Prejudice against transgender and gender diverse people
Transphobia refers to fear and/or hatred oftransgenderpeople and other gender-diverse people.
Transphobia can take many forms in the same way as other types of bigotry and oppression.
It also exposes transgender peopleparticularly transgender women of colorto a high risk of violence.
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This article explains what transphobia is and the different forms it can take.
Defining Transphobia
Transphobia is strictly defined as a “fear of transgender people.”
Where transphobia suggests fear and a defensive posture, transmisia suggests hate and an offensive posture.
A community’s acceptance of gender-diverse people can vary and is highly dependent on local culture and group identity.
These attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors may be overt or subtle.
This is arguably more insidious as it does not require an overt dislike of transgender people.
From a societal standpoint, systemic transphobia can include:
What Is TERF?
The term is largely considered derogatory.
These effects can be both direct and indirect.
One of the ways in which transphobia affects health is throughminority stress.
Instead, it reflects the difficulty of existing in a world that is often openly hostile and transphobic.
In addition to the direct effects of transphobia on health, transphobia can also affect access to medical care.
What you’re able to Do
Transphobia often starts with ignorance.
If someone has never met a transgender personor misunderstands what it means to be transgenderthey can feel uncomfortable.
Evidence suggests that knowledge is one of the best ways to fight against transphobia.
People who know more about transgender identities are less likely to hold transphobic beliefs.
People who know someone who is lesbian, gay, or bisexual are also less likely to be transphobic.
Because LGBT people are so often grouped in discussions, there may be some feelings of positivity by association.
If faced with an incident of transphobia, it is important to speak upbut to do so appropriately.
Avoid getting into a heated argument as this may only put the trans person at greater risk of harm.
If needed, walk away.
Then stay with the victim until they are in a safe place.
Get additional help, including police assistance, if needed.
Remember that the way you respond isn’t about you or your preferences.
It’s about respecting your friend’s or loved one’s needs and desires.
Transphobia also negatively affects a trans person’s mental, emotional, and physical health.
Washington, DC: National Center for Transgender Equality.
Valentine, SE, Shipherd JC.
2019;144(5).
