Translation

A friend of mine posted an interesting question recently: does gender dysphoria go away after surgery? Of course I gave my answer, but it had me thinking about the larger implications. Gender dysphoria is a condition, but is it permanent? In answering this question, we first need a clear definition of gender dysphoria. From there, we can address what factors could help mitigate or even eliminate it. But at the end of the day, it is a personal question that will yield many unique answers.

One of the words you'll hear most often on this podcast is the discussion of the trans community. But what does that mean? What am I talking about when I refer to the community? It's going to vary from person to person, but there are some aspects of a community that might make it easier to identify. In this episode, I am also making a personal statement about being trans. Thanks to Lady Gaga's performance at the Super Bowl, I can finally put those feelings into a convenient hashtag: #transfrombirth

Sometimes we can be our own worst enemies. No matter how hard we work in life to avoid projecting on others, sometimes we struggle to greatly with our own demons. That is what internalized transphobia is, when a trans individual harbors resentment toward the larger trans community. In this episode, we also look at what it means to have an awakening. For trans people, this is a necessity, a moment of clarity when the excuses just run out. But it isn't for trans individuals alone. Self actualization is a part of life, but also one of the most difficult to achieve.

Suffice it to say, November 8, 2016 was a shocking day. But more than shock came the immediate uncertainty of the future. What will happen to the civil rights stressed during the 8 years of President Barack Obama?

Do you remember my old logo? It seemed innocuous enough, but I made a significant change: I removed the asterisk. That little glyph is a source of controversy since it first appeared in the last few years. Here, I explain why it's important to note, as well as why I chose to remove it.

I'm back! It has been far too long, but there is reason behind my absence. I begin by explaining not only why I've been gone, but why it's not always the worst thing to be lost.

Trans issues are becoming more important in the modern political world. While civil rights organizations and activists fight to ensure trans individuals are protected equally under the law, politicians across the United States are pushing for laws that will restrict those very freedoms.

The spectrum of gender identity is vast. Some are more easily defined than others. In this episode of Trans*lation, we look at one specific identification group: bigender.

When I began this podcast, I had two goals in mind: to educate on transgender topics and to tell personal stories of life experiences. This episode is one such story: my own.

In our last episode, we looked at trans representation in the media, specifically looking at movies and television. But the real world experience is even more vast and complicated. I am joined by my special guest River as we talk about trans visibility in the news. Specifically, the Denver Post has run a series of articles focusing on trans issues and visibility. We discuss the importance of that and impact it is having in Colorado, as well as extrapolate how that influences trans visibility on a larger scale.

Trans visibility is growing. More and more, news stories pop up that focus on real life trans individuals and their unique situations. But visibility is also growing in pop culture, with more realistic depictions of trans characters on television and in movies. In the first half of the episode, we look at how visibility is growing in the media and some of the effects of that. There is one debate that comes up about trans actors, or more appropriately trans character roles given to cisgender actors. In the second half of the episode, I respond to a fan question about my experience in the first year of HRT. While my experience is unique to my situation, some of it may resonate with the experiences of others. Conversely, it does not cover the full spectrum of experiences trans individuals can encounter during their first year of HRT.

Transition isn't easy. It's really quite a challenge. But one way for trans* individuals to mitigate that challenge is through gender therapy. Gender therapy is helpful resource for anyone questioning their gender identity, as well as their family and friends. In this episode, we look at what gender therapy is and why is can be extremely valuable.

November 20 is a difficult day for trans* and gender variant people around the world. Every year, November 20 is designated as the Transgender Day of Remembrance, they day when we commemorate those individuals who have been murdered in the past year for being transgender or gender variant. This episode contains a brief explanation of TDOR, as well as my own opinion on why this is such a critical and important day.

So much is happening in this world of ours. But with all of the current events, one of the most pressing questions is simple: is it getting better or worse for trans individuals? In this episode, I look at the current state of the world and seek to answer this question as best I can. While I am more inclined to feed the activist in me, I also see the good that is happening by trans individuals and our allies. Progress doesn't come easily, as the current events dictate. But like any civil rights fight, there will be progress and opposition in constant flux.

When I began this podcast, I had two goals in mind: to educate on transgender topics and to tell personal stories of life experiences. This episode is one such story: my own.

There are a number of controversial topics when discussion transgender issues. Religion is one of the touchiest subjects. There are plenty of reasons to see the rift between the LGBT community and religious institutions, and the gap grows every day. How can people who believe in love and forgiveness be so hostile to another group of people? While not all religious people are anti-LGBT, there is a vocal presence, as well as systemic sources for the animosity. But the most curious phenomenon is how many LGBT individuals will still choose to remain faithful, even in the face of discrimination.

One of the more common questions people have for transgender individuals is whether being transgender means they are gay. Almost every trans* person has been asked this before. But there is a difference between the two concepts: one deals with one's gender identity, while the other deals with sexual attraction. While there are similarities, and the civil rights fight is cut from the same cloth, it is important to know the distinction between the two.

Stereotypes are everywhere. Especially in the modern age of the internet, stereotypes are widely pervasive. Whether a stereotype is based on a positive or a negative quality, it is dangerous. That is particularly true when it comes to the trans community. As trans individuals struggle to align themselves with traditional gender expressions, they are finding resistance, both from cisgender and other transgender individuals for not being stereotypical. This is particularly difficult for non-binary individuals.

I have touched on a number of topics on Translation so far. As it turns out, that could be an information overload. Even more, I might be using terms that are not commonly known. In my welcome back episode, I look at a number of terms related to transgender issues. It's a glossary of trans, if you will. And you should. As usual, if there is anything I don't cover, don't forget to email me your questions at translationpodcast@gmail.com. We also take a quick look at some of the trans* related stories in the news recently, both the negative, proving the fight for civil rights is far from over, as well as the positive gains we are making.

Transition is the ultimate goal for many trans individuals. It is their path toward a better life of self-fulfillment. But transition comes with a risk. Transphobia, which is term used to describe intentional discrimination and violence against trans people, is the steepest risk we know. It can come in many forms, from simple misgendering to murder. As society and the law continue to adapt to the ever growing visibility of trans* people, it is becoming all the more necessary to address transphobia and the many viscious results that come of it.