Why representation matters for trans individuals
Recently, I've been thinking a lot about how one of my long term goals is being indistinguishable from a cis woman. Naturally, as I am seeing myself like a woman, I would like others to perceive me as one as well, without second guessing themselves or worse, me. Working out specific body areas to feminize your figure, learning how to apply make-up that accentuates the feminine features of your face and/or HRT are great ways to help you feel more confident in your own body, at least for transfeminine individuals. Confidence in how you feel and want to be seen is already half the battle - if you stalk around town unsure of yourself, others will perceive you as that too: ambiguous, not quite sure of who or what you are because you yourself don't know it.
Generally speaking, I am not talking about confidence overall, but rather about the confidence in yourself that you are the gender that you feel as. It's important that you mentalize others perceiving you as your gender rather than mentalizing that they don't. But I digress from the actual topic I wanted to talk about (classic Elena rambles, get used to them!). While passing is a goal of mine that I have already mostly achieved, after thinking about it for a while, there are some benefits to not (fully) pass. Let me explain.
As the title suggests, trans representation is important for not only trans individuals, but society as a whole. Be it eggs (trans individuals that are not out yet) that need some affirmation that they are not alone in this world, transitioning individuals struggling with dysphoria and self-doubts or just the parent of a trans individual worried for their child, it is essential that we have representation in our community. Little acts of showing the world that we exist, that we strive for inclusion, that we are alive as the people we always wanted to show to the world go a long way. Wearing a pride flag button on your handbag, adding your pronouns (especially neo-pronouns!) to your profile at work, attending pride parades - all of that can go a long way.
Representation can also come in the form of simply existing - not fully passing while still exuding your confidence in yourself and your gender could give someone else a little push or much needed hope seeing you thrive despite not fully being viewed as your gender. I'm probably bad at explaining what I mean, but perhaps this will help someone in some way, shape or form. Maybe I'll do a follow-up post to this at some point.
#trans #passing #life