Conclusion

After looking at each of these outlined identity categories (FTM, MTF, female-presenting cross-dressers, and genderqueer), it is clear that the Internet has had a huge impact on the way our society views gender identity and gender expression. Although the first results to pop up during a Google search may not be the most academic – or credible by society’s standards – they give everyone an opportunity to acquire resources and information on other gender identities and forms of gender expression outside of the norms.

As discussed before, the ability to find this information depends highly on one’s current knowledge on the subject as this affects how one would even do a keyword search on the Internet. I would argue, however, that most of the transgender based resources available online are exponentially beneficial for transgender people as this is who they are more targeted towards. The one exception of this would be for SOFFAs (Significant Others, Friends, Family, and Allies) of transgender people.

Regardless, the people that need trans resources the most are trans people. This information is essential for initial identity development, medical resources, social/emotional resources, personal connections with similarly identified people, etc. As we saw in the milestones outlined by Beemyn and Rankin for all different kind of transgender identities, these steps are a crucial part of many identities’ development. Perhaps one of the most important roles of online communication and social media in the development of trans identities is that communities form online to help trans individuals not feel so alone in the world. It is not often that an individual has had much education on trans identities or even the existence of trans people outside of the mention of trans slang in derogatory contexts. The Internet provides a way for these individuals to connect and know that just because society does not yet fully understand their identities, this does not mean there are not other people out there that identify in the same way.

As a transgender identifying person, I can testify to the effectiveness of these resources in the development of one’s identity. I used the Internet to learn about different identities, research different medical options, find a community, connect with others of similar identities, and even as a tool for coming out (to some extent). Often research fails to take into consideration personal testimony without being completely biased. I have done my best to present my research findings while still acknowledging that inevitably, I am biased.

Analysis

Although there are many resources available online for transgender individuals (and any identity that may be variant from the societal norms of gender identity and expression) and those looking to educate themselves on these categories, one must actively search for this information in order to find it. One must have a grasp not only the concepts that they are looking for, but also the language in order to effectively convey these concepts in a way that others will have been writing about them that will come up in a search.

At its best, the Internet provides a safe space for transgender individuals to find people that look like them, identify like them, and can help them through their processes. The Internet can often play an enormous role in the identity development of transgender individuals in terms of learning more about different identities and then finding one that fits them the best.

The downside of the Internet, however, mostly comes from misinformation or lack of education surrounding transgender issues/identities. In more informal settings (chat rooms, discussion boards, blogs, etc.) misinformed or ignorant individuals can often compromise the atmosphere or feeling of a safe space. Misinformed individuals usually do not know that they are misinformed. This becomes problematic as ignorant individuals come to other individuals for their information as this spreads misinformation and often perpetuates negative stereotypes and cisgender ideologies.

As long as one knows what to look for, or at least can recognize more credible sources in terms of people who are actually involved in the community – whether that be through identifying as some variation of trans* or being an active ally – then one can make use of the Internet in an effective way. As with any kind of research on any platform, one should be aware of where their information is coming from and keep in mind the perspectives of the author and biases that come with those perspectives – that certainly includes this blog.

Visual Transitions on Youtube

Along with being able to find other individuals who identify in the same way, trans people are also able to establish communities online. One way in which this has been done is through Youtube.

Because being transgender is still very stigmatized in our society, the feeling of isolation is always a concern for trans individuals. No one wants to feel as though they are alone in their identity and has to face all the challenges that come with that identity on their own. Instead, trans individuals set up Youtube chanels that not only establish a community in this online space, but also provide resources for other trans people while giving them a real life example of what affects different choices will have on them (ie. hormones, surgery, etc).

This Youtube trend of documenting one’s transition is especially popular with MTF and FTM identities and there is a large presence of each on Youtube as such. Here are a few examples of these videos:

Glenny

This channel follows the journey of Glenny in her transition process as an MTF identifying individual (missglenny). Looking at the different stages in her transition can give insight into this process for other MTF individuals as well as keep them looking forward and hopeful for their own transition (missglenny).

Here is Glenny before she started hormones (missglenny):

Here she is after 8 months on hormones – with a collection of pictures from the past 4 months (missglenny):

Dade

This channel follows the life of Dade and his wife as they both give insight into their experiences as Dade transitions via hormones and surgery (ElectricDade). This blog is unique because it shares experiences of the significant other of a transman as well as the transman’s own perspective (ElectricDade).

Here is Dade before he started hormones (ElectricDade):

Here he is after 5 months on hormones (ElectricDade):

These blogs are not only useful for building general community, but again they play a part in helping transgender identifying individuals who want to transition hold on to hope as well as see what their future experiences may be like. When people can see others going through the same issues and experiences that they have, it helps them to not feel quite so alone.

Works Cited

ElectricDade. Youtube. Web. 20 April 2012. <http://www.youtube.com/user/ElectricDade&gt;.

missglenny. Youtube. Web. 20 April 2012. <http://www.youtube.com/user/missglenny&gt;.

Milestones of Identity – Genderqueer Milestones

Genderqueer has started to become a more widespread identity more recently compared to FTM, MTF, and cross-dresser – becoming popular in use starting in the late 1990s (Genderqueer Identities). That is not to say that people who would fit into our definition of genderqueer have not always existed, but instead this means that people have only just started to establish a common word to describe this concept while more and more people actually claim it as their own identity (anarchafemme). It is important to keep this in mind in looking at the fact that this identity is not as static as other identity as the very definition of it leaves plenty of room for variance (GenderQueer Revolution). Beemyn and Rankin establish more general milestones for this identity as there is less general education about genderqueer identities and therefore people tend to form these identities to meet their individual needs:

1. Feeling and often expressing a different gender identity from a young age (Beemyn and Rankin 148).
2. Realizing that genderqueer is a viable identity (Beemyn and Rankin 149).
3. Deciding how to express oneself as genderqueer (Beemyn and Rankin 150).
4. Encountering resistance to a nonbinary gender expression or identity (Beemyn and Rankin 151).
5. Not fitting in with transgender or LGBT communities (Beemyn and Rankin 153).
6. Creating a home within or outside of transgender/LGBT communities (Beemyn and Rankin 154).

There is something to be said for the larger acceptance of variation within the genderqueer identity. A simple Google search is telling in that the first result is a Wikipedia entry, followed by an Urban Dictionary entry, and then several blogs revolving genderqueer identities. Although these sites can be helpful as resources for those who are exploring a genderqueer identity, identify as genderqueer, or are just looking for more information, they are not always necessarily the most credible. Here’s an example of one good resource in terms of examples of genderqueer bodies and the variety between them:

Genderqueer

This blog explores the variances within genderqueer identities (trans and queer people) while celebrating the beauty with an emphasis on empowerment (Genderqueer).

Roxie, Marilyn. Genderqueer Flag. September 2010. Web. 2 May 2012. <http://genderqueer.tumblr.com/post/1301794858/transpride-the-september-2010-genderqueer-flag&gt;.

 

Works Cited

anarchafemme. Questioning Transphobia. Web. 20 April 2012. <http://www.questioningtransphobia.com/?p=2152&gt;.

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

Genderqueer. Tumblr. Web. 20 April 2012. <http://genderqueer.tumblr.com/&gt;.

Genderqueer Identities. FAQ. 2011. Web. 20 April 2012. <http://genderqueerid.com/gq-faq&gt;.

GenderQueer Revolution. 2008. Web. 20 April 2012. <http://www.genderqueerrevolution.org/gqr/home.html&gt;.

Roxie, Marilyn. Genderqueer Flag. September 2010. Web. 2 May 2012. <http://genderqueer.tumblr.com/post/1301794858/transpride-the-september-2010-genderqueer-flag&gt;.

Milestones of Identity – Female-Presenting Cross-Dresser Milestones

The first thing that is important about cross-dressing is that even though we as a society may include cross-dressing under the transgender “umbrella,” many individuals who practice – what we would classify as cross-dressing – or consider themselves cross-dressers do not identify as transgender (Beemyn and Rankin). There are also individuals who identify as cross-dressers and transgender, but that is up to that individual to determine (The Chameleon Society). It is essential that we remember that how we interpret one’s identity and expression is not necessarily the same as how that person identifies. We must remember that regardless of one’s actions, expression, or anything else – we must respect how people identify and not challenge their identities.

For the purposes of Beemyn and Rankin’s study on those who fall under the transgender umbrella, only female-presenting cross-dressers were studied in depth simply because of the lack of participants who identified as male-presenting cross-dressers (Beemyn and Rankin). Although there may be many people who identify as women and wear clothes that we would consider to be “men’s,” these individuals may not identify as cross-dressers simply because women wearing “men’s” clothing is more normalized than men wearing “women’s” clothing in our society (Jamie Ann). Given that cross-dressing is so focused on clothing, the common milestones involved in this identity are understandably different than those of a MTF identity (Beemyn and Rankin). Beemyn and Rankin list the following as the typical milestones that suggest shared experiences for those who identify as cross-dressers:

1. Attraction to “women’s” clothes and cross-dressing from a young age (Beemyn and Rankin 138)
2. Buying or obtaining one’s own “women’s” clothing (Beemyn and Rankin 138)
3. Repressing the desire to cross-dress and purging clothing because of shame (Beemyn and Rankin 139)
4. Learning about and meeting other cross-dressers (Beemyn and Rankin 140)
5. Overcoming shame to accept oneself as a cross-dresser (Beemyn and Rankin 140)
6. Cross-dressing in public for the first time and adopting a feminine name (Beemyn and Rankin 141)
7. Whether and when to tell others, and developing new relationships after disclosure (Beemyn and Rankin 142)
8. Arriving at a comfortable place with cross-dressing (Beemyn and Rankin 145)

Again, the idea of male privilege when discussing cross-dressing identities often comes up as many cross-dressers identify as male in certain spaces. Much like with MTF identifying individuals, female-presenting cross-dressers are sometimes thought by members of our society to have male privilege. Again, this goes back to the idea of wondering why someone would ever want to get rid of their privilege and “lower” themselves to present as a woman. Again, these discussions are happing in all sorts of online spaces. Even discussion on cross-dressing specific boards that are not specifically about topics of male privilege reveal them in more subtle ways (Crossdressers).

It is also important to note that the top five Google results for “cross-dressing” consist of a Wikipedia entry, a photo gallery, two online stores specifically for cross-dressers, and cross-dressing related news. This just goes to show the heavy influence the Internet is having on the availability of resources for individuals who identify as cross-dressers as opposed to just the uncensored discussions that are often not informed (Sandeen).

Works Cited

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

The Chameleon Society. Crossdressing Info. Accessed on April 18^th, 2012. Web. 20 April 2012. <http://www.chameleonswa.com/info.html&gt;.

Crossdressers. Presenting as a Woman. 2010. Web. 20 April 2012. <http://www.crossdressers.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-127057.html&gt;.

Jamie Ann. Crossdressing: He’s a Lady! 2012. Web. 20 April 2012. <http://toselfbetrue.com/transgender/index.html&gt;.

Sandeen, Del. Cross Dressing Interview. Love to Know: Men’s Fashion. 2012. Web. 20 April 2012. <http://mens-fashion.lovetoknow.com/Cross_Dressing_Clothes&gt;.

Milestones of Identity – MTF

The process of an MTF individual is similar to the process of an FTM individual in many ways, but also very different. The similarities and slight differences to the FTM process can be seen in the milestones of MTF identity laid out by Beemyn and Rankin:

1. Feeling and often expressing a female gender identity from a young age (Beemyn and Rankin 126)
2. Repressing or hiding one’s female gender identity in the face of hostility and/or isolation (Beemyn and Rankin 128)
3. Learning about and meeting other transsexual women (Beemyn and Rankin 129)
4. Recognizing oneself as transsexual, rather than as a cross-dresser (Beemyn and Rankin 130)
5. Overcoming denial and internalized genderism to accept oneself as female (Beemyn and Rankin 131)
6. Taking hormones and perhaps having surgery to look more like self-image (Beemyn and Rankin 132)
7. Whether and when to tell others, and developing new relationships after disclosure (Beemyn and Rankin 134)
8. Having a sense of wholeness even when unable to be seen as a woman (Beemyn and Rankin 136)

The main difference between the FTM and MTF process is that MTF individuals are typically more stigmatized in our society. Transgender identities overall are highly stigmatized in our society, but there are dynamics involving power and privilege that make it harder for people to understand MTF identities. Mostly, these dynamics have to do with male privilege.

Discussion boards on websites such as Susan’s Place and The Straight Dope hold conversations on male privilege within the MTF community and how this affects how others perceive/interact with individuals who identify as MTF. Many of these discussions include debates on whether or not MTF individuals have male privilege and how they should deal with this. One user voices his frustration in how the cisgender lesbian community treats the MTF lesbian community:

“MTF lesbians, as Iteki pointed out, are particularly shunned. I have MTF friends who identify as lesbian. I have lesbian friends who are transitioning FTM. Ironically, there is an undercurrent in the lesbian community that is almost iconising the FTM and drag kings (no these are not the same thing, but the trend appears to be the same for both). Now *THAT* I find irksome. If we want to talk about lesbians doing bizarre stuff, let’s talk about lesbians iconising women who are becoming men!” (Maxxxie).

While it is important to examine aspects of privilege in society, it is also important to keep all aspects of one’s social location in mind. Especially in the lens of MTF individuals who are highly stigmatized in our society often form either the assumption that they still have male privilege – usually from other women – or the underlying subconscious misunderstanding as to why they would ever want to lose that privilege – usually from men (Bazant). As men are privileged in our society, we subconsciously wonder why anyone would even want to be a woman (Bazant). In the same way, FTM individuals are often written off as just subscribing to their internalized sexism and just trying to gain male privilege (Bazant). These accusations must be further examined as we learn to understand our society’s inherent misunderstand – and lack of education – around the transgender community.

In addition, it is again important to keep in mind that there is no “typical” or “right” way to be transgender, MTF, a transwoman, or any other identity for that matter. You can read about this in more detail in my previous post.

Martins, Antonio. Dawn Holland / Transgender Nation Transgendered Flag. 7 Nov. 2006. Web. <http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/qq-tgf.html&gt;.

 

Works Cited

Bazant, Micah. Trans Respect/Etiquette/Support 101. 2006. Web. 20 April 2012. <http://ganimede.transboys.info/trans101.html&gt;.

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

Martins, Antonio. Dawn Holland / Transgender Nation Transgendered Flag. 7 Nov. 2006. Web. <http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/qq-tgf.html&gt;.

Maxxxie. Do gay women accept male to female transgendered people as “real” women? The Straight Dope. 2003. Web. 20 April 2012. <http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=178446&gt;.

Susan’s Place. MTF’s and Male Privilege. 2009. Web. 20 April 2012. <http://www.susans.org/forums/index.php?topic=69490.0&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;.

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;.

Introduction

The transgender community has always fascinated me. In high school, I got highly involved in my school’s GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) when my best friend came out as a lesbian. That started my career in LGBT activism as I went on to get more and more involved and eventually I came out as a lesbian as well. Over the years I mentioned to various close friends and significant others that I never fully felt like a woman, but I never delved into it any further than that.

It wasn’t until my sophomore year of college that I even considered the concrete possibility of a “non normative” gender identity for myself. Second semester of sophomore year is when this really started to get to me as I realized that I was not comfortable with my current identity – I realized that I was not a lesbian, but a transman.

The Internet played an enormous part in my experiences with identity development and so I wanted to examine these influences more closely to see if they could be applied on a larger scale. I also found little to no information directly related to trans identity and the Internet without the broader theme of LGBT identity encompassing the research. As sometimes happens in the LGBT community, this then runs the risk of ignoring the T completely and thinking of LGBT as just simply “gay.”

I bring this all up because it is important to understand where information is coming from – especially information that one finds online. I am a white, middle class, transmasculine person and this greatly affects my views on this subject. As much as I will try to remain unbiased in my research and analysis, keep in mind that my background will inevitably inhibit this to a certain extent.