When I went to college, I met people who were trans and realized that was a normal part of human experience and diversity. I love my trans friends and want them to have safety and dignity and equal treatment. In addition, I myself have in the last few years come to identify as nonbinary so I want all those good things for myself. In fact I even want liberation from the gender binary and gender essentialism for cis people! Even ones who are fighting this kicking and screaming and seem to want to live in the black and white section of the movie Pleasantville.
I have come out as nonbinary to my coworkers, friends, and some (but not all) family members. I have spoken up when I hear transphobic comments or jokes. I have taught the psychotherapists I train about gender diversity.
I am filling out this survey, which seems like it has been created entirely in good faith and which I trust will include dissenting voices when published.
I would say that, comparatively, I’ve had it pretty easy. I have experienced very little overt abuse since coming out as non binary. Nonetheless, it is awkward, dispiriting, and hurtful when people ignore what I have shared about how I wish to be spoken to/about and treated.
It’s also very upsetting to see regressive, cruel, narrow minded discourse claiming the mantle of feminism and trying to reduce people to their genitals in the same way that right-wing Christian forced birthers do. 🙂
Jane, Psychotherapist who knows that gender is over if you want it, USA
The Gender Dissidents Survey 