Milestones of Identity – FTM

Before we dive into the identity milestones themselves, it is important to note that these were the experiences found most frequently in the study conducted by Genny Beemyn and Susan Rankin. These are by no means the only milestones that a FTM identified individual could experience, and this does not mean that FTM individuals must go through all of these milestones (Beemyn and Rankin). Instead, this is meant to be as comprehensive yet concise as possible. Beemyn and Rankin outline the most common FTM milestones in identity development to be:

1. Feeling and often expressing a male gender identity from a young age (Beemyn and Rankin 117)
2. Repressing or hiding one’s male gender identity in the face of hostility and/or isolation (Beemyn and Rankin 117)
3. Thinking of oneself as lesbian but realizing over time it was not a good fit (Beemyn and Rankin 118)
4. Realizing that there are FTM individuals and that transitioning is possible (Beemyn and Rankin 120)
5. Learning about and meeting other transsexual men (Beemyn and Rankin 121)
6. Overcoming denial and internalized genderism to accept oneself as male (Beemyn and Rankin 122)
7. Taking hormones and having top surgery to look more like self-image (Beemyn and Rankin 122)
8. Whether and when to tell others, and developing new relationships after disclosure (Beemyn and Rankin 124)
9. Having a sense of wholeness as a different kind of man (Beemyn and Rankin 125)

Again, this is no way a list that is representative of all of those who identify as FTM. This is the most common experience as found by Beemyn and Rankin, but not the only experience. Some may skip steps, some may find themselves going through these in a different order, some may have other important milestone, etc (Beemyn and Rankin). This is what has become the “normal” narrative within the FTM community (Beemyn and Rankin). This narrative can be helpful for those who are trying to figure out their identity, but it is also problematic for those with slightly different identities that are still within the FTM spectrum as Ira Gray points out in his article Transgender (Mis)Education. Gray notes that even within a non-normative identity, as defined by society, there is still a normative narrative that is hard to escape from (Gray). This should be kept in mind when discussing any identity, as there are always different interpretations of who can claim which identity and what that identity actually means for that particular individual (Gray).

Martins, Antonio. Monica Helms Transgender Flag. April 2005. Web. 2 May 2012. <http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/qq-tgf.html&gt;.

 

Works Cited

Beemyn, Genny & Rankin, Susan. The Lives of Transgender People. New York: Columbia University Press, 2011. Print.

Gray, Ira. “Transgender (Mis)Education.” Huffpost Gay Voices. Feb. 28, 2012. Web. 20 April 2012. <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ira-gray/transgender-miseducation_b_1307961.html&gt;.

Martins, Antonio. Monica Helms Transgender Flag. April 2005. Web. 2 May 2012. <http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/qq-tgf.html&gt;.

Milestones of Identity Overview

After taking a look at what is generally available in terms of the absolute basic tool for awareness (pictures of real transgender people that work to put a face to an issue), let’s look more in depth at the different identities that are often encompassed by the term transgender and how each of these identities differs in the way that they typically develop.

In order to have some guidance, I will be working within that framework that Genny Beemyn and Susan Rankin outline in the results of their study in The Lives of Transgender People. 3,474 people completed their online survey and there were then options for participants to contribute with more in-depth interviews (301 were completed via email, 109 via phone, and 9 face-to-face) in order to get a more rounded out picture (Beemyn and Rankin). These more detailed interviews allowed for the biggest, and most detailed account of transgender identities to date (Beemyn and Rankin).

Each individual person has their own process (Beemyn and Rankin). This can include all different kinds of steps from self-realization to coming out to even just feeling comfortable in one’s own skin (Beemyn and Rankin). Of course, each individual’s experience will be different (Beemyn and Rankin). However, there are many milestones that people, especially those who identify in similar ways, tend to have in common when looking proportionally at the people in that group (Beemyn and Rankin). As such, I will be examining the different developmental milestones of four different groups of identities: FTM, MTF, female-presenting cross-dressers (CD), and genderqueer (GQ) (Beemyn and Rankin).

Through the experiences outlined in each of these sets of milestones I hope to show the similarities that bind these experiences under the umbrella of the transgender experience, but also the differences and clear distinctions between each group and how these experiences are also not all the same. The posts to follow will not only cover the findings of Beemyn and Rankin, but will also take from my own experiences and observations.

Works Cited

Beemyn, Genny & Rankin, Susan. The Lives of Transgender People. New York: Columbia University Press, 2011. Print.

Trans Bodies on Tumblr

Now that we’ve taken a look at the general helpfulness of how social media is helpful to LGBT people in their search for community, let’s start to look specifically at the portrayal of transgender people on social media sites – in particular: Tumblr.

A simple Google search of “transgender tumblr” reveals quite a bit in the ways of the resources available to display transgender bodies. Essentially, transgender gets split into three groups on Tumblr: MTF, FTM, and androgynous. In addition, each of these groups is equipped with their very own “Fuck Yeah _____!” title.

Fuck Yeah MTFs!

This blog states its main purpose as empowerment (Fuck Yeah MTFs). With a collage style layout, it is important that the emphasis for this blog is clearly strictly the images (Fuck Yeah MTFs). Furthermore, the “like” heart symbols are all red against a plain white background allowing for this feminine symbol to stand out (Fuck Yeah MTFs).

Fuck Yeah FTMs!

This blog uses the idea of it being a safe space specifically designated for anyone on the FTM spectrum (Fuck Yeah FTMs). Although there are plenty of submissions that involve pictures, the layout of the blog does not alienate the purely text submissions that are usually seeking resources (Fuck Yeah FTMs). In addition, only a subtle blue strip that grazes the top of the page accents a white background (Fuck Yeah FTMs).

Fuck Yeah Androgyny!

This blog claims the celebration of the beauty of androgyny and gender-variant people to be the goal (Fuck Yeah Androgyny). The neutral gray background with slight speckles of color really accentuates these goals as it keeps the page free of any socially gendered colors (Fuck Yeah Androgyny).

Just a simple exploration of these sites’ mission statements, layout, and target audiences shows the message that we are sending to each of these groups in our society. Not only is it essential for people to see bodies that look like their own in order to feel that they are not completely alone, but it also helps others outside of each identity to further understand MTF, FTM, and androgyny.

Works Cited

Fuck Yeah Androgyny. Tumblr. Web. 23 March 2012 <http://fuckyeahandrogyny.tumblr.com/&gt;.

Fuck Yeah FTM. Tumblr. Web. 23 March 2012. <http://fuckyeahftms.tumblr.com/&gt;.

Fuck Yeah MTF. Tumblr. Web. 23 March 2012. <http://fuckyeahmtfs.tumblr.com/&gt;.

LGBT and Social Media

Before we even begin to touch specifically on issues of gender identity and expression when it comes to social media, let us first take a look at how social media has affected the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community as a whole.

Social media has allowed for the connection and communication of people from all different walks of life. Not only have these sites allowed for the expansion of social possibilities through different levels of speed, convenience, and intimacy, but also it is the sharing of information and knowledge that has really impacted our society today. Mary L. Gray explores this phenomenon in through the lens of the rural LGBT perspective in her book Out in the Country. It is remarkable to see how much the Internet provides for those who do not readily have visible LGBT resources available (Gray). Even in times in which there seems to be absolutely no LGBT community, people tend to find the most information, resources, and community online (Gray). There are also several accounts of mobilizing resources within a community by creating an initial space online (Gray).

Of course, none of this could be done without social media (Gray). The way people can be so easily connected to communicate is astounding (Gray). On the other hand, to get information about LGBT issues, one must know what to search for, which people to go to, and which sites to perceive as “authentic” (Gray). Technology can help people realize the existence of identities, figure out their own identities, help them cope with these new realizations, and then help to find resources on a path forward from that point (Gray). Accessibility should also often brought up as an issue of discussion. Modernly in the U.S. it is thought of for people to be able to obtain Internet access in some manner even if that is via phone, public library, or perhaps even a friend’s computer. It is important to keep in mind, however, that there are still people who are unable to access the Internet whether that is because of a disability, low economic status, or some other reason – it does happen. This should be kept in mind while also understanding that this is an essential development tool for members of the LGBT community who are coming out in areas where there is no visible LGBT community.

Works Cited

Gray, Mary L. Out in the Country. New York: New York University Press, 2009. Print.

Establishing Common Language

In order to explore how social media affects gender identity and gender expression, let’s make sure we are on the same page as to what gender identity and gender expression actually are (taken from the National Center for Transgender Equality “Transgender Terminology” worksheet):

• Gender Identity: An individual’s internal sense of being male, female, or something else (NCTE). Since gender identity is internal, one’s gender identity is not necessarily visible to others (NCTE).
• Gender Expression: How a person represents or expresses one’s gender identity to others, often through behavior, clothing, hairstyles, voice or body characteristics (NCTE).

In addition, the following define some of the language that will be used frequently throughout this blog as they are related to gender identity and gender expression (taken from the National Center for Transgender Equality “Transgender Terminology” worksheet):

• Transgender: An umbrella term for people whose gender identity, expression or behavior is different from those typically associated with their assigned sex at birth, including but not limited to transsexuals, crossdressers, androgynous people, genderqueers, and gender non-conforming people (NCTE). Transgender is a broad term and is good for non-transgender people to use. “Trans” is shorthand for “transgender” (NCTE).
• Transsexual: A term for people whose gender identity is different from their assigned sex at birth (NCTE). Often transsexual people alter or wish to alter their bodies through hormones or surgery in order to make it match their gender identity (NCTE).
• Genderqueer: A term used by some individuals who identify as neither entirely male nor entirely female (NCTE).
• Gender Non-conforming: A term for individuals whose gender expression is different from societal expectations related to gender (NCTE).
• FTM: A person who transitions from “female-to-male,” meaning a person who was assigned female at birth, but identifies and lives as a male. Also known as a “transgender man” (NCTE).
• MTF: A person who transitions from “male-to-female,” meaning a person who was assigned male at birth, but identifies and lives as a female. Also known as a “transgender woman” (NCTE).
• Passing: A term used by transgender people to mean that they are seen as the gender with which they selfidentify (NCTE). For example, a transgender man (born female) who most people see as a man (NCTE).
• Sex Reassignment Surgery: Surgical procedures that change one’s body to make it conform to a person’s gender identity (NCTE). This may include “top surgery” (breast augmentation or removal) or “bottom surgery” (altering genitals) (NCTE). Contrary to popular belief, there is not one surgery; in fact there are many different surgeries (NCTE). “Sex change surgery” is considered a derogatory term by many (NCTE).
• Transition: The period during which a person begins to live as their new gender (NCTE). Transitioning may include changing one’s name, taking hormones, having surgery, or changing legal documents (e.g. driver’s license, Social Security record, birth certificate) to reflect their new gender (NCTE).

It is important to establish an understanding of what definitions are going to be used in this project as there are so many variations and even misconceptions around much of the terminology related to gender identity and expression. In addition, the language that we use can be interpreted differently and having set definitions will help to eliminate some of the misunderstandings that often occur when discussing these topics.

Now that we’ve established some shared vocabulary, how does all of this relate to social media?

National Center for Transgender Equality Logo. 2007. Web. 2 May 2012. <http://transequality.org/&gt;.

 

Works Cited

National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE). “Transgender Terminology.” May 2009. Web. 23 March 2012.  <http://transequality.org/Resources/NCTE_TransTerminology.pdf&gt;.

National Center for Transgender Equality Logo. 2007. Web. 2 May 2012. <http://transequality.org/&gt;.