How exactly did transgender turn into something trendy?

[Paige]

The only trend is being poisoned  by hormones in our food supply and medications. It's setting the xx xy determination on it's ear.

Dawn you're so right.  The number of man made known/probable/possible endocrine disrupting chemicals released over the last 100 years is just astounding.  Most haven't been tested at all.   

http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/10/26/senate.toxic.america.hearing/

And the testing done is very inadequate.  For instance nobody knows if there's synergistic amplification when different chemicals come into contact. 

To think this grand experiment isn't having effects on the human population is a tad naive.

Paige

[AlyssaJ]

To me it's not trendy.  There is a perception of it being trendy that tends to come from the trans-phobic right.  As the media give trans topics more air time and glorify it to some degree (Caitlyn Jenner, "I am Jazz", etc.) people who wish it would just go away start to get the impression it's trendy. Also as more young people in their teens feel empowered to be open about who they are, the idea that it is a trend is reinforced.

The reality is the growing attention from the media is the result of giving it more serious coverage.  Previously trans topics were treated as a freak show (countless episodes of Jerry Springer for instance).  Now the media is giving us a fair shake and looking at it objectively to help others learn.  As far as the younger generation, let's face it, I'm betting most of us became initially aware of our gender identity (even if we denied it) in our teens as puberty was hitting. So the fact that more teens are open about it now in a more accepting society just makes sense. The trans haters however, assume that it's teens just looking to be cool as they search for their own identity.  Having been pretty involved in our local high-school's LGBT community, I can tell you I've not met anyone I thought was "faking it".

I've had one or two people ask me about why it's so much more prevalent now and I just remind them that it really isn't.  What's changed is science's and society's understanding and acceptance of it.  I reiterate to them how foolish it would be to believe that anyone would choose this life voluntarily (an old adage often used in earlier gay/lesbian rights battles).

[I Am Jess]

It's a fact that there is something of a trend in that more people are becoming open about their conditions.  I seriously doubt anyone would come out to the world as being trans because they want to seem "trendy."  Hate and discrimination towards members of our community is a real and it presents a danger to anyone who identifies as being trans.  If someone wants to risk losing their family, friends and job to be trendy they are crazy. 

Most of the trans people I know who have come out publicly as being trans and or transitioned have done so because they are tired of wanting to be dead.  We put everything we know and love on the line in the hopes that we will find some relief from the pain we have been suffering. 

So no, I'm not being trendy, I just got tired of wanting to be dead.

[CosmicJoke]

I have never met someone faking this. I have to wonder what someone would hope to gain from that.

Hugs, Devlyn

Edit to add:

"I respect the right for everyone to live the kind of life that they wish to live, but I also feel as though some things have just gotten very ridiculous."

Yeah....no, apparently you don't.

When I said this I was going based off of a dr phil episode I watched a while back where a girl who was not actually transgender as most diagnostic criteria would diagnose it was doing it for attention.
To clarify, my point is that there must be a kind of "trend" mentality if someone got the idea to do that type of thing.

[Devlyn]

The kind of thing you're describing is actors and actresses being paid to say what they're told to say.  That doesn't relate to any of us at all.

Hugs, Devlyn

[kittenpower]

To me it's not trendy.  There is a perception of it being trendy that tends to come from the trans-phobic right.  As the media give trans topics more air time and glorify it to some degree (Caitlyn Jenner, "I am Jazz", etc.) people who wish it would just go away start to get the impression it's trendy. Also as more young people in their teens feel empowered to be open about who they are, the idea that it is a trend is reinforced.

The reality is the growing attention from the media is the result of giving it more serious coverage.  Previously trans topics were treated as a freak show (countless episodes of Jerry Springer for instance).  Now the media is giving us a fair shake and looking at it objectively to help others learn.  As far as the younger generation, let's face it, I'm betting most of us became initially aware of our gender identity (even if we denied it) in our teens as puberty was hitting. So the fact that more teens are open about it now in a more accepting society just makes sense. The trans haters however, assume that it's teens just looking to be cool as they search for their own identity.  Having been pretty involved in our local high-school's LGBT community, I can tell you I've not met anyone I thought was "faking it".

I've had one or two people ask me about why it's so much more prevalent now and I just remind them that it really isn't.  What's changed is science's and society's understanding and acceptance of it.  I reiterate to them how foolish it would be to believe that anyone would choose this life voluntarily (an old adage often used in earlier gay/lesbian rights battles).

I think that the Internet is the main reason why there are more out and transitioned trans people now (our community has been growing at a fast pace since the late 90s), because it allows people to have easy access to transition related information. I started my transition in 1998 when I had access to the Internet for the first time; and one of the main reasons why I didn't transition before then, was because I didn't know how to start the process.

[cej]

If transition is in, that means being closeted and miserable is losing its appeal, which doesn't seem like such a bad thing to me.

I don't think we should shame people for needing role models.

[VeronicaLynn]

I think that the Internet is the main reason why there are more out and transitioned trans people now (our community has been growing at a fast pace since the late 90s), because it allows people to have easy access to transition related information. I started my transition in 1998 when I had access to the Internet for the first time; and one of the main reasons why I didn't transition before then, was because I didn't know how to start the process.

Wish I had went to the websites you went to around that time...finding how much SRS costs, which was unfathomable for me to afford at the time as I was a broke college student, combined with the general anti-LBGT sentiment I found on many sites, especially dating sites with lots of women looking for a "real man", actually pushed me further in the closet...

The visibility of trans issues does have an effect on people's thinking. What really made me start reaching for the closet door again was actually the series premiere of Ray Donovan,[spoiler alert]














which had a lot of transphobic lines, but ended in Ray showing compassion and giving the trans woman who was trying to extort money from his client the money for SRS...it really made me think I am not even in that character's situation, financially at least, though very much so otherwise and actually could possibly pay for my own transition someday...

[kittenpower]

I typed in transsexual on an aol search and found a lot of information; I also searched for feminizing facial plastic surgery (iirc) and I found Andrea James' website which was a treasure trove, and I also found Susan's place around that time, there were other standout websites like Melanie Phillips', Gianna Isreal's, Anne Lawrence (I realize she is unpopular, but back then her website was really helpful to me), Dr. Becky Allison, etc.; and I was able to find a therapist in my area who referred me to a physician for HRT after 3 months of therapy, and my therapist also referred me to a support group, and an electrologist who did and still does provide services to most of the trans women in my area. Meeting other trans people in person and learning from them was extremely helpful to me in the beginning of my transition.

[Janes Groove]

I think it is because the transgender community is just being born.  We are witnessing the birth of a new culture.  And there is a tremendous amount of energy being released as a result.   While transexuals have been around for quite a while, the actual word transgender is something new.   Transexual culture was isolated, misunderstood and quite frankly vilified by the mainstream media.   What you are witnessing is the birth of a new culture. Which is only being made possible by advances in technology, sites like this where we share our experiences and support without the meddling of transphobic ignorance, Youtube, where transgender people are for the first time telling their stories in their own words without the filter of editors (telling us how wrong it is) who have always had an incomplete or biased opinion of gender nonconforming people. The media which has always portrayed us as lurid, living in the shadows, exotic, perverse, criminal, etc. etc, etc.   The new face of transgender culture is bright-eyed, young, hopeful and defiant.  It is the face of a beautiful trans girl staring out from the cover of national geographic magazine.  The face of trans kids. Of parents of trans kids. Of trans men and women who are every day living out and proud lives in their communities and demanding respect and a place at the table.


It's like a Star Trek first contact.

[SidneyAldaine]

I think it is because the transgender community is just being born.  We are witnessing the birth of a new culture.  And there is a tremendous amount of energy being released as a result.   While transexuals have been around for quite a while, the actual word transgender is something new.   Transexual culture was isolated, misunderstood and quite frankly vilified by the mainstream media.   What you are witnessing is the birth of a new culture. Which is only being made possible by advances in technology, sites like this where we share our experiences and support without the meddling of transphobic ignorance, Youtube, where transgender people are for the first time telling their stories in their own words without the filter of editors who have always had an incomplete or biased opinion of gender nonconforming people. The media which has always portrayed us as lurid, living in the shadows, exotic, perverse, criminal, etc. etc, etc.   The new face of transgender culture is bright-eyed, young, hopeful and defiant.  It is the face of a beautiful trans girl staring out from the cover of national geographic magazine.  The face of trans kids. Of parents of trans kids. Of trans men and women who are every day living out and proud lives in their communities and demanding respect and a place at the table.


It's like a Star Trek first contact.

This. I love your comparison to Star Trek btw. I think people who are somewhat extravagant are always those who we see first. This goes for typical gay pride man you can see on TV , you know the one with green hair half naked. Media love these extravagant people and that's how a false stereotype is being born. People falsely assume that all gay people are like that and have this image burned in their minds.

Stereotypes....

In my opinion something similar is happening to TG community. Doesnt mean that we shy tg girls are not out there. We just don't seek attention. People won't see us first in media.

When new culture is being born, people always try to make an opinion about it. In my mind, stereotypes help in this process.

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[warlockmaker]

Trendy may not be my choice of word, I like knowledge, TG knowledge. This has allowed so many others who have managed a dysphoria they didnt understand and have been able to lead a good life. Now with this knowledge they have the choice without shame. Being a TG does not need to be someone who struggled in misery. Today, TG can emerge without the struggles and mental issues, and they recognize the struggles early TG suffered. I am one such TG.  Assuming some statistics to be acceptable then there should be a simlar percentage of gays and TGs. Wow, then there is alot more of us to come out.

[Elis]

Agree how it only seems trendy now to increased media coverage and acceptance. Just a few years ago being gay was considered trendy simply due to them finally being seen as normal; helped by more gay characters on tv shows, civil partnerships, equal ages of consent and being allowed to adopt. In a few more years hopefully being trans will be viewed just as blandly as being gay, nothing special; just how a person was born.

The problems that I see is non binary identities will take longer to be accepted due to more celebrities coming out as nb; which makes it seem like a fad. Although I believe it's far more likely for someone not be a 100% binary gender identity and to not be 100% gay (or straight) so I'm not a position to judge whether they're 'really' nb or just think nb is a fashion choice.

[Rhea41]

Great question!  I never thought about it being a trend. My husband came out to me a month ago. I've done a lot of reading/research and pic viewing. I never realized what was out there or what a beautiful accepting community of crossdresser/ trans there is. As far as trends goes again, I thought being lesbian became a huge trendy cool thing about 6 or 7 years ago. My 8th graders always came home talking about most of her friend were lesbian. And they didn't end up lesbian they just all wanted the experience bc it was cool and still is .

[TonyaW]

Well, there is an increase in awareness and visibility.  That could easily make it seem trendy to people who don't understand it.

Some may feel that it's OK or easier to come out now so that may feed into it. 

The backlash of course is these bathroom laws.


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[Dee Marshall]

I think it is because the transgender community is just being born.

I guess it is! Three years ago, when I first came to Susan's, I remember us discussing that we didn't have a culture. We, most of us, only wanted to blend in and we feared that too many of us in one physical location would make getting clocked more likely.

Now that trans kids are being acknowledged I see a brighter future, perhaps not soon, but eventually. I wish I could say we had a part in that, that we're helping bring late transition to extinction, but I believe that for most of us that isn't so.

I almost want to believe that the success of marriage equality, which left some people searching for someone new, (us), to vilify, actually made us visible and helped us find allies we never knew we had. I almost want to thank those people who chose us to pick on... Nah!

[Scorpio2Scorpia]

I felt that I needed to reply to this with an excerpt from an interview from the APA (American Physiological Association), and Dr Walter Bockting, PhD. His explanation hits the nail on the head for myself. There are some other factors as to why I haven't made a move until now (35), but the biggest part for me was not knowing how many others like me there are in the world (not including the porn industry, and their distasteful depiction of trans persons).

APA: How have the media contributed to awareness and education about what it means to be transgender?

Bockting: Throughout the years, increased media attention has helped to raise awareness and foster public discourse on transgender people's lives and experiences and gender diversity more generally. In recent years, media attention has been more frequent and less sensational, instead offering positive role models, affirming transgender identity and gender diversity, and raising more awareness about the struggles that transgender people continue to face. These struggles are related to social stigma attached to their gender nonconformity. Our society still does not accommodate gender diversity and in particular nonbinary gender identities very well. It has also been very gratifying to see transgender people find their own voices and to see greater representation of the diversity, in race/ethnicity and age found among this population.

I don't feel that it has become "trendy", but rather more information from across the world at our finger tips 24/7, has allowed us to feel less like an outcast, and more welcomed/accepted for being who we are.

Valerie

[Dena]

I think it is because the transgender community is just being born.  We are witnessing the birth of a new culture.  And there is a tremendous amount of energy being released as a result.  While transexuals have been around for quite a while, the actual word transgender is something new.   Transexual culture was isolated, misunderstood and quite frankly vilified by the mainstream media. What you are witnessing is the birth of a new culture. Which is only being made possible by advances in technology, sites like this where we share our experiences and support without the meddling of transphobic ignorance, Youtube, where transgender people are for the first time telling their stories in their own words without the filter of editors who have always had an incomplete or biased opinion of gender nonconforming people. The media which has always portrayed us as lurid, living in the shadows, exotic, perverse, criminal, etc. etc, etc.   The new face of transgender culture is bright-eyed, young, hopeful and defiant.  It is the face of a beautiful trans girl staring out from the cover of national geographic magazine.  The face of trans kids. Of parents of trans kids. Of trans men and women who are every day living out and proud lives in their communities and demanding respect and a place at the table.


It's like a Star Trek first contact.

My group therapy in the 1979-1982 time frame was for transitioning transsexuals as we were the only ones willing to pay for therapy with a surgical goal. In that group we used the term transgender defined as anybody who was uncomfortable with their gender identity. It would have been interesting to explore the word to discover just what it meant at the time but none of us though that far as it covered transsexualism. We were aware of cross dressers and ->-bleeped-<-s but that was about the limit of our knowledge of the non binary. Needless to say, coming to this site was a real learning experience for me.

As for the media, we received very little coverage and what we received was somewhat like visiting the zoo. We were different but at the end of the day it was forgotten and people move on with their life. All of the reality TV shows of today shine far more light on the community than I am comfortable with. People are now aware of us and as such, stealth or semi stealth is far more difficult than before. I am fortunate in that I live in an area where there isn't that much discussion about the subject so people don't question things as much but I know it's more difficult for others.

[jentay1367]

I believe that the more we're talked about, the more media coverage we receive, negative and positive, will only serve to imbed us into the mass consciousness. Eventually, we'll become commonplace which will serve as admittance into the mainstream. It's worked for the blind, the deaf, the handicapped as well as the gay and lesbian community. It will work for us too. Being "rare as hens teeth" is never going to get us anywhere. We need all the conspicuous exposure we can get, good and bad.  We need to get boring. It will be awesome when were yesterday's news and no longer attract attention or curiosity.

[JoanneB]

While the relative "explosion" of trans in today's culture does take on some aspects of  "being a trend", I think it is just GD is no longer relegated to the deepest dankest darkest dungeons of "proper" society. The only arguably "trendy" aspect I see is with youth doing what youth does, mess with the old folks.