Transgender
Being transgender, or trans, simply means that the gender you identify with now is different to the one you were assigned at birth. ‘Cis’ and ‘Trans’ are both Latin prefixes, with ‘cis’ meaning ‘on this side of’, where ‘trans’ means ‘across from this’. These terms are not new, and they are widely used across the scientific world. For example, a cis and a trans isomer, in the chemistry world. I personally identify as genderqueer and trans, as I sit under the nonbinary umbrella. The term trans/transgender is inclusive of nonbinary identities, but not every nonbinary person will identify as trans.
The trans community is diverse, colourful, and full of love. There are countless different ways that trans people express themselves, and their gender identity. It’s important to note that gender presentation and gender identity are not always linked. It’s not always safe for trans people to present themselves to the world in the way that they identify with. Trans people are highly stigmatised in the western world at the moment, with the media stoking the flames at any given opportunity. This is creating a hostile environment for trans people, who may not feel comfortable being “out”.
Below, I have shared some of my own videos on my life as a trans person, including my own experiences with the media, and my transition.
How To Be A Trans Ally
For Transgender Day of Remembrance in 2021, I sat down to give you 9 tips for being a solid trans ally. There’s always space to learn how to be a better ally, and our community is grateful for the allies that put the work in. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about doing your best.
What It’s Like Being In The News While Trans
My life with a rare disease has become the focus of the British media on more than one occasion. Some news outlets are better than others when it comes to talking about a trans person with respect and accuracy. Some are outright terrible. This video showcases the wide range of experiences with the British Press.
Decluttering As A Trans Person
I went through a minimalism phase. I found that a lot of the decluttering articles out there didn’t necessarily resonate with my experience as a trans person. In this video, declutter with me, and find out how being trans affects my minimalism and decluttering experiences. The article that goes with this was a Staff Choice at Vocal!
Gift Ideas For Your Trans Friends
Originally a Vlogmas video, I put together some ideas for gifts for your trans pals! Not just for Christmas gifts, but birthdays, name days, anniversaries, anything… But my biggest piece of advice is just to ask your friend what they would like for the occasion. We’re still individual people, and not everything about us is about being trans.
Useful Websites
Not A Phase
Not A Phase is a trans-led, grassroots charity committed to uplifting the lives of trans+ adults, through awareness campaigning, social projects and funding trans+ lead initiatives. The focus is trans joy, which is super important when the media focuses on the negatives.
Gender Identity Research and Education Society
A useful resource for trans people living in the United Kingdom. It is a resource hub for trans people, healthcare professionals, education professionals, and more. They often review and transform research into laymen’s terms.
Gender Spectrum
Gender Spectrum devotes itself to the support of gender diverse children and young people. They support families, organisations, and institutions to become inclusive of all gender experiences, so that nobody gets left behind. They also have a Grandparents support group!
Max Fisher RSci 