TransActual
It’s a difficult time to be a trans person in the UK. Over the last couple of years we’ve faced a relentless torrent of negativity in traditional media, social media and in the political arena ranging from misinformation to downright hostility. It is wearing to have one’s identity constantly denied, to be ‘othered’, mocked and portrayed as a threat to others. That’s why having allies is so important.
As my 27th birthday came and went, I gradually opened up, learned the words to express what I felt inside, and came to terms with my trans queer self. A future that previously seemed incomprehensible began to enter my sightlines, and I eventually came out as a trans woman.
What I didn’t see coming, was the warm glow of maternal desire I’ve felt in my body since turning 30. I’ve not medically transitioned, and the visceral depth of these feelings has taken me by complete surprise.
If it’s a crime, and if it’s motivated by hate, it’s a Hate Crime. Reporting it helps us track down perpetrators. Whether it’s two men being assaulted for being gay, racially abusing and assaulting a man as he walks home, or a homeless girl’s belongings being burnt in an arson attack, we want to know. Whether you are the victim or a witness, we want to know. Every report helps.
I have friends beside me who know me mostly just by my name, and a loving partner who sees me beyond such labels and celebrates me for who I am. And when I am pushed towards the feeling that my lack of pronoun favouritism renders me somehow invalid or incomplete, these social supports are enough for me.
We are glad to see an announcement from the government today, but the contents of the announcement are disappointing. The changes are minimal. Of course, we are happy that steps will be taken to address the cost of obtaining a Gender Recognition Certificate and there will be a move to reduce some of the bureaucracy involved in the application process.
As a transgender woman I’ve often seen my human rights questioned and debated by others, and by extension, the rights of all transgender people have come into question and debate. The same can be said for many marginalized groups and individuals in the present and throughout history.