Disrupting A Flawed Trans Narrative

There is a common misconception amidst mainstream media and conservative audiences that being trans is a new phenomenon, especially since many of the conversations center around trans youth. But trans people have existed for centuries, and span across all age groups. “People want to tag trans or non binary folks and say ‘oh well this is just something I’ve never seen before, this is just a new thing that kids are doing’,” said Christian Kenoly, s&h Junior Strategist. “But there are full indigenous communities that have existed for centuries in many different parts of the world, like the Muxe community in Oaxaca Mexico, that are a third gender community.”

This restrictive perception of trans individuals has also extended to parenthood. While mainstream media seems to jump at sensationalized stories about trans men giving birth, this is nothing new for the trans community. Said Nick Adams, Director of Programs at GLAAD “The media has just noticed recently that transgender men can get pregnant and give birth. It’s been a common part of trans community, it’s just that the media didn’t pay attention to it much until recently.”

Diversifying trans narratives and demonstrating the longevity of the community is critical in improving visibility and treatment in the U.S. Older trans women, who transitioned later in life, are starting to share their stories. And figures like Trystan Reese are changing perceptions of trans parenthood with their trans fertility clinic. 

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