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Why Is It So Difficult To Talk About Trans Identities And Communities?In her book Whipping Girl, Julia Serano discusses the drastic impact of rigid gender binaries on our culture. Part of the reason that it is so hard to talk about trans identities is because the
language necessary to talk about non binary gender identities is not a part of mainstream culture. There is a widespread “belief that male and female are rigid, mutually exclusive categories, each possessing a unique and non overlapping set of attributes, aptitudes, abilities, and desires,” and Serano calls this Oppositional Sexism (13). It is easy to see this belief reflected in our language, the products we buy, the clothing options we are offered, our healthcare system, our prisons, and even our restroom design. Take Kate Bornstein's Gender Aptitude Test! |
“Every aspect of our lives is permeated with situations where we are asked to identify our gender. Purchasing clothing or toys and even the ability to stand while urinating are controlled by signs and forms that demand a choice: Are you a boy or are you a girl? It is often difficult for family members to comprehend and support the transgendered individual because we lack the language to discuss the complexities and varieties of ways of being sexed and gendered.”
- Cooper, 116
Next: What is the difference between trans people and gay, lesbian, and bisexual people?
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