Last week was Transgender awareness week, and with that we celebrate an important part of history in the gay community. This is a time where transgender people and LGBTQ+ allies come together to spread the message and take action to fight for trans rights. So let’s take a deeper meaning into what transgender awareness week really is.
What does it mean to be transgender?
For a lot of people this might be a simple explanation, but for others it has more meaning to their character. The scientific term for being transgender is transitioning into another gender than the one assigned at your birth. This doesn’t discredit nor invalidate any trans people in any way for being different from what their birth gender was.
This may seem like this is just all there is but there’s way more below the surface. A lot of transgender people notice that they are transgender when they start to feel a certain discomfort in their body. It’s almost like an out of body experience where you truly feel like you were not born to be in that said body. Most might feel like a woman trapped in a man’s body or a man trapped in a woman’s body. This sensation is known as dysphasia. Dysphoria is a word that describes discomfort in one’s body. (Not to be confused with the word Dysmorphia; the obsession of focusing on a body part you do not like, or your appearance in general).
Dysphoria is a big problem in the trans community. Some experience more dysphoria than others, but it doesn’t make anyone less valid who has low dysphoria levels. Everyone has different preferences during their battles with dysphoria, so ask your trans friends and be mindful of their pet peeves/information.
Being a trans person myself, I can say that my experiences are way different from others. It’s been a self discovery journey and I’m still on that path to finding out more about myself. It’s a nice thing to be able to educate people about these types of things as well!
Why do we celebrate this week and why is it important?
Transgender awareness week is November 13 to the 19th. This week uplifts and brings light to current issues today in the trans community. From unfair bills, to discrimination like no other, we stand together this week to fight for our freedom and our rights. Transgender awareness week was created in response to the countless lives we’ve lost, and to bring to light challenges faced by trans people. It’s crucial in these times to listen to transgender voices to truly understand the hurt and the pain they are going through.
This is the month to learn and be educated on trans issues. Over these past two years we have been fighting for trans rights with protests and online information to help those in need. This resulted in many allies and trans people in the community being arrested during those said protests and their voices being shut down because of their free speech. Trans people are being murdered every day just for being trans, and this is a big issue that needs to stop. After all of the protests and riots died down transgender awareness hasn’t really been on the uprise of news, besides from discriminatory bills that have occurred, such as those banning transgender minors from receiving gender-affirming healthcare like hormones and surgery.
We need to keep using our voices to spread awareness not just this week but every week. No matter if they are young or old, they are a part of this community, and we need to treat them all with the same exact respect we would anyone else. It is important to show these communities that we love and care for them and we have their back all the way. The T in LGBTQ+ is a big part of this community, and it’s here to stay.
Trans Remembrance Day
Trans Remembrance Day is November 20th. It is to remember those trans individuals who were killed each year. 2020’s numbers were disappointingly high. 350 members of the trans community, and maybe even more whose deaths went undocumented, were lost due to ignorance and transphobic violence. The list, released every year, has shown the average age of trans people who were killed is 31, with the youngest being 15 years of age. If this isn’t an eye-opener, I don’t know what it is. A fifth (22%) of those people were killed in their own homes. Trans people shouldn’t have to fear for their life’s, nor feel scared when they step outside. This is a big issue and this is one of the main issues that the community is trying to advocate for. Trans Remembrance Day was founded in 1999 by Gwendolyn Ann Smith. It was to memorialize the murder of a transgender woman Rita Hester in 1998 Alliston, Massachusetts. In 2010 Trans Remembrance Day was observed in over 185 cities and throughout more than 20 countries.
Typical memorials included candlelight sessions with flowers, church services, art shows, food drives and many more celebrations. It is not just a day of sorrow but a day to remember the brave souls every year that fought for the trans community and many more members of the LGBTQ+ community. We mourn the loss of those who are lost to senseless violence, transphobia, self harm, and inequalities. It is important to respect this day, as it means just as much as Transgender Awareness Week.
What you can do to help!
In these times of increased racial unrest, it is important to support the Black trans community.
Some good organizations to support for these communities are:
The Okra project: provides resources and meals to black trans people. They also set up The Nina Pop and McDade Mental Health Recovery Funds, to raise money for mental health therapy and emergency medical aid.
Transgender Law Center: A Trans led organization that works to change laws and policies to protect and aid transgender and gender non conforming people.
Black Trans Femmes in the Arts: A collective that connects Black trans women and non binary femmes in the arts.
Marsha P. Johnson Institute: works to protect and defend the rights of Black transgender people.
Also support trans/non-binary creators on YouTube as well like:
NOAHFINNCE: A Trans musician, who makes reaction videos, educational/tips for trans people, and music videos. His music videos are amazing, and if you like funny commentary he’s the one for you!
Jammidodger: A Trans creator who makes funny reaction videos, trans education, and personal life experiences of being a long time trans man. His videos are super informative, and provide good details on today’s problems!
Ashton Daniel: A Nonbinary-Trans boy who makes videos on their transition, mental health issues, witchcraft, books, and other really cool things so go check em out! Their videos think outside the box, with unique topics, information, and overall a fun environment on their page!
Judestube: A Nonbinary-Trans person who makes vidoes on clothing hauls, Non-binary informative, hair style vlogs, and many more daily vlogs about their life!! I honestly love their videos and you should check them out! Their channel super funny, and highly informative on first hand experiences
Vice news (or vice): trans/lgbtq topics. They do documentaries on alot of other things besides trans issues as well
Some of their videos:
Violence against black trans women
Vidette 