Transphobia

Rome, Italy

Bus with transphobic message promoted by the right-wing organization HazteOir . Top text translates to "Boys have a penis. Girls have a vulva. Don't let them deceive you. If you're born a man, you are a man. If you're a woman, you'll keep being one." in Spanish.

Georgia U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene

[[File:Ticked Off Trannies protesters Shankbone 2010.jpg|Protesters outside the 2010 premiere of thumb Transphobia refers to a range of negative attitudes, feelings, or actions towards transgender people or transness in general. It can manifest in various forms, including fear, aversion, hatred, violence, or anger towards people who do not conform to societal gender expectations. Transphobia can be expressed through individual behaviors and attitudes, as well as institutional policies and practices that discriminate against transgender individuals.

Causes and Manifestations

Transphobia is rooted in a complex mix of prejudice, discrimination, and misunderstanding about gender identity and gender expression. It often stems from the belief in a strict binary gender system that classifies all individuals as either male or female based on their sex assigned at birth. This belief system can lead to the devaluation and stigmatization of those who fall outside these traditional categories.

Transphobia can manifest in various ways, including but not limited to:

• Direct violence: Physical or sexual violence directed at transgender people because of their gender identity or expression.
• Discrimination: Unequal treatment or barriers to accessing healthcare, employment, education, and housing.
• Social exclusion: Ostracism or marginalization within families, schools, workplaces, and other social settings.
• Verbal abuse: Use of derogatory language, misgendering (intentionally using the wrong gender pronouns), and deadnaming (using a transgender person's pre-transition name).
• Legislative discrimination: Laws and policies that explicitly deny rights to transgender individuals, such as those restricting access to gender-affirming healthcare or participation in public life.

Effects

The effects of transphobia on individuals can be profound and damaging. Transgender people facing transphobia may experience mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They are also at a higher risk of experiencing violence, poverty, homelessness, and suicide.

Combatting Transphobia

Efforts to combat transphobia include promoting understanding and acceptance of transgender people through education, advocating for equal rights and protections under the law, and providing support for those affected by transphobia. Many organizations and activists work to raise awareness of transgender issues, support transgender individuals, and challenge discriminatory practices and policies.

See Also

• Gender Dysphoria
• LGBT Rights
• Gender Identity
• Discrimination