Supporting the Transgender Community

Anyone that has followed me for a while, knows that every June each year, as it is Pride month, I have written my blog in support of the LGBTQIA+ Community, to raise awareness of the challenges they face, and to help everyone learn how we can all be good allies, and love and support them. This time I have decided to concentrate on the Transgender community, as times are very difficult and frightening for them right now.

So what does it mean to be ‘Transgender’?

This term is generally used to describe those whose internal sense of gender identity does not match the sex they were assigned at birth. The opposite of this is ‘Cisgender’ which means an individual who does align with the sex they were assigned at birth.

What does it mean to ‘Transition’?

This is the process that some Transgender people go through, to align their lives, appearance and/or bodies with their own gender identity. It may require social changes such as changing their name and/or pronouns, having medical treatments or hormones to help with physical changes, and sometimes legal changes too (such as legally changing names and updating identification documents etc).

Potential Challenges for those Transitioning

Many Transgender people experience something called ‘Gender Dysphoria’ which can be really hard to live with every single day. Some people seek medical treatments such as gender-affirming surgeries, hormone replacement therapies, or psychotherapy to help them deal with this. Some people are unable to undergo these things for either financial, medical or legal reasons. Laws vary from country to country too – with some being much more open-minded and supportive than others. There are sadly many countries (particularly in The Middle East, Asia and Africa) where it is still illegal to be Transgender (as well as for others in the LGBTQIA+ community). Travel to these places is obviously not a great idea for these folk, and I find it so very sad that they have to take this into consideration, where the vast majority of us don’t even have to think about it.

Transsexual

Some people in this community will have medical assistance to permanently medically transition from one sex to another – these people are often also known as being ‘Transsexual’. Anyone that feels strongly enough to do this will need a lot of help and support during the process – it will be something that they have lived through for many years before they get to that point – it is not an easy decision to make or an easy option to take. Being ‘Transsexual’ is more thought to be dealing with the physical aspects of one’s sex, whereas ‘Transgender’ tends to also consider more someones psychological and social feelings, that might come with a given gender role. So many ‘Transgender’ people may not appreciate being called ‘Transsexual’, and the other way round. It is such a personal thing, that the best thing we can do is talk with the folk we care about, and just ask them what their preferences are, and make it clear that we support and love them, and are always here for them, on their personal journey.

Other Terms

Some Transgender people might also use the terms ‘Transfeminine’ which refers to a person who was assigned male at birth but who has a predominantly feminine gender presentation/identity. Some may use ‘Transmasculine’ to refer to the opposite – where a person who was assigned female at birth has a predominantly masculine gender identity/presentation. These people can be binary or non-binary, and have any sexuality.

Transgender People, Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation

Gender, gender identity and being Transgender are all distinct from their sexual orientation. Transgender people may identify as heterosexual (straight), homosexual (gay or lesbian), asexual, bisexual or may not give themselves a label at all. As I’ve explained, sexual orientation is distinct from being transgender, and they should all be allowed to love whoever they love, assuming a consensual, adult situation. Sexual orientation looks at an individuals pattern of attraction (or not!) whereas gender identity is a persons own knowledge of themselves and their gender. Transgender people will usually (but not always) use labels that correspond to their own gender identity (not always the one they were assigned at birth). So for example, a ‘trans man’ who is exclusively attracted to women would identify as straight, but a ‘trans woman’, who is exclusively attracted to other women would commonly identify as a lesbian. Some may just use the umbrella term ‘queer’ which is also perfectly fine! It’s all just love, which should be celebrated.

Number of Transgender People

It is difficult to know exact statistics on how many people fall into the ‘Transgender’ category at any given time. Generally though, it is thought that less than 1% of the worldwide population is Transgender, but individual figures for different countries tend to range from just less than 0.1-0.6% of the worldwide population (source: Wikipedia), with generally more Trans-Women (MTF – male to female) than Trans-Men (FTM – female to male). The USA and Brazil are thought to have the highest percentage of Transgender people (source: www.worldpopulationreview.com).

Transphobia

This is a real threat to Transgender people right now, not helped by the media and the people in power. This is a hate crime where ‘Trans’ people are attacked verbally, physically or online, for trying to just live as themselves. They just want to be able to go to work, go to the shops, be with family and friends, use the loo, and be safe, as the rest of us can do every day without a second thought. In many places now, they are sadly not legally protected from discrimination, and many find it in their workplaces, social venues and at home, in relationships with family and friends.

Drag Shows

Drag shows are where performers dress up in clothing and make up (usually of the opposite sex) for entertainment purposes, and are usually theatrical and comedic. Not all drag performers are from our LGBTQIA+ communities, but a drag show can often provide a safe and fun place for some Transgender people to first explore their gender and sexuality. Drag artists have a long tradition in LGBTQIA+ culture. ‘Drag Queens’ generally covers men doing female drag, ‘Drag King’ covers women doing male drag. However, there are drag performers of all genders and sexualities across the world who perform for everyone! I love a Drag Show! Drag Bingo nights are hilarious too – why not give one a try!

Support for the Transgender Community

There are many cultural events that are held now to try and celebrate Transgender people, such as ‘Transgender Day of Rememberance’, and the ‘International Day of Visibility’. The Transgender Flag is now part of the Pride flag, and widely used to support our Transgender friends.

Friends and family may find it difficult to adjust and come to terms with their loved ones decisions, but it is absolutely vital for their mental health and journey, that the people that love them most (and the people they love the most) step up and support them.

If someone tells you in confidence that they would like to change their name, change their pronouns, or in time, the sex that they identify as, please rally and do your very best to use the names and the pronouns, and let them know they can always talk to you if they need to reach out. It is so important for them, and shows you are an ally, and someone they can trust with their feelings, and their true self. It is an honour to be that person – they won’t feel comfortable talking with everyone in their circle. We need to show them how loved and appreciated they are, exactly as they are.

Transgender Support Groups

If you or someone you love is transgender and need to reach out, there are many support groups available (for general mental health and transgender specialists), with services face-to-face, online, or just call to speak to someone. Each day is a new chance to make a change, and sometimes we don’t feel like we can do it on our own. There are many local councillors (private and NHS) but they can often have long waiting lists. Below are some other organisations that I’ve found online, who may be able to help you.

Trans Unite

Access over 100 verified UK Trans support groups and locate classes near to you. Detailed profiles offer specific information on the scope of support provided, meeting schedules and contact information. Website: www.transunite.co.uk or www.trans.ac.uk

The Clare Project

A registered charity, supporting Trans, Non-Binary, Gender Questioning and Intersex adults in Sussex. Set up by a group of Trans Women in 2000. They run psychosocial support groups, information sessions, workshops and excursions, as well as providing training for individuals and organisations on community needs. Website: www.clareproject.org.uk

Gendered Intelligence

Services for Trans, Non-Binary and Questioning people, to increase a sense of resilience and pride in who they are, by building a sense of community belonging. They also offer support for parents, carers and other adult relatives of young people in this community, and to professionals and organisations to help them improve their trans-inclusive practices. Website: www.genderedintelligence.co.uk

The LGBT Foundation

This foundation offers a place to go with information to get local support, or to find your local community. It features support groups, helplines, information on celebrations and sports groups too. You can also offer to volunteer here to help others, and/or fundraise. There’s a ‘self-help’ hub, an area where your business organisation can get training, along with latest news. Website: www.lgbt.foundation

GALOP

This is an LGBT+ anti-violence charity with decades of experience in supporting all LGBT+people who have experienced hate crime, domestic abuse or sexual violence. Helpline: 0800 999 5428. Website: www.galop.org.uk

Mindline Trans

This is an emotional and mental health support helpline for anyone identifying as Transgender, Non-Binary, Gender-Variant, along with their families, friends, colleagues and carers. They provide a safe space to talk about feelings in confidence. Call: 0300 330 5468. Open Mondays and Fridays, 8am to midnight. Website: www.mindlinetrans.org.uk

Spectra

They offer peer-led services accessible to all Transgender and Gender-Diverse people, including 1-2-1 health advocacy support, and counselling, peer mentoring, referral and signposting to relevant partners. They also offer talks and workshops, as well as monthly online and in-person social groups. Website: www.spectra-london.org.uk

The Terrence Higgins Trust

This trust provides information on sexual health clinics, and provides resources for Transgender and Non-Binary people. It is a good resource for you to find other UK charities offering support, advice and information. It helps too with information on gender identity services in England, Wales and Scotland, and for support for any suffering hate crime, domestic abuse or sexual violence. They have resources for Transgender and Gender-Variant people of colour. They can also help with housing, sports, HIV support, and drug and alcohol issues. Website: www.tht.org.uk

Some other general organisations that also might be able to help anyone (not just those in this community) struggling with their mental health are:

Mental Health Foundation

Provides information and support for anyone with mental health problems or learning disabilities. Website: www.mentalhealth.org.uk

Mind

Promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems. Phone: 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm). Website: www.mind.org.uk

Papyrus

Young suicide prevention society. Phone: HOPElineUK 0800 068 4141 (9am to midnight, every day of the year). Website: www.papyrus-uk.org

Rethink Mental Illness

Support and advice for people living with mental illness. Phone: 0300 5000 927 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm). Website: www.rethink.org

Samaritans

Confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair. Phone: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline). Website: www.samaritans.org.uk

SANE

Emotional support, information and guidance for people affected by mental illness, their families and carers. Textcare: comfort and care via text message, sent when the person needs it most: www.sane.org.uk/textcare. Peer support forum: www.sane.org.uk/supportforum. Website: www.sane.org.uk/support.

YoungMinds

Information on child and adolescent mental health. Services for parents and professionals. Phone: Parents' helpline 0808 802 5544 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm). Website: www.youngminds.org.uk.

Kindness to everyone is so important right now. But please do reach out and support your friends and family in the LGBTQIA+ Community too. They need us now more than ever.