I'd had learned what I was in school it would've saved me a lot of time and unanswered questions. As a result of not knowing about gender and sex variations I was made to believe I was gay which is clearly wrong.

I say get people while they are still young enough to learn and accept things, rather than trying to educate adults who've been misinformed. This would help people to learn that this is a serious condition and that there are grey areas outside of what's been taught for yrs. When people know better they do better. This would have a profound effect on things and how people are seen period.