A Pro Bono Transgender Primer
Dr. Jon LaPook
Chief medical correspondent for the CBS Evening News
Posted: June 18, 2009 03:47 PM
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-jon-lapook/a-pro-bono-transgender-pr_b_217575.html (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-jon-lapook/a-pro-bono-transgender-pr_b_217575.html)
Transgender issues have been in the news with the recent announcement that Cher's daughter, Chaz Bono, is transitioning from female to male. This subject has been plagued by misunderstanding and fear of the unknown. Transgender children are often shamed, bullied, and made to feel totally alone. As adolescents and adults, they face denial of adequate medical coverage and other forms of discrimination -- and worse. Just two months ago, a Colorado man was found guilty of murdering an 18 year old transgender woman in what was judged to be a hate crime.
Chaz's decision to go public with his private struggle is extremely brave. His publicist said, "It is Chaz's hope that his choice to transition will open the hearts and minds of the public regarding this issue ..." Step one in reaching the public is defining terms. The terminology surrounding gender issues can be confusing. "Transgender man," "transmale," and "affirmed male" have all been used to refer to a biological female who transitions to a male. I found a glossary of transgender terminology offered by the NCTE to be extremely helpful.