Transgender.org’s Post

Being Trans; what does it mean? Being trans doesn't necessarily have to be a standard or rigid definition. The only thing it has to mean for me, is that my being does not fit the traditional binary definition of gender or sex. When I first came out as my thought for myself was: I am a trans woman and my goal is to be passing as a cis woman. but that was before I experienced the acceptance of other women. It taught me that I was thinking only from the perspective of people who are not allies. The hateful, ignorant and discriminatory speak of those against us was controlling how I felt about myself and what a transgender person was supposed to strive for. As I found more and more acceptance from others, those who did not treat me as someone or something different, I began to accept myself. My body dysmorphia didn't suddenly vanish but it did begin to subside. I also didn't decide I was done transitioning but my desire for rapid changes to my body became less urgent, and as a result my anxiety decreased and slowly I began to accept myself. With this acceptance I embraced the evolutionary process that was happening. I also embraced that how I present on any day at any moment is fluid and up to me alone. I started to understand terms like genderqueer, non binary, gender fluid, and a-gender. I understand where these terms came from, what they mean, and that they fit me; and I love it! Yes I am still trans, a trans woman, a trans femme. But now I can add gender queer, NB, gender fluid (ish), lesbian and demisexual. I am proud to be all of these, to embrace and embody these concepts. I've thought a lot about the term trans, and I like what my mind has come up with. I think it's fitting and gives me (and hopefully others) a new strength. "As a trans person, I or we transcend the gender/sex binary. We rise above the simple black & white definitions that put people into two tiny boxes, boxes that control and dictate how we should look, act, think and sound. We humans are all complex, and I think that complexity frightens those who cannot will not accept that, or rather those who don't want us to realize that, because it would mean they lose a certain level of control, that we won't be forced to confirm to archaic ideals meant to divide. But that doesn't mean we are without morals or ethics; it doesn't diminish our humanity. If anything it expands it. It increases our senses of compassion, acceptance and understanding. We have the capacity to become more empathetic and sympathetic which allows for more grace and open mindedness. It opens the door for social progress. #trans, #socialprogress, #acceptance, #compassion, #LGBTQ+, #queer, #genderqueer, #nonbinary, #nonconformity, #gay, #lesbian, #love, #empathy

I do nearly two workshops on Diversity and Bias every month. This weekend, I had a goosebump moment in Bangkok. Gender is just not L/G/B/T/Q/I/A/N/2S/+ Humanity comes in infinite shades of self-expression. Multiply that by infinite expresssions of love and relationships, you have infinite permutations and combinations. It is easier to believe in the binary nature of gender. The simple effort to retrain ourselves with something about a simple pronoun. With difficulty, I have learned some new grammar. I do slip up at times, but I manage to identify the slip almost instantaneously. The world in its glorious complexities is unveiling itself. We are exploring oceans, space, the human body, the human brain. It is time to change the way we view the human spirit and humanity. Diversity is too important to be left to a corporate policy or HR departments. Nobody comes around teaching you how to use a computer. Nobody should need to come and tell us about diversity. PS: L = Lesbian (lesbian) - females who like and are interested in females together G = Gay (gay) - males who like and are interested in males together B = Bisexual (bisexual) - a group that Can be liked by both the same gender and the opposite gender. T = Transgender (Transgender) - People whose gender at birth does not match their gender identity. Q = Queer (Queer) - People who are not defined as What gender? And which gender must you love? I = Intersex (intersex) - people with ambiguous gender Can't determine gender Have different physical characteristics. A = Asexual (Asexual) - People who do not have sexual attraction. But there is romantic love and sex.  N = Non-Binary (Non-Binary) - People who do not want to identify their own gender. It is not limited to male or female C = Cisgender, or simply cis, is an adjective that describes a person whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth. 2S = Two Spirit  An English umbrella term to reflect the many words used in different Indigenous languages describing the fluid and diverse nature of gender and attraction and its interconnectedness to community and spirituality.

IS TRANSGENDER AN IDEOLOGY ? I am many things.  Some of which I have chosen, and some of which I haven’t. Here are some things I didn’t choose : ·      I didn’t choose to be white. ·      I didn’t choose to be 6' tall. ·      I didn’t choose to have blue eyes, blonde hair, or my parents, chromosomes, or genes. But most of us don’t have an issue with tall people, or those with blonde hair.  We understand that everyone is different, a unique expression of what it means to be human. These traits are not ideologies.  The idea is absurd. And just as I didn’t choose any of those things, I didn’t choose to be trans either.  So why are trans people being labelled as an “ideology” ? Let’s be clear: no trans person wakes up and decides to “switch genders” on a whim.  No one chooses to be trans. Recognising gender dysphoria and doing something about it takes profound courage.  If you want to witness true bravery, look at any trans person’s journey toward authenticity, fighting for a sense of belonging in their own body in a society in which there are people who reject their right to exist. This isn’t ideology.  It’s life.  It’s humanity.  It’s the beautiful, diverse tapestry of being a human. There is no right way or wrong way to be human. If someone has a problem with me, that’s their problem.  I won’t apologise for being who I am.  I refuse to be shamed because someone else’s worldview can’t accommodate the complexity of what being human means. But if someone’s worldview shames my trans sisters & brothers - who already face sky-high levels of anxiety, self-doubt, depression, and suicide, then we have a problem.  Because that kind of exclusion isn’t just wrong, it’s cruel. We live in a world that boxes us in, that values comfort and conformity over authenticity.  But those boxes crush people like me, forcing many of us into impossible choices: come out and risk losing everything - family, friends, marriage - or hide and never truly live. For someone clinging to a cosy, heteronormative, traditional worldview that’s “safe” and “unthreatening,” then know this: trans people have always existed and that model of the world isn’t reality.  It never was. As Trans Awareness Week approaches 13-19 November, it’s time to rethink.  If someone’s worldview excludes trans people, if they can’t open their mind to a more expansive understanding of humanity, what else are they missing out on ?  And what is it costing them ? But this conversation isn’t just about trans people - it’s about the world we want to create.  It’s about choosing to open our hearts to people who, like all of us, bleed when cut, love our children, & dream of a better future. Because in the end, we are all the same. Love Bobbi ❤️ Wisdom speaker | Transformation Coach | Trans Woman | Model #WomenWhoWantMore #InspirationalSpeaker #MotivationalSpeaker #DiversityandInclusion #PersonalDevelopment #BobbiSpeaker #Brisbane #Inclusion #Diversity #GenderDiversity #TransAwareness #BookASpeaker

What does it mean gender is non binary? Non-binary is an umbrella term for people who don't identify exclusively as male or female, or whose gender identity doesn't fit comfortably with those categories. Non-binary people may identify as being both a man and a woman, somewhere in between, or as falling completely outside of these categories. Non-binary identities can include people who identify with some aspects of binary identities, while others reject them entirely. Non-binary can also be used as an umbrella term for other gender identities that are not exclusively male or female, such as: intersex, agender, amalgagender, androgynous, bigender, demigender, genderfluid, genderqueer, neutrois, and pangender. Someone who is non-binary does not identify as exclusively male or female. They may identify as both, neither, or some combination of the two. For example, someone who identifies as non-binary may feel more masculine on some days and more feminine on other days. Non-binary identities have been recognized for millennia by cultures and societies around the world. For example, Indian hijra and Samoan fa'afafine cultures recognize a “third gender”. The term two-spirit is also used by some modern Indigenous North Americans to describe Native people in their communities whose sexual, gender, or spiritual identity is not binary or heterosexual. When interacting with non-binary people, it's important to respect their gender identity and use the pronouns they tell you are appropriate. If you're unsure or have no information about how someone wants to be addressed, opt for gender-neutral language. #gender #nonbinary

Have you noticed how prevalent sexist language is in the world? Many of the derogatory words that boys and men use for each other refer to things that are considered 'female'. Pu$$y being the most obvious one. Then there are the ways in which words that are positive are used to describe men doing something (assertive, passionate) while words to describe women doing the same thing have negative connotations (bossy, hysterical). Deborah Cameron's book 'Language, Sexism and Misogyny' is my top recommendation if you want to learn more about the topic, and be prepared to feel furious the more you read! One of my past coaching clients Ellie Rees, owns her own estate agency alongside her husband, Brickworks London. Her background was as an artist rather than in business so it was a bold move, and the agency is certainly making waves in the industry in terms of its different approach. When they set up the business, Ellie noticed that all correspondence that she received from other estate agents was always addressed to ‘Dear Sirs’. She immediately sensed that this seemed at the very least outdated, and at worst,  overtly sexist with undertones of classism and racism. Ellie has been on a mission to change sexist language in the estate agency industry ever since, and in turn make the industry more inclusive on many fronts, including better for women. Last year she launched the Dear Sirs campaign to address this issue head on. Next week on Wednesday October 2nd at 11am BST, Ellie and I are co-delivering a free webinar, by invitation of the Women in Residential Property Network, on this exact topic. You are warmly invited to join us. The topic of sexist language is highly relevant for everyone who cares about gender balance, equality, equity and inclusion, regardless of the industry that you work in. If you work in a male dominated industry such as finance, law, tech or property/construction,  then you will find it insightful. As well as discussing the issue of sexist language, we will be providing practical solutions that you can implement personally as well as within your organisation to create change. You will also find out about the Dear Sirs campaign and how to get involved. Sign up for the webinar on the link in the comments. Image: Ellie and I at a women in residential property event in 2023 #sexism #language #inclusion #fixthesystem #DEI #womenleaders #leadershipdevelopment

The role of gender identity in society is a complex and evolving issue that merits thoughtful consideration, as philosopher Judith Butler discusses in this insightful Financial Times interview by Henry Mance. While gender has become a vicious front in today's culture wars, Butler makes the case that gender exists on a spectrum rather than as a simple binary - a view at odds with traditional dogma but supported by biology. The article explores the tension between self-identity and social norms, political expediency and the common good, through the lens of Butler's lived experience and academic work. It touches on issues of mental health, generational cultural divides, and the difference between moral judgment and divisive labeling. As Mance astutely observes, "Gender identity has been perhaps the most vicious front in the culture wars. To mess up anyone's pronouns can be modern-day heresy." He also notes, "One great thing about meeting face-to-face is everyone's pronouns are you/yours." Butler argues for a nuanced approach focused on understanding individuals' experiences rather than rigid categories. While the topic is serious, the article suggests a path forward through open and respectful dialogue. As leaders, it's important that we educate ourselves on this complex issue and approach it with empathy, seeking to understand different perspectives. Only by having these difficult conversations can we hope to create a society of true inclusivity and belonging for all. I'm curious to hear others' thoughts on how we can advance this important discussion, both in and outside the workplace. #leadership #nexbenedict

Gender is important, gender is complicated, and gender is personal.🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️✨ This is true not only for trans and nonbinary folx but also for cisgender people…including Carolyn Sullivan, Nonprofit Consultant and me. I find that in personal and professional settings, many people often “forget” the complexity of gender identity and expression when they ascribe gender to others based on visual appearance. This happens to me all the time. My spouse and I are women with different gender identities and expressions. C identifies as gender nonconforming and I identify as femme (a form of queer femininity outside heteronormativity). C and I both use she/her pronouns. 💍We appreciate that many other couples embrace the term “wife,” but when others use this word to describe us, it feels uncomfortable. We are both big fans of the more gender inclusive term “spouse.” The next time you use terms that ascribe gender to others, I invite you to consider that you may be creating a feeling of dissonance for them that decreases their sense of belonging. 🤔 Do you find yourself making assumptions about others’ gender or sexuality based on visual appearance? How are you embracing more inclusive practices? ---- 🌈I'm a DEIB consultant, speaker, and educator passionate about building communities where everyone can thrive. 🗣 I talk about courageous conversations, connecting across difference, navigating conflict, and inclusive leadership. 💡If you found this post insightful, please share to expand the conversation. 🔔 Follow me and tap the bell on my profile to subscribe to my content.

I Am Other: A Gender Beyond Binary As a nonbinary person who identifies as trans*, I inhabit a space that defies traditional labels. I am a gender bender, a gender blender—not a woman, not a man, but something within the otherness. My identity isn’t fixed in binaries, but in a fluid, evolving experience of self-expression. Living in this space is like navigating the world with a new lens. As Alok Vaid-Menon eloquently puts it, “Gender is a universe.” For me, that universe is rich with possibilities and contradictions, filled with colors that don’t fit into neat categories. Society may try to confine me, to judge me by the vessel I inhabit, but my truth lies beyond these rigid frameworks. The insistence on binary thinking is suffocating. According to the Williams Institute, about 1.4 million adults in the U.S. identify as transgender, with many of us existing somewhere outside the typical constructs of “man” or “woman.” We are often overlooked, misjudged, or erased altogether, but our existence challenges the very boundaries of what gender can be. In this journey, I am neither here nor there—I am other. And in that otherness, I find power.

Transgender Awareness Week is November 13-19th. There is no one way to be Transgender. Gender is contextual, cultural, spiritual, emotional, and relational. By its very nature, gender evolves, reacts, and creates meaning. Identity is always political. Always. Every Trans person is unique. Our stories are our own. We defy, we resist, we love, like all people. We have always been, we are now, and we will always be. No administration or regime will change that. I am Transgender. I was assigned male at birth, only to find out, on my own, that I am, in fact, Intersex. I was born at home, and my mother and other elders chose to hide this aspect of my identity. No matter how hard I tried, I never felt like I belonged in boys' spaces. Masculinity felt like a uniform for a job I never wanted. Thankfully, as I healed traumas from my childhood, I found my way back to myself. It has not been easy. I have had doors closed to me because others were uncomfortable with my full embrace of my authentic self. They could not define me and decided I had no value. Some fear what they do not understand. It has always been their loss. But there is light in all this darkness. There is joy in the grief. I am a commitment to liberation and I’ve found my people. My wisdom is not my own. I have borrowed it from the ancestors and will gift it to those to come. For those looking to learn, here are a few recommendations that bring me joy: Gender Euphoria: Stories of Joy from Trans, Non-binary and Intersex Writers by Laura Kate Dale Before We Were Trans: A New History of Gender by Kit Heyam Beyond the Gender Binary by Alok Vaid-Menon *I lead a gender inclusion and neurodiversity consultancy based in Seattle, WA. If you would like support creating gender-affirming workplace practices, need a speaker or facilitator, DM me for more information. Alt text and description are in the image. #TransgenderAwarenessWeek #TransVisibility #GenderExpansive