Issue 126

MARCH 2013
ISSN 1835-4637

Australian TRANSGENDER SUPPORT Association of Queensland. Inc.

ABN 13 319 522 768

07 3843 5024
atsaq.inc@gmail.com atsaq.com PO Box 212 New Farm QLD 4005

For Friends, Family and Allies

Millions of people in the US identify as transgender. And yet, most people know almost nothing about them. Even many feminists have trouble distinguishing identity from identity, term from term, myth from reality. How many of your friends and family can properly define the term transgender? If youre like most of us, the answer is, not many.

freaks, deviants, and perverts. They are told that who they are is wrong. They are even hated, hurt, and killed. When transgender people are represented in the media, they are often portrayed as over-sexualized, uncontrollable freaks (think Jerry Springer). Or are presented as drugged out prostitutes (think Cops). Or are misidentified as flamboyant drag queens (think RuPaul). We know this is wrong.

misconception about trans people. Many people incorrectly associate being transgender with automatically living an crazy lifestyle based on tv and in the movies. This may involve drag performance, hyper-masculine or hyperfeminine behaviour, drugs, or prostitution. Some trans people (and some non-trans people too!) engage in the above behaviours. But all transgender people do the everyday things that are a part of life. They go to work, buy groceries, see movies, kiss their kids good night.

Why do we know so little about transgender people?

When it comes to gender and sex, transgender people are breaking the rules. And since patriarchys very existence depends on everyones compliance, those who break the rules are a threat. So they must be silenced.

But, we may still not know whats right. Its easy to fall into the trap of stereotyping this group that you may find hard to understand. Maybe you already have. Thats okay. Being feminist doesnt mean being perfect. But it does mean making an effort to change your ways of Transgender people are systematically thinking and debunk the myths that silenced on a daily basis. society tells us about certain groups of people. They are not adequately represented in So lets confront some of the most politics, government, or media. They are common myths about transgender not encouraged to freely express people, and change our ways of thinking themselves in a society that fears about them. them. They are often not even safe on their own streets. Myth #1: We dont know them because, frankly, we dont see them. Transgender people live crazy lives. When transgender people do live their lives in the open, they are deemed This is probably the most common

They are people. They do people things like everyone else.

Myth #2: Transgender people are confused.

Just because a person is different, doesnt mean they dont know who they are. Trans people have a sex. They are females, males, and intersex. Trans people have a gender. They are men, women, queer, and other genders.

They know their sex and they know their gender.

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ATSAQ UPDATE | ISSUE 126 | MARCH 2013 | PAGE 1

OBJECTIVES of ATSAQ
> To provide Queenslands transgender population with such support as our resources can permit. people. 07 3843 5024 8am-6pm weekdays. Write to us; PO box 212 NEW FARM Q 4005 Atsaq.inc@gmail.com atsaq.com PLEASE NOTE: ATSAQ is run from a private residence and is not an introduction agency. > To continue to address the problem of legal recognition and human rights for > To continue a program of public educa- transgender people in the state of tion aimed at changing the negative imag- Queensland. es which the community may have with Membership is available upon request. transgender people. Pick a form up at the luncheon or we can post one to you. Fees for membership are > To provide support for family and $30 pa single & $50 pa couple. friends of transgender people and help If you require one to one counselling or with understanding issues involved. would like to meet in a friendly, uncon> To provide information on medical and ventional atmosphere, please contact us health services available to transgender
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Many trans people just want to lead their lives as part of mainstream society and be accepted and not condemned by This can be confusing to us who inhabit more traditional their families, churches, governments and communities. gender roles, but to the transgender person, it is not They should be allowed this. confusing. It is just who they are. Other trans people feel very strongly about changing the That said, coming to the realization that you are trans, and system that has oppressed them and adapt more radical coming out publically as trans, in a society that doesnt accept beliefs about the gender system. They wish to live outside of or understand you can be very confusing and hurtful. Many traditional social norms and not be deemed freaks because transgender people have experiences of feeling defective or of it. wrong. They should be allowed this too. This is a social problem, not a gender identity problem. Transgender people are diverse. Each will make a unique decision about the life they want to lead.

Myth #3:

Myth #6: Transgender people hate their bodies.

This is a very common myth. It does make sense that a person who identifies as a woman might be uncomfortable in her male body, and vice versa. And some transgender people are uncomfortable and want to alter their bodies. Others choose to live with their bodies as they are. Neither choice means that this person hates themself. On the contrary, a transgender person can love themselves through the whole process of transitioning. And we can love them too! Each persons relationship with their body is unique and we should support every transgender person in doing what works for them.

Transgender people are mentally disturbed.

Its true that many transgender people suffer from mental illness. But its not because of their gender identity alone! Its because in a patriarchal society, being gender variant causes a lot of distress. So much distress, in fact, that it can be described by the diagnosis of a mental disorder. This diagnosis is helpful because it tells us that this person is hurting and something needs to be done to help.

Transgender people have the same brains we do. They are

just faced with a lot more mental and emotional stress.

Myth #4: Transgender people are gay.

Gender identity and sexual orientation are two completely separate characteristics. One is what gender we see ourselves as being. The other is what gender(s) and sex(es) we are physically and romantically attracted to. Knowing one doesnt tell you about the other.

Myth #7: Transgender people perform drag shows.

Conservative thinkers would love to point to a singing, shimmying, scantily dressed, heavily made-up drag queen slinking across a stage and say, THAT is a transgender! But, theyre wrong. In fact, did you know that the majority of gender performance is done by non-trans people? Because, its just a performance. Its not about real people.
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Myth #5: Transgender people are radical liberals with crazy ideas.
Transgender people come from all political and religious backgrounds.

Disclaimer For writers wishing to be anonymous, a non-de-plume will suffice, providing a contact number is supplied. ATSAQ is committed to healthy debate and/or constructive criticism upon any subject, we reserve the right to omit material, which is offensive or inappropriate for publication Ideas and opinions in this publication are not necessarily those of ATSAQ or those of our advertisers. Articles appearing in THE UPDATE are written expressly for ATSAQ unless otherwise stated. All articles may be reprinted providing that the source and author is acknowledged.
PAGE 2 | ATSAQ UPDATE | ISSUE 126 | MARCH 2013

NEWS and EVENTS

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Drag Queens and Drag Kings do drag for theatrical, comedic, and at times, political purposes. They do it for their art and they do it with you, the viewer, in mind. When a trans woman wears womens clothing or a trans man wears mens clothing, they are not doing drag. Nor are they cross-dressing. They are just wearing their clothes.

Myth #8: You can tell someone is transgender just by looking at them.
This is a myth meant to make us believe that transgender people are all crazy freaks. That you can spot one, like a cartoon villain or a sasquatch. Look, a tranny! It is a hurtful and misleading lie. The truth is, transgender people have bodies just like ours. And they may display them in very traditional ways. Some pass very well, others dont. As feminists, we dont judge our bodies or anyone elses.

When someone is unlike anything we have seen or known, we think, thats weird. Its okay to have that thought. Its human nature. But its important to understand that your perception of whats weird is based on your experiences and your culture. Many cultures think that living outside the gender binary (two-gender system) is perfectly normal. Transgender people are integrated into mainstream society and may even be held in high esteem. We can do the same! As feminists, we think difference is good! (and we embrace weirdness too).

Why do these myths exist?

30th MARCH 2013

11am
You are invited to come and enjoy the company, the conversations, and share knowledge or learn new things. Yes its the ATSAQ Luncheon ~ FISH & CHIPS Crumbed or Battered ATSAQ Green Salad Dessert Mystre Wine, tea & coffee Vegetarians also catered for please advise when booking ~ Lucky Door Prize Cost $15 ATSAQ Members $10 Contact ATSAQ 07 3843 5024 atsaq.inc@gmail.com by March 27 20123 to reserve your place and for the Venue address ~All are Welcome~

These myths all have one thing in common: they justify

the subjugation of transgender people.

Think about it: if we all believed that transgender people were confused, crazy, mentally ill, radical freaks that arent real people, then why would we want them to have an equal place in our society? If theyre not normal, and not right, why would we want them to be anything more than invisible?

Its a calculated collection of stereotypes that serves to maintain patriarchy.

Myth #9: Transgender people arent real men or women.

This is probably the most hurtful myth of all. It tells us that transgender people are somehow less human because of their gender identification. It is proof that they do not have a place in proper society. It is hateful and unacceptable. Everyone should have the right to be men and women, regardless of sex category or anything else.

Just by knowing that these 10 myths are false, you know more about transgender people than most people in the country today. And, because of this knowledge, trans people are one step closer to being understood and accepted in mainstream society. Now, take a minute to think about how powerful that is.

There are many ways to be human.

Katy Kreitler is a Contributing Writer for Everyday Feminism as well as a counsellor and youth advocate. She can
be found wandering the streets of San Francisco with a purse full of used fiction, a pair of emergency yoga pants, and half a burrito. http://everydayfeminism.com/2012/08/
myths-about-transgender-people/

(you do not have to be a member to attend)

Myth #10: Transgender people are weird.

ATSAQ UPDATE | ISSUE 126 | MARCH 2013 | PAGE 3

THE BIG GAY DAY The Big Gay Day is all over for another year but let us not forget all the hard work prior to March 10.

It was also great to see members from the QLD Police Service, LGBTI Liaison Officers on the day strengthening ties There is always a funny episode on such with the community, handing out pens Organising an event of such a great scale occasions and it happened to me whilst I and key rings and general chit chat. is daunting and thanks should go out to was in conversation with the security Ruth and Marie from the Wickham staff. A young lady with her friend Hotel, for the months of pre-planning, approached me and asked to see Ruth, Carina Leagues Club (16 years of notes help a lot too), and Manager of The Wickham Hotel. Having Sal from OpenDoors for numerous just guided bar staff that were arriving to Carina Leagues Club was the venue for a emails, phone calls to ensure the work I just told the couple to follow me meeting with several MPs and Minister volunteer rosters had been filled. and proceeded to walk them to the bar. for Housing Tim Mander. It became apparent all was not quite With the previous and current wet right when I approached Rueben, bar The meeting kick-started at around weather leading up to the day, in the manager, and asked him about the two 6.10pm with 300 people in attendance morning, although cloudy early, cleared people. from all different community groups. By up and the sun came out to the relief of 6.25pm it became apparent that funding all the volunteers who arrived early to and how to approach it was for sporting help finish the set up for the event. equipment and not on our agenda and so we three walked out. Arriving at 7.45am, with our volunteers, it was pretty full on for three hours or so. Mr Mander was just finishing his Moving outdoor bar tables and stools, presentation and as such met us in the heavy blighters that they are, setting up foyer on the way out. barricades for the entry points, restocking the bars was coordinated with great He expressed his disappointment that precision, assisting Healthy Communities out group was having troubles with and OpenDoors with marques and being various government bodies and gave us trolley dollies also. some advice as to approach the various agencies which we will take on board. Many thanks to the following ATSAQ morning volunteers, Krissy, Roz, Rachel, Not one to miss an opportunity I Krissy & Linda with ATSAQs new Linda, Karl, Craig and Blake whose mentioned to the Housing Minister of the Volunteers Blouses. muscle power was certainly welcome many empty housing commission homes and needed. A special mention to Linda, around Carina Carina Heights area and who worked till dark being the Hostess with the Mostess at the VIP entry point, It was then the lady introduced herself as named the streets. I hope that Mr and to Rachel who just doesnt stop. Heather Small, the singer and star of the Mander will take my advice on board. Love your work Ladies. My 70 year old show. Ms Small of MPeople fame, could plus body was willing, but, occasionally see the funny side of being mistaken for ATSAQ will be having a meeting with Mr Steve Minniken, Member for Chatsworth had to have a minutes respite. one of the bar staff. on March 27th at his office. Not forgetting ATSAQ afternoon A stretch Limo arrived and out came two volunteers John-Paul, Steve, Melanie, look-a-likes from the band KISS, in their Emma and Mandy and all the volunteers costumes, even the security staff grabbed Dont forget to support Aunty Pat and from Healthy Communities and the opportunity to get there photos taken Linda on alternate Friday Nights at The OpenDoors. with them. They were very passable but SPORTSMAN HOTEL, Spring Hill, for your chance to win a great prize. their Mums gave the game away being

Thanks to OpenDoors for a BBQ before opening time and supplying all volunteers with bottled water throughout the day.

younger than the original band members.

ATSAQ UPDATE | ISSUE 126 | MARCH 2013 | PAGE 4