what do you think is the most important issue that needs to be addressed in the transgender community. I personally haven't the slightest clue , I'm not that versed in the issues facing the community. At the moment I've just been focusing on transition , but it would be interesting to become more aware of the important issues seeing the issues are going to affect me in some way.
My personal opinion is Gay Marriage. I believe once every state is on board with it the momentum will be unstoppable. It could lead to many other issue's we have being more accepted and supported. Only my opinion though. :)
100% Health Care and Stop all Discrimination.
If we get both of these across the board everyones life can reach new heights.
Isabell
Quote from: stephaniec on February 21, 2014, 09:06:54 PM
what do you think is the most important issue that needs to be addressed in the transgender community. I personally haven't the slightest clue , I'm not that versed in the issues facing the community. At the moment I've just been focusing on transition , but it would be interesting to become more aware of the important issues seeing the issues are going to affect me in some way.
Kia Ora Steph,
::) In a word ...."Unity"
Metta Zenda :)
IMO, recognition of the condition as a medically correctable birth defect, and acceptance by insurance providers of the medical necessity of the phases of treatment of this condition.
Other than that, the education of the general public as to what this condition actually entails, and how it is treated...in an effort to reduce the ignorance that is responsible for a large percentage of transphobia in the world today.
I'm very much where you are Stephanie. I spent years using TG story sites, forums, and rp sites as a release to deal with my dysphoria while I tried to power through in day to day life, as such, I am rather new to the transgender community, and am currently focused a lot on not going stir crazy waiting to begin transitioning. So, I'm not overly versed yet.
These are all great answers, but I definitely agree with Anatta. Unity to me seems to be what is most needed first. Not just in the transgender community but the greater LGBTQ community.
Quote from: Anatta on February 21, 2014, 09:36:30 PM
Kia Ora Steph,
::) In a word ...."Unity"
Metta Zenda :)
Great in theory, but it will never happen.
Educating the masses regarding trans issues and deeper research into it all, with that full equality and understanding would naturally follow.
Quote from: kelly_aus on February 21, 2014, 10:55:53 PM
Great in theory, but it will never happen.
Kia Ora Kelly,
Tis true...We trans-folk are as diverse in our opinions as we are in 'identity'...Hence why unity is the number one issue facing the trans-comm-
unity ( a borrowed term from The Phoenix) ...
Metta Zenda :)
The biggest problem I see is the "Gold Star Transsexual" disrespecting gender variant people who don't meet their high standards.
Randi
Health care and nondiscrimination legislation, all the way. Awareness is nice, but awareness won't get me the medical treatment I need, or prevent my boss from firing me at the drop of a hat, should my voice sound a little too low one day.
Shoes.
Rosie
Just had a thought..
The #1 issue for people may well depend on their location.. Some of the things listed in regards to access to health care and anti-discrimination are non-issues for some of us.
Medicare not covering laser hair removal, this is going to get expensive fast :(
affordable medical being something that cannot be used as an exclusion for anything.
Quote from: Sarah leah on February 22, 2014, 06:12:17 AM
Medicare not covering laser hair removal, this is going to get expensive fast :(
I understand where you are coming from, but it's Medicare.. It's purpose is to provide essential care to as much of the population as possible.
I'm happy enough that my therapist and gyno vists are mostly covered by Medicare - both charge about a $35 gap for my sessions. Hormones being covered by the PBS is a bonus too. I certainly couldn't afford $116 a box for my Cyproterone Acetate.. $6 is much easier to swallow.
Sadly I fear we might lose the coverage we do have, thanks to the current governement.
I think the most important thing for me at the moment is acceptance!
I think some people just don't understand why we are transitioning, and jus think that its a choice we have made!!
I think its a bit like how people viewed homosexuality a couple of decades ago!
I think its important therefore that people are educated on transgendered issues. That way there might be a little bit more acceptance out there!!! :)
Xx
Quote from: Anatta on February 21, 2014, 09:36:30 PM
Kia Ora Steph,
::) In a word ...."Unity"
Metta Zenda :)
I agree. We have a lot of people willing to lead the team to accomplish great goals. But we have very few people working to build the team.
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.
Quote from: Jessica Merriman on February 21, 2014, 09:10:46 PM
My personal opinion is Gay Marriage. I believe once every state is on board with it the momentum will be unstoppable. It could lead to many other issue's we have being more accepted and supported. Only my opinion though Quote
+1 ^^
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
Quote from: kelly_aus on February 21, 2014, 10:55:53 PM
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.
I vote for unity.
With unity comes influence, and with influence comes change, and with change comes...
medicare, understanding and acceptance.
Discrimination.
Especially in the workplace. There have to be Federal laws to prevent it and consequences when it occurs.
Quote from: suzifrommd on February 22, 2014, 07:58:44 AM
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.
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.
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.
Quote from: Tori on February 22, 2014, 10:00:20 AM
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.
1. visibility
2. acceptance
Quote from: Jess42 on February 22, 2014, 10:59:39 AM
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.
Quote from: Jess42 on February 22, 2014, 10:59:39 AM
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.
Well, it became Nip/Tuck. :)
Quote from: Tori on February 22, 2014, 02:11:29 PM
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
:-*
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.
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.
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.