Bewilderment normally occurs over what "transgender" means, and how it is not the same as gay, lesbian, or bisexual. Transgender is an umbrella term for individuals whose gender identity and/or gender expression does not correspond to the sex in which they were assigned at birth. People in the transgender community …show more content…
Even though the transgender rights movement is gaining a significant amount of support, their incessant struggle to gain basic human rights is far from over. Transgender individuals face innumerable injustices; in childhood homes, in school settings with students who have a tendency to ostracize and bully others who don’t fit their definition of “normal,” in workplaces, doctors’ offices, with health care providers, police officers, and other basic need service providers. According to the National Transgender Discrimination Survey, about 80% of transgender people reported that they were harassed, 35% said that they were physically abused at school and 12% reported sexual assaults. The harassment was so extreme that it led 15% to leave school in a k-12 school setting. 47% of transgender individuals said they experienced a disadvantageous job outcome, such as not being hired, being fired, or being denied a promotion because of being transgender. 19% reported an experience of being homeless at some point in their lives because they were transgender, more than half of those trying to live safely in a homeless shelter were harassed by shelter staff or residents. The transgender community faces a great deal of maltreatment simply because of who they are, because they want to openly show that they are comfortable with the person they are. 2018 has been a year where many situations are …show more content…
High rates of suicidal tendencies and attempts of self harm can stem from being rejected, or not having any support from friends, family, and teachers. Believe it or not, a person’s support can go a long way. The National Center for Transgender Equality has research which states that transgender people with supportive families are far less likely to attempt suicide, be homeless or experience major psychological distress than those who lack family support. "Everyone has a gender identity and a gender journey. Everyone gets to figure out their own gender identity, and we need to be curious, open and respectful to what kids and teens say about their gender. Parents should follow their child’s lead. They should take what their child says seriously, and not assume it is a 'phase,'" says Dr. Kaufman. One way of supporting transgender individuals is by not misgendering them and using their preferred pronouns. If you are unsure of a person's pronouns, you may ask politely or introduce yourself with your name and pronouns and ask for theirs. It is better to make sure they're comfortable than make a mistake and make them uneasy. If you unintentionally use the wrong pronoun, sincerely apologize quickly, then move forward. Understanding what is offensive and what is not