The term transgender refers to an individual who exhibits a different sexuality from the one assigned at birth. For instance, a transgender woman today is thought to be a man at birth and vice versa. Other terms used concerning transgender are non-binary and queer-gender. Quite often, people confuse transgender and intersex as the same terms. As noted by Horlacher (2017), an intersex individual has a sexual reproductive system that does not conform to the male or female definitions. Typically, this condition is ascertained at birth. Unlike intersex, being transgender involves forming an internal identity contrary to the body and genes that an individual has from birth. Quintessentially, transgender people go through a transition period to achieve full identity as either male or female. As noted by (Bradford et al., 2013), the numbers of transgender persons seeking help during the transition period are increasing in Western countries. The transition period refers to acquiring the appropriate characteristics to fit into a particular gender. This process involves cross-dressing, altering names and titles, or even undergoing complex medical procedures to change one’s sexuality. Quintessentially, transition periods are often psychologically stressful. Research indicates that during this period, many transgender people commit or highly contemplate suicide. This condition is known as gender dysphoria. It is critical to note that any form of transition is crucial to the individual; hence, no transition is better than the others.
This study chooses the transgender community for various reasons. Firstly, since transgender people form a smaller portion of the LGBTQ community, the transgender community is often classified under the umbrella of gay and lesbian people, and hence, research and policies do not cater fully to the transgender community. Secondly, it is agreeable that most people have not yet recognized between transgender and other sexualities like bisexuals and intersex. Studies geared towards the transgender community are vital in cementing the community’s place in the society as separate and distinct sexuality like the lesbians and the gays. Thirdly, this study focuses on the transgender community in attempting to establish a way for the freedom and inclusion of minority groups in the LGBTQ community in society. Lastly, although federal laws prohibit discrimination against the LGBTQ community, the vice is present across many institutions and communities. This study seeks to examine the severity and extent of discrimination against transgender people in employment and the need for more specific and objective laws protecting the rights of the transgender community among other LGBTQ groups.
History and the American transgender community
According to Stryker (2017), history holds numerous accounts of same-sex relations. History from different cultures indicates that same-sex relationships were present even in ancient Biblical times. Besides, some people did not identify with the sexes assigned at birth. Such places include ancient Israel, Greece, the Middle East, and Africa. Although religious and traditional cultures strictly prohibited nonbinary gender identities and sexualities, the failure to accept them brought more and more attention to the existence of these sexualities. During the European exploration of America, European explorers took a firm stand on same-sex relationships, cross-dressing, and any deviation from masculine and feminine identities (Bronski, 2011). Despite the hostilities, the early period in Europe and America witnessed increased cross-dressing as women wore pants to gain access to male-only professions and men wore dresses to act like women in art. Although they were not particularly transgender, the scenario connected with the silenced but existent LGBTQ communities of the time.
As noted by (Beemyn, 2013), the history of transgender and intersex people in the United States has been one about discrimination, forced conformity, and persecution. Through several accounts given, it is agreeable that throughout the history of the United States, transgender people feared exposing their gender identity due to the systemically patriarchal society of the time. Early American society highly prohibited same-sex relations, forcing the transgender community to live in hiding until they later gained enough courage to speak through the various gay movements formed in the 1960s and later years (Susan, 2019). Within this period, LGBTQ movements were in tandem with other gender movements like the women’s rights movements, and feminism strengthened both movements. However, sexism among the LGBTQ community led to other groups out of the fraternity, resulting in the marginalization of the minor LGBTQ groups like the transgender.
Historical and contemporary antecedents of discrimination against transgender people
Arguably from the start, attempts to protect the rights and freedoms of the LGBTQ community meet a lot of resistance not only from society but also from institutions typically entrenched in heteronormativity and patriarchy (Grant et al., 2011). Throughout the years, incidences of discrimination against the LGBTQ community often resulted in confrontations, like in the Compton Cafeteria and the Stonewall riots in 1969. In recent years, human rights activists and social justice organizations have rallied support against discrimination against the LGBTQ community. With a few mentionable achievements, the transgender community in the United States continuously faces discrimination in vital sectors such as employment, housing, and healthcare.
Recent studies indicate that transgender people often face challenges in accessing healthcare services due to discrimination, mistreatment, and fear of discussing their gender identity with unfriendly doctors and nurses. Although it occurs nationwide, discrimination is more rampant in some states. For instance, 25% of transgender people in Pennysylvania report being denied healthcare services due to their sexuality (Rodriguez et al., 2018). Transgender people require specialized services like counselling, physiotherapy, hormonal therapy, and surgery. Due to the existing hostility and discrimination, it is challenging to access these services. Most transgender people desist from opening up their gender identity to medical professionals as they fear more discrimination, humiliation, and harassment. Lack of access to healthcare spells doom for the transgender community as they are at more risk of contracting illnesses like HIV, Gonorrhea, and Rectal Chlamydia.
It is agreeable that although there are regulations governing employment in the United States, most workforces in the country consist of racial and gender fragmentations. Even with many organizations practising workplace diversity, the LGBTQ community is not yet acceptable in institutions rooted in heteronormativity. Transgender people are the worst affected by this problem. According to (Hagen et al., 2018), transgender people face discrimination in employment procedures like employment and promotion. Most companies refuse to employ transgender individuals for fear that such a move could adversely affect their image and operations. Besides, transgender people encounter discrimination in accessing housing. Like in the case of minority communities, transgender people in the United States fall victim to institutional malpractices like redlining and steering that aim at subtly denying them an opportunity to own houses like the heterosexual population.
The LBTQ community has learned much and devised ways of combating discrimination, but violence is a different phenomenon. Like other LGBTQ groups, transgender people are often victims of violence and sexual abuse meted out by the heterosexual community. In recent years, cases of forced sex and physical attacks against transgender are escalating rapidly. This scenario worsens further due to substance use and the improper legal and institutional measures for curbing this crisis.
A theoretical framework
Across most societies, heterosexual communities and institutions claim to uphold human rights and freedoms while marginalizing the LGBTQ community. As a result of the continuous discrimination, neglect, and injustice, human rights movements and social justice institutions have studied the emergence of the LGBTQ community and adopted perspectives and theories in explaining the LGBTQ issue in the world. Although the feminist and queer theories have played a role in creating a social understanding of the LGBTQ community, this study employs transgender theories in working with the transgender population in Virginia, U.S.A Unlike feminist and queer theories, transgender paradigms aim at creating a social understanding of the transgender community in society (Nagoshi & Brzuzy, 2010). Firstly, transgender theories assert that biology does not determine destiny. In this case, these assigned at birth is flexible, and thus it alone cannot define an individual. Secondly, transgender theories challenge heteronormativity by asserting that gender is not binary. Thirdly, transgender theories posit that individuals do not have to employ medical procedures to achieve a recognized transgender identity. Lastly, transgender theories point out the struggles facing the transgender community resulting from stigma and discrimination. These theories provide a feasible framework for approaching and working with transgender groups in Virginia.
Influence of culture and mitigation strategies for alleviating discrimination
Despite numerous achievements regarding the inclusion of the LGBTQ community in society, discrimination and marginalization continue. It is agreeable that the benefits of the continuous struggle have benefited the majority of LGBTQ groups like lesbians and gay people. For minority groups like the transgender, it remains a critical situation. The modern culture is rooted in binary gender identity. Since transgender people do not have to identify as male or female, they lack a place in a society influenced by patriarchy (Divan et al., 2016). Although the definition and perception of transgender identity have enormously evolved throughout the years, modern culture fuels pessimistic attitudes towards transgender people and other LGBTQ groups. Transgender people face hostilities in schools and across neighbourhoods due to their gender identity. Such hostile treatment stems from underlying societal, cultural, and religious convictions.
Social justice concerns
Social justice relies on a foundation of equality and equal opportunity for all human beings regardless of racial, cultural, gender, and religious variation. In light of the discussion above, it is clear that transgender people face numerous problems that require urgent and permanent solutions.
Stigma and hostility is a prime problem for all LGBTQ communities. Arguably, the resistance facing transgender people today is rooted in culture. Transforming public perceptions can take an eternity (Divan et al., 2016). However, the gay and lesbian communities have somehow managed their way around. The transgender community is gradually establishing itself as an independent community under the LGBTQ umbrella. In enhancing inclusion, it is vital to create awareness of gender equality and inclusion. Although this is an explored area, arenas with huge audiences like art and music need to be in this strategy.
Access to healthcare is a crucial aspect for all people. Unfortunately, transgender people are among the marginalized groups in this field. In alleviating this problem, it is vital to formulate policies and training best suited for transgender people in curbing harassment and discrimination (Budge et al., 2013). If training male or female providers becomes a problem, it is possible to obtain more healthcare providers from the transgender or the LGBTQ community to provide healthcare. Besides the personnel, it is critical to involve social institutions, organizations, and families in supporting transgender programs. Like any other gender, transgender people pay taxes and, hence, are entitled to healthcare. The same strategy applies to the employment and housing sectors.
The LGBTQ community is under the same law as the rest of the population. However, these laws do not target specific groups within the fraternity. This scenario results in a bias that provides room for abuse and discrimination of transgender people. Physical violence and sexual attacks against transgender people should be viewed as gender violence.
Transgender people also need psychological support. In gaining institutional and societal support, fostering individual and familial support is crucial. Through Involving families in understanding transgender issues, they can play an essential part in transforming the existing perceptions of transgender people and fight for social justice (MacNish& Marissa, 2014). Like racism, transgender discrimination requires relentless efforts in changing and formulating more favorable policies.
Personal competencies essential in working with the Transgender group
As a heterosexual person, dealing with LGBTQ issues particularly transgender people can be challenging. With ideal leadership traits, it is easy to develop appropriate strategies in dealing with the various concerns arising from the interaction.
Working with any group requires responsibility. In working with the transgender group, responsibility ensures commitment and dedication to our mission. Besides, it ensures that all our actions, strategies, and suggestions follow the prevailing regulations. Responsibility ensures that we pursue the correct channels in engaging various institutions in creating awareness of social justice (Friedriksen-Goldsen et al., 2014). Moreover, responsibility ensures transparency and accountability in the organization. Recognizing that we are dealing with a heteronormative community, responsibility will go far in averting further confrontation and hostility. Peaceful protests, concerts emanate from responsibility.
Most organizations embrace teamwork. Giving every individual a chance is crucial when working with the transgender group. All team members deserve an opportunity to contribute in any way possible to ensure we succeed. In achieving successful teamwork, it is vital to place each member in an area or aspect where they best perform (Goodrich & Luke, 2011). Sometimes, other individuals will have to lead because they can only manage such tasks. For instance, transgender people understand and relate better to issues concerning transition, and hence, they only can come up with suitable strategies to address matters.
Communication is a crucial tool in all aspects involving social mobilization. Proper communication does not only ensure that the message remains clear but also fosters unity, respect, and understanding. Communication also involves listening. In working with the transgender group, proper communication enhances the smooth coordination of group activities and ensures that we achieve our objective. Society has no clear understanding of the transgender phenomenon. Communication will ensure that our message is heard and understood by the community. Besides, listening to contrary opinions will be vital in formulating strategies to counter discrimination and hostility stemming from heteronormativity.
As a quest in achieving social justice for transgender people, the journey also requires trust and honesty. In this case, both parties (the transgender group and I ) should build trust so that we work without suspicion. This process involves transforming our views and uniting on a common cause. In this context, the group should view me as an equal partner, and I should view them as any ordinary social group marginalized by society, like the orphans, the aged, and the disabled.
As stated, leading a transgender group might not be easy. Based on evident and underlying challenges, a strong leader must endure resistance, backlash, and hostility. Transforming social perceptions and establishing justice for transgender people requires a strong and intelligent leader who adapts to different conditions but remains focused on achieving set objectives.
Particular concerns regarding communication with the transgender group
In a culturally and gender-diverse society, it is critical to master communication skills specific to different people and contexts. This issue mostly emerges when addressing individuals from minority communities like the Blacks in the United States or the LGBTQ community. People are often misquoted, resulting in controversy, backlash, and unnecessary verbal exchanges. In averting this situation, it is critical to devise appropriate ways to address group members across all communication channels, like emails and social media.
Firstly, using respectful language when relating to their former self is essential. For instance, it is wrong to tell a transgender man named Joseph, “when you were Michelle.” Such Utterances display bias and my resort into negative attitudes by the person you are addressing. Typically, -they make them feel unsure about themselves and the process they have gone through. Besides, “they” should be used instead of “he/she.”
Secondly, it is crucial to use inclusive language to foster a sense of belonging among team members (Paradiso& Robin, 2018). For instance, the term” women” should encompass all people fitting the description of women regardless of their bodily characteristics. Throughout communicating with transgender people, derogative statements like “fake or ordinary women” promote exclusion, and they should never be part of a conversation.
An action plan
Before embarking on a particular project, it is essential to formulate an action plan. Typically, an action plan refers to a sequence of the stages to attain a specific goal/s. An action plan is critical in providing and maintaining focus for completing a task. An action plan for working with the transgender group is shown below.
Fig 1.1 An action plan aiming at reducing stigma and fostering inclusivity of the transgender community in the state of Virginia.
| Objective | Necessary steps /processes involved in achieving the objective | Resources needed for facilitating operations | Duration | Individual/s responsible |
| Establishing the exact number of transgender people in Virginia | Analyzing recent and relevant census reports and relevant research | Federal demographic databases International organization databases | Three weeks | Group leader/ founder/s |
| Mobilization | Mobilizing all transgender people living in Virginia | Radio and print media Social media and emailing | One month | Group leader/ founders |
| Establishing a group steering committee | An online poll to select a leadership committee | An online voting platform Social media | One week | Group leader, Interim committee |
| Creating a framework for group operations | Analyzing transgender issues that require urgent attention | Meetings, seminars | Two weeks | Group leader Group committee Individual members | |
| Examining transgender access to employment, housing and healthcare | Interviewing group members, healthcare providers, housing companies and members of the public | Public address system Public facilities such as halls, | One week | Steering committee Group members Public participants | |
| Analyzing the prevalence of sexual and physical assault against the transgender community | Interviewing members of the public Examining police and health records | Interviews Special sittings with community leaders | Three weeks | Steering committee | |
| Analyzing existing policies protecting transgender people | Examining policy documents Engaging social and human rights organization leaders | Interviews Conferences Public seminars | Three weeks | Steering committee | |
| Formulating more objective policies for the transgender community | Engaging social institutions in creating more favorable policies | Engaging social institutions in creating more favourable policies | Four weeks | Steering committee Any affiliated groups and organizations | |
| Alleviating social stigma towards transgender people. | Educating the public on the need for equality and inclusivity. | Public participation activities. | One week | Steering committee | |
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