By RACHEL BOLTON
Identity
PUBLISHED OCTOBER 3, 2011
I am glad to be living in the time that I am. In my lifetime, I have gotten to see how talking about LGBT issues have gone from being scandalous to being a subject discussed daily. Homophobia may still be prevalent, but it is becoming increasingly frowned upon. In the last few months the LGBT community and their allies have seen Gay Marriage made legal in New York State and the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” In Popular Culture, gay characters are changing from “The Gay Character” to “The Character that is Gay.” Awareness is a wonderful thing.
However, there is the group that is often forgotten; Transsexuals have not gotten as much awareness and support as cisgender gays, lesbians, and bisexuals. Ignorance is everywhere and Transsexuals face more hate and violence because of their unique situation.
The good news is that awareness is growing. Journalist Lisa Ling’s “Our America Series” did an episode about Transsexuals and interviewed the supportive parents of a six year old transgender girl. What I think is the most helpful in creating awareness is the activism of Chaz Bono. Since coming out as a Transsexual man, Bono’s journey has opened the door to discussion about what has been taboo for a long time.
His openness about his transition and being able to talk about it with warmth and humor has brought new understanding about what it means to be Transsexual. His ground breaking appearance on the cast of “Dancing with the Stars” is a big step for Transsexuals finding a place in Popular Culture as people, and not as jokes.
His appearance is not without controversy, certain groups feel that if children watch Bono perform on “Dancing with the Stars,” they will want to become Transsexuals themselves. This is a big overreaction. You do not get “converted” into being Transsexual. A transsexual person inherently knows that their minds feel mismatched with their bodies.
Parents should use Bono’s casting in “Dancing with the Stars” as a way to talk about gender issues with their children because as time goes on Transexuality will become more and more out in the open.
As for Chaz Bono, he needs to keep doing what he is doings. He is a shining example for young people with gender identity issues. He shows that you can live a full life as a Transsexual. I sincerely wish him and all Transsexuals the best in finding happiness as themselves.
