Non-Binary+&+Trangender+Identities

=Introduction = toc Gender is culturally constructed through socialization and societal interactions (Corwin, 2009). Some people see gender as fluid, creative, and diverse, not conforming to Westernized notions of the binary (the male and female dichotomy). The fluidity of gender can mean that someone’s gender may emerge and/or change over time (Barker, 2013).

Some people view gender as a continuum between masculinity and femininity, and define themselves as somewhere between these two poles. Others describe their gender as existing completely outside of a male/female dichotomy. People incorporating elements of masculinity and femininity may use the term 'bigender' to identify themselves. Some people recognize that they possess multiple genders and prefer the term 'pangender.' Others use terms to describe themselves as genderless or challenging the binary (agender, genderqueer, genderfuck) (Barker, 2013). Transgender identities include individuals whose gender identity or expression is different from their biological sex. Their expressions may violate societal conceptions of the male and female gender binary (Meier, Pardo, Labuski, & Babcock, 2013). Transgender is often used as an umbrella term for a large number of gender expressions and identities. Trans or non-binary individuals can struggle with societal pressure to male/female dichotomy and can greatly effect their self image and self esteem (McCann, 2015).



Many individuals who do not follow the gender binary may use different pronouns to describe themselves other than he or she. These include: they, zie, per, hir, boi, grrl, etc. These individuals also may take on the title Mx rather than Mr./Ms. (Barker, 2013).

Transition for people who identify outside of the gender binary can be optional or necessary. They may take hormone therapy that causes body changes that are more in line with the gender identity with which they participate. They may also pursue surgical intervention to change their body more permanently (i.e. top surgery, bottom surgery). For people who identify outside of the binary, they may choose to transition fully from one gender to another, or transition partially wherever they feel comfortable.

**Populations**

Trans Perspective in Thailand
The Trans perspective in Thailand is mainly concerned with a third gender identity called kathoey. Thailand's story of origin includes kathoeys as a third gender, to add to male and female. They are included in society, with acceptance and surgical intervention is only one option of transition. There is another group called the sao praphet sorng, which translates to "second kind of woman." Both of these identities often engage in burlesque/cabaret performances for entertainment, and occasionally engage in the sex work industry in Thailand.

Trans Youth Perspective in the United States
Youth may identify as transgender or gender variant as early as the age of three. Gender role messages and behaviors start immediately after birth and continue through the lifespan. For trans youth in the United States, there are many different aspects to consider for the youth and their families concerning transition and safety, especially in schools. With the support of organizations that specialize in working with trans youth and their families, many families can help their children live their life as their identified gender presentation.

Male to Female Trans Experience in the Northeast United States
Individuals who identify as male at birth but whose gender identity is female are known as MTF transpeople. Some choose to transition from male to fully female via surgery, and some transition to somewhere in between, comfortable with living outside of the gender binary. If they decide that transition is appropriate for them, they begin living as females on a temporary basis, dressing in feminine clothing and wearing makeup. They may choose to take hormones which cause bodily changes such as breast growth and reduction of erectile and testicle size. During hormone therapy, MTF transpeople may choose to pursue surgical procedures to change their bodies permanently. The Northeast is full of many places to pursue transition, making it a supportive place for MTF transpeople to pursue their lives with more understanding and support.

Female to Male Transgenders in the United States
People who are born with female anatomy but later identify or express themselves as male typically identify as FTM (female to male) transgender individuals. While there is not much research on this population, the majority of it focuses on the transitioning process and the discrimination faced by these individuals in society. Transitioning can include taking on a more masculine appearance, binding breasts, taking hormones, and receiving top and/or bottom surgery. Discrimination is experienced by FTM individuals in all facets of life, but one of the main concerns in the research is the discrimination they feel in regards to healthcare.

India's Hijra
The hijras of India represent India's third gender. These individuals are known as "neither men nor women." They are impotent biological male or intersex individuals who are said to hold fertility powers which they can bless and curse people with. They hold cultural roles as performers, but these roles have decreased over time. Hijras have been stigmatized and marginalized for hundreds of years, but more recently India has begun offering them more rights.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Native American Two-Spirits
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">The term two-spirit is relatively new, and refers to Native American individuals who embody both masculine and feminine qualities. Prior to colonization, two-spirit individuals typically held respectable statuses in tribal society and performed a variety of cultural roles. Colonization drastically influenced these individuals' acceptance and inclusivity in society.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Transgender Involvement in Sex Work
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Due to factors such as familial rejection and workplace discrimination, many transgender individuals, particularly MtF transwomen, pursue sex work in order to make a living and find community. Transgender individual face unique risks by engaging in sex work that go beyond the risks faced by "biologically female" sex workers such as increased client and police violence; however, they also experience benefits such as sexual desire and gender validation that they may not receive in other realms of their lives.

=<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Recommendations = <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">When working with non-binary or trans populations, it is important to not assume terminology. Do not use a pronoun or a label unless you know for sure that person refers to them self as such. Also, if you come from a Western perspective, do not assume everyone else does. Many people do not see gender on a binary as Western cultures tend to. People may view themselves existing somewhere between male and female or a gender completely unassociated with the male and female dichotomy. It is important to show cultural sensitivity if you want to work effectively with trans or non-binary populations.

When working with transgender or non-binary populations, it is also important to understand stress that can come from their identity. They may have faced discrimination that can often become extremely violent. This minority stress can effect many aspects of their lives (McCann, 2015). Being aware of the discrimination and the different types of discrimination is important to consider with this population.

=References= <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Barker, M. (2013). [|Gender beyond the binary]. Diva, (207), 54-55. Retrieved from http://0-web.b.ebscohost.com.libcat.widener.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=a9a531c5-f934-46e5-8c41-58f3394 65469%40sessionmgr113&vid=2&hid=112

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Corwin, A. I. (2009). [|Language and gender variance: Constructing gender beyond the male/female binary]. Electronic Journal of Human Sexuality, 12, 4-4. Retrieved from http://0-web.b.ebscohost.com.libcat.widener.edu/ehost/detail?sid=2f58b5d7-9571-4aad-b14b-f41fbcda1781%40sessionmgr110&vid=2&hid=112&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=qth&AN=39770708

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,'Lucida Grande',Geneva,Verdana,Helvetica,'Lucida Sans Unicode',sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">McCann, E. (2015), People who are transgender: mental health concerns. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 22: 76–81. doi: 10.1111/jpm.12190

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Meier, S., Pardo, S., Labuski, C., & Babcock, J. (2013). [|Measure of clinical health among female-to-male transgender persons as a function of sexual orientation.] Archives of Sexual Behavior, 42(3), 463-474. doi:10.1007/s10508-012-0052-2