The Transitive Property: In Search of Someone Like Me
Monday, May 23rd, 2011 | By Cristopher Bautista
http://www.stanforddaily.com/2011/05/23/the-transitive-property-in-search-of-someone-like-me/A lot of my friends have told me that I'm the first transgender person they've ever met, and many of my readers have emailed me telling me that my column is their first exposure to the experiences of transgender people. However, I will admit that my experience has many unique aspects to it, because I am a transman of color. Not only have I had to transition, but I have also had to battle stereotypes surrounding Asian men — such as how I am perceived as more feminine than other men, less because I'm trans and more because I'm Asian (and I think I am very manly, thank you very much). As an Asian American, I have also had to confront the traditional notions of masculinity presented by both America and the Philippines. I have had to face my own insecurities about not feeling attractive enough because I am not white. Ever since childhood I have had to deal with the fact that there are not many realistic and non-stereotypical portrayals of Asians and Filipinos in media (Filipinos can only either sing or fight. We can't do anything else, apparently). And although Asia is seen as a very transgender-friendly place, it's a culture dominated mostly by transwomen. Transmen are virtually invisible, pushed aside. I am part of a marginalized group within a group that is marginalized enough already.
