Things Not To Say To A Transgender Person
Transgender individuals face many misconceptions and inappropriate questions about their identity and bodies. YouTube personality Mathilda Hogberg shares some common problematic statements she hears as a transgender woman and explains why these types of comments are hurtful.
Let's take a look at the things not to say to a transgender person.
Inappropriate Questions About Anatomy
One of the most frequent inappropriate questions Hogberg receives is "Do you still have it or have you cut it off?" in reference to her genitalia.
Hogberg explains that people should not ask intimate questions about a stranger's body parts and that her surgical status is irrelevant.
She further states, "Why do you care? You're not going to see it. You're not going to be intimate with me. So what's the point?"
Assumptions About Sexual Activity
Others have bluntly asked Hogberg "How do you have sex with your boyfriend?" She responds that she has intercourse like "normal people" and questions why someone would be so interested in details about others' private lives.
Objectification and Fetishization
Some individuals have proclaimed interest in dating Hogberg simply because she is transgender, but she shuts down this fetishization and reminds them her body and relationships are not for their consumption.
False Claims About Mental Health
Another problematic statement Hogberg often hears is that people who undergo gender affirmation surgery are more likely to die by suicide.
She debunks this myth by citing peer-reviewed research that shows suicidality actually decreases with access to transition-related care.
Mansplaining and Misgendering
Additionally, Hogberg vents about the frustration of being told “you have a pee pee” and other misinformation about her anatomy from cisgender people attempting to “mansplain” her own body to her.
She also calls out the false notion that factors like menstruation are required to be considered a woman.
Assumptions About Regret
Finally, Hogberg expresses annoyance at those who insist she will eventually regret her transition. She explains this assumption delegitimizes her ability to make reasoned decisions about her identity.
Be Respectful
Hogberg's experiences shed light on the invasive questions, unhealthy assumptions, and outright falsehoods transgender people face regularly.
By being respectful and avoiding inappropriate speculation about others' identities and bodies, we can foster greater acceptance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the article highlights the common problematic statements that transgender individuals face, including inappropriate questions about anatomy, assumptions about sexual activity, objectification and fetishization, false claims about mental health, mansplaining and misgendering, and assumptions about regret.
The article emphasizes the importance of being respectful and avoiding invasive questions and assumptions about transgender individuals' identities and bodies. By doing so, we can foster greater acceptance and create a more inclusive society for all individuals.