We continue our conversation with Deen in the 2nd of a multi-part series [Link] on SALGA’s new trans/ally page[Link].
A lot of times trans folks own internalization leads to some marginally phobic attitude within the community. Do you think a resource like this in addition to instilling a message to cis folks will also help the trans folks take pride in who they are? For example, dating within the trans community or hanging out with other trans folks for fear of passing.
Yes, I hope so. I think having a place — literally having a tab on the SALGA website that says “Transgender/Ally” — sends a message. I hope it’s a message that inspires confidence and pride and a sense of belonging. But I don’t think it’s that easy, either. Internalized transphobia can be a subtle beast. I think it will take time for there to be large scale attitude shift in the general queer population so that trans people are seen as not just a separate-but-equal segment of the queer community, but truly as an integrated part of the community.