Trans and Nonbinary Gender Identities Presentation by Alexa

Trans and Nonbinary Gender Identities Presentation by: Alexa De. Caro

Introductions A bit about me: • My name is Alexa De. Caro, and I am 15 years old • My friends’ nickname for me is Max, which comes from my middle name • I go to Central High school and am in the IB Program • I am gay and nonbinary • I plan on being an FBI agent/computer programmer when I get older • I also plan on working to create a foundation that will offer free/cheap therapy and counseling for LGBTQ+ youth who have been the victims of abuse, conversion therapy, etc. for their sexuality/gender identity

Overview So what exactly is this presentation going to be about? Well, it will be focusing on the ins and outs, so to speak, of gender identity. It will go specifically into topics such as: • Gender vs Sexuality • What is gender, exactly? • Definitions of “Transgender”, “Nonbinary”, and nonbinary identities • More in-depth about specifically nonbinary identities • Gender Identity and Third Genders Around the World • Transitioning for trans and nonbinary individuals Pronouns, appearance, life, etc. In-depth medical questions Medications and hormones Binders, packers, etc. Surgeries (and lack thereof) • Problems faced by trans and nonbinary individuals • Questions

Important Notice It is important to note a few things before the rest of the presentation: • I am nonbinary, so I am talking from a position of experience with this topic. However, this does not mean that I can speak for every nonbinary or trans person. Everyone’s experience and identity is different! • I am not a doctor, so I do not have much experience to talk about the medical side of things. However, I have done careful research into the medical topics, and have tried to stick to the basics so as not to state incorrect facts. • I respect everybody’s identity, and so will be talking about a few more unknown identities too. Just because an identity is not as well known does not mean it is not valid!

Getting Started: Gender vs Sex So, to kick it off, possibly the most important step to understanding gender identity is to understand the difference between gender and sex. Wait, what? Gender and sex aren’t the same thing? Yup! There’s actually a big difference between them. And to understand that, why don’t we take a look at the dictionary definition of sex and gender?

Definitions! According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary: • Sex: Either of the two major forms of individuals that occur in many species and that are distinguished respectively as female or male especially on the basis of their reproductive organs and structures What does this mean? Sex is basically the physical characteristics that classify a species into male and female (biologically). This means chromosomes, and the reproductive organs and hormones that an individual was born with. • Gender: The behavioral, cultural, or psychological traits typically associated with one sex What does this mean? Gender is a combination of traits and personal identities that a person has. Gender may be associated by some with a particular sex, but not always. It doesn’t work like that for everyone! Note that this says nothing about gender being linked to biological characteristics, such as chromosomes and reproductive organs.

Okay, So That’s Great, But… Dictionary definitions are great and all. But they don’t tell us everything. Sometimes you need to hear a personal explanation to understand! So how would I describe sex and gender, as a nonbinary person? Well… • Sex: The biological characteristics that someone has that we use at birth to assign male, female, or intersex. These include genitals, breasts/lack thereof, chromosomes, hormones, etc. • Gender: An individual’s personal identity of who they are, and how they want to be presented to the world. Sometimes a person’s biological sex does not match up with their gender identity, and then that person may identify as trans or nonbinary spectrum. • Legally recognized genders differ from country to country, but sex stays mostly the same. This shows us that gender is not inherently linked to sex, and it’s more of a social construct than anything else.

Important Question Point: • STOP HERE • Understanding the concept of gender vs sex is very important for the understanding of nonbinary and transgender identities. For this reason, this is a good time to ask clarification questions!

Transgender and Nonbinary Identities Understanding Now that we know the difference between sex and gender, we may be able to begin to understand how someone being trans/nonbinary is possible, which is great! So let’s get on to the rest, shall we? First, we should probably go over some definitions of words that I’ll be using a lot during this presentation. Don’t worry, no more super-long dictionary words, though!

Identity Definitions – Umbrella Terms! • Transgender: Someone who was assigned one gender at birth, but identifies as another. Usually used by those who identify as male or female, but also by some nonbinary individuals, as the definition includes them as well. • Nonbinary: An umbrella term for someone who identifies as neither male nor female. • Cisgender: Someone who identifies as the gender they were assigned at birth. • Intersex: Someone who was born with sex characteristics not easily definable into male/female categories.

Identity Definitions – Specifics! NOTE: Don’t get overwhelmed if you can’t memorize/understand all of theses identities. Learning takes time, this is just some overview info! • Trans-Male (Female-to-male, FTM): Someone who was assigned female at birth but identifies as male. • Trans-Female (Male-to-female, MTF): Someone who was assigned male at birth but identifies as female. • Genderqueer: Very similar meaning to nonbinary, basically an umbrella term for any non male/female identities. • Agender: Genderless, lacking gender, gender neutral. Agender individuals may feel as if they: Do not have a gender, or a specific gender Have an undefinable gender Have no other words that fit their gender identity Don’t know/care about their gender Don’t want to/decide not to label their gender Identify more as a person than any particular gender

Identity Definitions – Specifics! • Genderfluid: A gender identity in which gender varies over time. At any time, a genderfluid individual may identify as male, female, agender, or any other nonbinary identity. • Demigirl: An identity where someone identifies partially, but not wholly, as female. • Demiboy: An identity where someone identifies partially, but not wholly, as male. • Bigender: An identity where someone identifies as exactly two genders. They may experience both genders at once, or they may vary back and forth. • Trigender: An identity where someone identifies as exactly three genders. They may experience all three genders at once, or at different times. • Pangender: An identity where someone identifies as many genders (more than three). They may experience all of these genders at once, or at different times. • Androgyne: A gender identity which is simultaneously masculine and feminine, although not necessarily in equal amounts.

Identity Definitions – Specifics! • Intergender: A gender identity which intersex individuals feel matches their birth sex (not male or female). • NOTE: These are not all of the gender identities out there, just some of them!

Gender Identity Around the World • One unfortunate misconception about gender identity is the belief that many identities, specifically nonbinary ones, are just a new concept in the western world. This is not true! • In fact, different cultures on almost all continents have, at one point or another, recognized at least a third gender. • In many of these cultures, third genders often hold some sort of cultural or spiritual significance. • It is vital to recognize the fact that nonbinary identities have existed for centuries to help show that these are, in fact, real identities, and not a result of a particular time period or political climate. • The following slides will discuss a few various gender identities all over the world, and what their meanings and cultural significance are.

Gender Identity Around the World • Hijra: A blanket term for individuals who in the western world might be considered transgender, intersex, or nonbinary Location/Culture: South Asia, particularly India Time Period: Hijra is one of the oldest third gender identities in the world. There are centuries of documented history of the identity, and people still identify as it today Cultural/Spiritual Significance: Throughout history, Hijras have been associated with sacred powers. They perform blessings at weddings and births. However, they are sometimes feared for their supposed powerful curses Photo Credits: Tom Pietrasik 1. Diavolo, Lucy. "Gender Variance Around the World Over Time. " Teen. Vogue. com. June 21, 2017. Accessed November 3, 2017. https: //www. teenvogue. com/story/gender-variance-around-the-world. 2. Khaleeli, Homa. "Hijra: India's third gender claims its place in law. " Theguardian. com. April 16, 2014. Accessed November 3, 2017. https: //www. theguardian. com/society/2014/apr/16/india-third-gender-claims-place-in-law.

Gender Identity Around the World • Two-Spirit: Although what each individual tribe recognizes as Two-Spirit may vary slightly, it is usually used either for those who are transgender within the gender binary or those who identify as both male and female Location/Culture: North America – Indigenous Tribes NOTE: Because this particular identity is a part of so many different indigenous groups, many have different names for this third gender Time Period: Many indigenous cultures have at one point in history recognized a third gender, such as two-spirit. Many of these tribes continue to recognize them today Cultural/Spiritual Significance: To many tribes, being twospirit is considered a blessing, and those who are two-spirit are often considered “balance-keepers. ” Many tribes also believe that these individuals have supernatural powers Photo Credits: Tony Enos 1. Diavolo, Lucy. "Gender Variance Around the World Over Time. " Teen. Vogue. com. June 21, 2017. Accessed November 3, 2017. https: //www. teenvogue. com/story/gender-variance-around-the-world. 2. Enos, Tony. "8 Things You Should Know About Two Spirit People. " Indian Country Today. March 28, 2017. Accessed November 3, 2017. https: //indiancountrymedianetwork. com/culture/social-issues/8 -misconceptions-things-know-two-spirit-people/.

Important Note: • These are by far not the only third genders recognized in other cultures! • These examples are included here to show much variation there is in gender identity across different cultures, but there have been so many more over the course of human history.

Onwards! Whew! That was a lot, but don’t worry, it is perfectly okay to be confused! Learning about gender and various gender identities takes time, especially if you happen to be coming from a place with less knowledge of the various LGBTQ+ identities! So, now that we’ve finished basic explanations, we should get on to the rest of the presentation! In this next section, we will be talking about transitioning. Basically, the process that a trans or nonbinary individual may choose to go through to become more like how they identify. This may include changing looks, names, pronouns, etc.

Transitioning - Basics • Many transgender and nonbinary individuals are okay with keeping their birth name, pronouns, appearance, genitals, etc. • However, many others feel uncomfortable with some of these aspects, and may want to change them to better match their identity. • The process of transitioning can be a long and grueling one, but for many it is worth it in the end. Transitioning can help people feel more accepted, comfortable, happy, real, etc. • The process of transitioning is different for everyone. One person’s transition will not be the same as someone else’s. This is very important to keep in mind. • Another important thing to remember is that someone doesn’t need to “qualify” to be trans/nonbinary. Whether they choose to take hormones and have sexreassignment surgery, only change their name and pronouns, or not transition at all, they can be (and are) still trans/nonbinary. There is no qualification for someone to be “trans-enough”!

Transitioning Aspects – Pronouns • Pronouns, such as “he, him, his, ” and “she, hers, ” often carry an extreme amount of weight when describing someone’s gender. They are, quite literally, attached to specific identities • Knowing this, it is not surprising that someone who is transgender or nonbinary may feel uncomfortable using the pronouns that align with their assigned sex (biological sex) For example, someone who was assigned male at birth but identifies as female might not want to be addressed with male pronouns • As such, some trans/nonbinary individuals choose to change which pronouns they use So a trans-man may ask others to use he/him/his pronouns • Pronouns can be confusing, but using the correct ones can make somebody feel valid! Not using these pronouns, on the other hand, can cause some people to feel invalid, and can even cause some to have horrible bouts of anxiety or depression • Important Note: Learning to use different pronouns for someone is difficult, especially if you have known them for a long time, so don’t beat yourself up if you make mistakes! However, trying to learn, and continuing to try, is necessary to help make the individual feel validated

Transitioning Aspects – Pronouns • So, which pronouns do trans and nonbinary individuals use? Well, that changes from person to person! • For many people inside the gender binary, traditionally male or female pronouns may be used. However, some trans and many nonbinary individuals prefer gender neutral pronouns, the most common being the singular “they: • Examples of the Singular They: They – They bought a car yesterday (she/he bought a car yesterday) Them – That belongs to them (that belongs to her/him) Theirs – That’s theirs (that’s hers/his) • Some people have questions about the grammatical correctness of the singular “they. ” However, almost all English dictionaries recognize this use of “they” as a correct form

Transitioning Aspects – Names • Quick Vocab: Birth name: The name assigned to someone at birth Dead name: A term used by many trans and nonbinary individuals to describe their birth name after they have started using/going by new name • Not unlike with pronouns, many trans and nonbinary individuals are uncomfortable with their birth name This can be for many reasons, including the name typically being associated with a particular gender that they do not identify with • For this reason, many of these individuals choose to change their name This can be either just asking those around them to use a different name, or legally changing their name on documents, such as on a birth certificate or driver’s license • Like with pronouns, using the correct name for someone is vital to letting them know that they are supported and valid

Transitioning Aspects – Binders and Packers (and others!) • For some trans and nonbinary individuals, just having a change of pronouns and/or name (or neither if they are comfortable) is enough • However, there are some people who want to go farther, and change the way that they appear to others physically. One of the options for this that require the least medical procedures are binders and packers • So, what are these? Well… • Binders are typically used to make someone’s chest look smaller by minimizing the appearance of a person’s breasts. These chest binders usually are made of a material which can compress the breasts, but as such are usually uncomfortable, especially when getting used to them • Packers are used to give the appearance of a larger crotch, usually used by trans men or trans-masculine individuals to give the appearance of a penis • Note: There also some things similar to those listed above which give the appearance of a larger chest, often used by trans women or trans-feminine individuals to give the appearance of breasts, and ones to make the crotch area look smaller

Transitioning Aspects – Binders and Packers (and others!) Pictured: A chest binder *Photo Credits: Gc 2 b Pictured: Hip forms, usually used by trans women or trans-feminine individuals to give a more hourglass, traditionally feminine figure

Transitioning Aspects - Hormones • Binders and packers and the like are awesome! But some individuals still want to appear more like how they identify, and choose to go on hormones • These hormones are usually either testosterone (for Ft. M or trans-masculine individuals) or estrogen (for Mt. F or trans-feminine individuals) • These hormones can cause many changes in the individual taking them, both in terms of physical appearance, but also in areas such as sex drive, tone/pitch of voice, and changes in mood (caused by the changing/new hormones) • These hormones can be given in many ways, including by injection, skin patch, and/or pills However, some of these methods are less stable/have less positive results than others, such as in the case of testosterone pills • Sometimes hormones can have health side affects, so it is important for trans and nonbinary individuals taking them to be checked regularly by a trusted doctor for anything related to this, such as strain on the liver 1. "INFORMATION ON TRANSITIONING & TRANSGENDER HEALTH. " Revelandriot. com. Accessed November 7, 2017. http: //www. revelandriot. com/resources/trans-health/.

Transitioning Aspects – Medical Procedures and Surgeries • For some, a step farther is necessary to make them feel comfortable and happy with their body • In these cases, there are surgeries available to help make the individual’s appearance more like how they want to be presented • One of the most well known of these is top surgery, or the surgical removal of the breasts • Others, however, can change the appearance of an individual’s genitals, or implant what appear to be breasts • Surgery to the face may also be done by trans/nonbinary individuals to help them appear even more like how they are comfortable • All of these surgeries can help trans/nonbinary individuals feel much more comfortable in their bodies. However, there is much stigma and misunderstanding around these practices, so some are turned off from the idea even if it would make them happier

Important Notes • Although understanding these different medical procedures is a great way to move towards a more accepting and positive environment, asking if a trans/nonbinary individual has, for example, had “the surgery, ” can be incredibly embarrassing and insulting • If someone confides in you about their medical decisions regarding their transition, make sure to respect their personal boundaries • If someone says that they are trans, don’t ask if their -------are/is real/fake (ex. breasts/penis, etc. ) • Basically, don’t ask uncomfortable or prying questions. If you wouldn’t want someone asking about your genitals/hormones/etc. , then don’t do it to other people!

Problems Faced by Trans and Nonbinary Individuals • Many trans/nonbinary individuals face discrimination in many forms, including: Denial of their existence/reality Job discrimination Housing discrimination Discrimination in everyday life (refused service, etc. ) Discrimination at doctor’s offices Even more • On top of this, the rate of murder of trans individuals is extremely high, as they are often specifically targeted Many times, their murderers are given light sentences or even acquitted by biased juries/judges • Trans and nonbinary individuals also have an abnormally high rate of suicide/suicide attempts (much of which is due to discrimination and unwelcoming environments) • Along with all of these, to be allowed to get hormones or surgeries, individuals have to go through an extremely complex and often triggering process, in which they may even be required to be diagnosed with a mental disorder (unfairly suggesting that being trans is a mental disorder) • Changing gender on legal documents is oftentimes even harder than getting hormones/surgery, and most US states refuse to legally recognize a third gender

Problems Faced by Trans and Nonbinary Students • Many trans and nonbinary students do not feel safe at school, oftentimes being pestered, harassed, or even assaulted by fellow students, teachers, staff, and administrators As such, working to create a more accepting environment can be a huge step towards the happiness and success of trans/nonbinary students • Along with this, many students are also banned from using the bathrooms with which they identify For nonbinary students, there are often no good options • Many schools refuse to use the student’s correct pronouns/names in events such as graduations • Many schools ban the creation of GSA’s (Gender Sexuality Alliances) or the like, even when doing so is illegal • Some schools also ban students from doing projects relating to LGBTQ+ topics

Ending Questions • We’ve seen many problems that trans/nonbinary students face in school • So what can we do about it? • How can we work to solve some of these problems? • How would you approach these problems? • How can you encourage others, such as other teachers or students, to help create a more positive learning environment for trans/nonbinary students?

Ending and Questions