Growing number of Americans say they understand what it means to be Transgender

[stephaniec]

Growing number of Americans say they understand what it means to be transgender

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/06/12/transgender-poll_n_7571752.html?utm_hp_ref=transgender

The Huffington Post/by Ariel Edwards-Levy     06/12/2015

" In new HuffPost/youGov poll, 42 percent of Americans say they have a good understanding of what it means to be transgender, up from 31 percent just this February." "Forty-three percent say they've been following news about Jenner, and more than half say they've learned some or a great deal about transgender issues in the past year."

[gennee]

While the results of the poll are interesting it remains to be seen if there will be any real change for transgender people in regard to public accommodations, medical care, housing, and job discrimination. In over 30 states transgender people can be fired from their jobs or denied access to resources simply because of who they are. People of color face even more daunting challenges.

[suzifrommd]

I wonder what it would feel like to be Caitlyn Jenner. To know that your actions have had a profound effect on how people view transgender people. I could write a thousands columns in Susan's Place and never have the impact that his one interview did.

[AndrewB]

Chalk one up to the stealth transitioners because they're the ones doing the heavy lifting to......oh, wait....never mind! 

Hugs, Devlyn

I'm like... half stealth? Does that count for anything?  I did go to a trans pride march yesterday though, so I guess I'm not completely without some credit. Walking around, people were cheering us on and stuff (bystanders on streets we passed, etc.) so I'm actually really happy that it's not just Portland that's becoming more accepting, since that's all I really have an opportunity to see.

The one big thing that remains unseen though is how well these people actually understand, rather than what they think they know. Common misconceptions often seem like the downfall toward progress as far as trans rights go, but I guess if people are learning, or at least feel like we are, we're heading in the right direction.

[warlockmaker]

No only a growing number of Americans but internationally as well. I have only positives on Caitlyn and someone like her needed to hit the global media limelight and bring us to the forefront and mre understanding. I know many may feel otherwise but for me this new awareness has been a blessing.

[Laurie K]

I  believe not much substance in that poll. Asking one question multiple choice is hardly a measuring stick to go by.   We all get our hopes up that every small exposure will make a world of difference. It took the GLB crowd since the late sixties to get where they are to day. We are a ways behind them.  I hate to say that we have a bit of a wait for things to be more positive.  We will never change any ones thoughts.... All we can ask for is understanding. As far as rights and laws, we need trans friendly leaders in power.  Not trying to be negative, we just have alot of weeds to pull before we get flowers.

[Wynternight]

We will not have arguments about stealth vs. out. I've removed two off topic posts here, one completely unnecessary and one argumentative in response.