Transphobia can be described as an attitude of hatred, harassment , discrimination, rejection, disgust, etc., towards transsexual and transgender people , or who express their gender in a way that is different from what is considered normal within the socially established roles. This type of discrimination can be expressed in many ways, but the most common are:

– Irrational fear of transgender people, especially transsexuals.

– Negative thoughts and beliefs towards them, as well as prejudices.

– Intimidation, abuse, both physical and psychological and even violence.

– Insults and derogatory comments towards the transgender person.

What is a transgender person?

The word transgender or trans, is the general way of calling people who in some way do not identify with their physiological gender , that is, with their birth gender. There are many types of trans people, it could be said that as many as there are people, since each one lives their gender in a different way. However, the company has cataloged them as follows:

– Androgynous person : They are those people who have physical features of the opposite sex, that is, they have both female and male characteristics. According to the RAE, this concept can be considered synonymous with “hermaphrodite.”

– Genderqueers people , also known as non-binary gender: They are people who do not identify with the male or female gender and do not want to be classified as such, I can feel a mixture of both sexes (bgender), identify as a third gender, with neither of them (aggenus) or with all (panggenus).

– People of fluid gender : People who are called this way, are people who experience changes, that is, sometimes they identify with the male gender and others with the female, there may even be stages in which they do not identify with any .

– Transsexual people : The transsexual connection is about people whose gender identity does not coincide with their physiological and biological gender at birth, but rather who identifies with the opposite sex, such as a man who feels like a woman or a woman who he feels like a man.

How does transphobia affect trans people?

Transphobia, like any type of discrimination or abuse towards a person, leaves both psychological and physical consequences. Being subjected to this type of discrimination can directly affect a person’s mood, self-esteem, health, etc.

Transphobia threatens directly against your own identity, that is, they discriminate against you for something that you do not choose, if not that you feel and are, something that they cannot change. This causes a great level of frustration, fear of showing what you really are, insecurity, depression , social isolation, feelings of hopelessness, loss of appetite, sleep disorders, self-injurious thoughts and behaviors, and even, in the worst cases, it can lead to suicide and death.

How can I act against transphobia?

No one has the right to discriminate against or hurt another person, whether psychologically or physically. For this reason and for transphobia to disappear, a very big change is needed at the social level, but as for any big change, it is necessary to vary small details and aspects, and what better way than to start with oneself:

– Do not make assumptions about transsexual people or believe the stereotypes that are said socially about them.

– Give yourself the privilege of meeting these people and realize that each one is a world to discover.

– Do not make offensive comments towards these people, or criticize, insult, offend, etc.

– Speak positively about the transgender community, without giving importance to their gender identity.

– Do not give too much importance to the fact of being trans, it is only a small part of your life, there is much more.

– Treat these people as what they are, people.

– Learn and find out about the problems trans people experience every day.

– Avoid asking about their genitalia, their intimate and sexual life, the surgeries performed, etc.

– Do not make compliments that can actually offend , such as: ” You can’t tell that you are actually a man ” or ” you put on better makeup than many real girls ”.

– Become his friend and offer all your support to this community.

– Respect the decisions of transgender people, as to how, when, where and to whom to reveal their sexual identity.

– Ask him his preference before using a pronoun to refer to that person, you can also use neutral language, which does not imply any gender.

What to do if you are suffering this type of discrimination?

If you are suffering rejection, discrimination or derogatory comments due to your sexual identity, you feel that you are alone and you are afraid to tell the people around you what is happening to you, from Bekia we want to tell you that it is not only your fight, you should not fight alone with all this. Therefore, we advise you to seek support and help in:

– Other transgender people: They will be able to advise you from their own experience, support you, seek solutions, be by your side, explain and resolve your doubts, give you strength and encouragement to move forward, etc.

– Support groups , in which several people who are in situations similar to yours will speak openly about their problems, their fears and their concerns, whether they will listen to you, give you support, possible solutions, etc.

– Social networks aimed at this type of group , through which you can meet people who are going through the same thing as you, who have already gone through it and who understand you.

– Organizations aimed at these groups , such as: the National Center for Transgender Equality, the Campaign for Human Rights and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) among many others.

– Talk to a psychologist specialized in gender identity , a trusted adult, a close friend, etc; that can help you respond to the situation, support you, be by your side, etc.

– Look for information on the internet, but put a great filter on everything you read and find, look for advice, ways to face this situation, possible solutions, find out about other people’s cases, learn from their experience, etc.

– If the situation still overwhelms you and you need urgent help, you can contact: The Trevor project or Trans Lifeline : a hotline for problems with trans people or to help trans people with their problems. 

Elle Mcdonald

I am Elle Mcdonald Specializations in Psychology . Graduated in psychology from the University of Tennessee in 2000. Diploma of Advanced Studies in the Department of Personality, Evaluation and psychological treatments with excellent results.

First Level of Master in Clinical Psychology at the Center for Behavioral Therapists (recognized with a scientific-professional nature by the College of Psychologists)

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