Gender Identity: A look into the Transgender-ed Community

Tommie Peckenpaugh

What is Gender Identity?• It is a sense of oneself identifying as male,

female, or in-between (fluid).• A sense of their own gender.• In some cultures, it is a social dichotomy that

enforces the ideal of masculinity and femininity.

Foundational Concepts• Sex and Gender used interchangeably.– Sex is biological– Gender is cognitive

• Usually established at an early age and usually intensified during adolescence.

• Does not always align with biological sex• Binaries

Gender Identities• Cigender-the alignment of one’s gender identity with their

biological sex.– Traditionally Gendered– Non-transgender

• Transgender-the non-alignment of one’s gender identity with their biological sex.– Transgender– Transqueer

• Gender Identity Video

Genderbread Man

Why?• “Our society operates on the principle that there are

men and women, and nothing in between. These gender identities are assigned at birth, and we’re expected to “live up to them” all our lives.”-Leela Ginelle, October 29, 2013.

• Leela Ginelle is the Communications and Development Intern for TransActive Education and Advocacy.

Sandra Bem Gender Identity Theory

• Gender Schema– Children learn what it means to be male and female

which is typically based on their cultural norm taught by their parents.

– Children will begin to basing their behavior on the cultural norms on what it means to be male or female• Gender appropriate behavior• A desire to be “good” boys or girls.

Gender Identity Theory (cont.)• Gender Schemas are developed around the ages of 3

or 4• Three Key Findings– Children learn through observation– Children learn to recognize and organize information into

gender-based categories– Children construct and experience their self-concept using

the framework of gender-based categores

Transgender Identity Development

• Has developed from clinical and psychological perspectives through Gender Identity Disorder.

• Brent Bilodea (2005) adopted 6 identity processes framed or adapted from work of Anthony D’Augelli’s life span model of gay, lesbian and bisexual individuals.

Brent Bilodeau’s Model• Exiting a traditional gender identity….• Developing a personal transgender identity….• Developing a social transgender identity….• Becoming a transgender offspring….• Developing a transgender intimacy status….• Entering a transgender community….

Transgender Community• A part of the GLBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual,

Transgender) umbrella.• Transgender-is an individual which their

biological sex does not align with the gender identity that the individual associates or feels.

Terminology• Transition

– The process that an individual takes to align their gender identity with their physical appearance• MTF

– Male to Female• FTM

– Female to Male• Pre-Operation

– A person who has not received sexual reassignment surgery• Post-Operation

– A person who has received sexual reassignment surgery• Sexual Reassignment Surgery

– A series of operations to alter a persons sex to align with their gender identity

The Transition• A lengthy and timely process for individuals.– May different aspects to consider

• The Coming Out Process– Coming out to oneself

• Transgender Emergence– Coming out to family and friends– Coming out in the workplace

Social Transition• Often considered the most difficult time of the

coming out phase.• The individual begins to learn to live in a world

as a transgendered individual.• It can also be the most rewarding phase of the

transition.

Discrimination• Makes the social transition more difficult and

dangerous.• People pose the greatest threat and concern

due to beliefs typically religious views.• GLB community and lack of understanding.

National Transgender Discrimination Survey

• Over 6,450 responses to one of the most extensive surveys of transgender discrimination.

• Findings show:– Live in extreme poverty– 41% respondents attempted suicide

Education• 78% Reported Harassment– Harassment so severe for some• 15% to leave school

– Harassment received from teachers• 35% Physical Assault• 12% Sexual Assault

Higher Education• Smith College– March 2013, Transgender Student Denied

Admission• Riverside’s Cal Baptist University– August 2011, Transgender Student Dismissed– May 2013, Civil Rights Case

Higher Education (cont.)• Salem College– 4 Year Liberal Arts College for Women– FTM Student transitioning and continuing to live

on-campus.– Alumnae upset regarding student

Resources for Individuals• TONI Project– Transgender On-Campus Nondiscrimination Information

Project• Space for students to share policies important to transgender

students

• TLPI– Transgender Law and Policy Institute

• Brings experts and advocates together to work on policies to advance transgender equality

Questions or Comments?

Resources• Gender Identity Development p. 327-345. Evans, N.J., Forney, D. S., Guido, F. M., Patton, L. D., Renn, K. A.

(2010). Student Development in College. Jossey-Bass• Endtransdiscrimination.org• Campuspride.org• Transgender 101: A simple guide to a complex issue. Teich, N. M. (2012). Columbia University Press• Transitions: A guide to Transitioning for Transsexuals and Their Families. Drummond, M.C. (2009).• “Smith College Rejects Female Transgender Student Calliope Wong; Application Ruled ‘Male’ By

Admissions. Bennett-Smith, M (2013, March 21). www.huffingtonpost.com• Cal Baptist: Transgender student’s discrimination case advances. Olson, D. (2013, May, 7). www.pe.com• Salem College debates how to handle transgender students. Hinton, J. (2013, January 11).

www.journalnow.com• Why Are Americans Terrified of Transgender 6-Year-Olds? Ginelle, L. (2013, October 29).

www.advocate.com

Thank You!