On Being Trans
“How are you going to use your voice, your opinions to advance the conversation? Let your experience enable you to show the real [transgender] stories.” -Janet Mock, LGBTQ+ activist, journalist and author, speaking at UCF this past Monday in honor of Transgender Visibility Week 2015 and the Month of the Woman. After meeting with Janet Mock and hearing her speak, I was inspired to provide more support and information as a Trans ally.
So with this in mind, Adrian Ballou has written a wonderfully informative and inclusive article for everyday feminist magazine called I Think I Might Be Trans: 8 Important Notes On Questioning and 50+ Resources to Get You Started. It is so well written, insightful, and chock full of important links to resources that I just had to share it. I suspect that anyone experiencing questions of gender would benefit greatly from reading it.
Below are just a few of the many links from the article that I found to be particularly noteworthy for those beginning this journey. Please note that some of these resources are produced by Trans men and women as well as medical professionals, so it is a mix of personal and professional experience and opinion.
- Trans Lifeline (877) 565-8860 is staffed by trans people for trans people who are in crisis.
- Affirming statements “Trans 101” This is almost a Trans Bill of Rights.
- 3 Tips for Gender Questioners A thoughtful and personal exploration of the process of answering the question, “Am I Transgender?”
Also, if you are interested in reading an autobiography of a Trans woman who has come from humble beginnings, experienced dire circumstances, and achieved great success both personally and professionally, check out Redefining Realness: My Path to Womanhood, Identity, Love & So Much More by Janet Mock.
Finally, making the decision of whether or not to transition, as well as developing what the transition process will look like for you can be complex and overwhelming. Getting compassionate support from an experienced therapist who has extensive knowledge in the working with the Trans community can make the difference between a struggle and a triumph. Please contact Life Enhancement Counseling Services in Orlando today at 407-443-8862 to set up an appointment and get started on discussing the expression of your true self with a trained professional.