Understanding trans-gender issues

A5

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Dear Editor,

What makes a man a man, and a woman a woman?

The question sounds almost childlike, but once you overlook biology, the answer is rather complex.

My biological sex is female and I recognize myself as a woman, but I defy most conventions that define my gender.

Let's just say that I'd rather fix my car than decorate my house – and that's just scratching the surface.

From my vantage point on the gender continuum, I am safe and respected for who I am, but I wonder why I am accepted in my inherent diversity and so many of my trans-identified friends are not.

I am no more deserving of basic consideration, so what gives me the right?

Trans-identified persons internalize their gender opposite to their biological sex (trans-sexuality), or somewhere across a fluid range of possibilities that challenges gender norms (trans-gender).

On Nov. 20, the gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans-identified community and its allies marked the International Transgender Day of Remembrance, acknowledging those who have been murdered because of their gender diversity. Yes murdered, even here in Canada and often with horrific brutality.

While this day sits heavy in many hearts, sure as you are reading my words, I see change on the horizon. Earlier this year, PFLAG Canada, an organization that supports all people on issues of sexual orientation and gender identity, established a new toll-free support line just to handle the number of calls it receives on this subject (1-888-822-9494).

With greater awareness comes hope, understanding and change … yes, change.

Cherie MacLeod,

executive director,

PFLAG Canada,

www.pflagcanada.ca