The idea that gender identity can be fluid and ever-changing has been present for centuries, but it wasn't until recently that this concept gained widespread recognition through the rise of the transgender movement. Trans people have been able to challenge society's rigid expectations of what it means to be male or female, paving the way for others to question their own gender identities and express themselves freely.
There are those who argue that the very act of transitioning is an example of how individuals create their own sense of self, rather than discovering it. They claim that transitioning involves redefining oneself, which goes against the notion that one's true self is already innate. But does this mean that all aspects of selfhood are created? In other words, do trans lives demonstrate that the self is an ongoing creation?
Let's define some key terms. The word "self" refers to the totality of an individual's personality, including their thoughts, emotions, and actions. It is what makes each person unique and differentiates them from everyone else. "Gender," on the other hand, refers to the social roles and characteristics assigned to men and women within a particular culture. It encompasses physical attributes like genitalia and hormones, as well as behavioral traits such as dress, speech patterns, and occupations. When we talk about transgenderism, we are referring to individuals whose gender identity does not match the sex they were assigned at birth. This might manifest in different ways, ranging from changing one's name and pronouns to undergoing surgery and taking hormone therapy.
Let's consider whether or not these changes are indicative of a created sense of self. Trans people often describe their experience as feeling like they have been living in the wrong body for most of their life. For many, this discomfort becomes so great that they seek out medical interventions to align their physical appearance more closely with their inner sense of self. But is this simply a case of creating a new self-image or rediscovering their original one? Some argue that it's both - that transitioning is a process of redefining oneself while also unearthing who they truly are.
Others maintain that there is no pre-existing true self waiting to be discovered; rather, we continually create ourselves throughout our lives through our interactions with the world around us.
Which argument holds water? Both sides make valid points. On the one hand, transitioning involves a conscious effort to change one's appearance and behavior, suggesting that we can alter our sense of self. On the other hand, some people may feel as though they have always been trans and just needed time to come into alignment with their true nature. Perhaps the answer lies somewhere in between: that while our innate identities may be fixed, they are subject to constant fluctuation and refinement based on our experiences and environments.
Transgenderism highlights how fluid and malleable gender identity can be. While some individuals may view it as an example of creating oneself from scratch, others might see it as a journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Regardless, what matters is that trans people are able to express themselves authentically without judgment or societal pressure. It's up to each person to decide how they want to define their own sense of self and embrace it fully.
Do transgender lives demonstrate that the self is an ongoing creation?
Although gender identity is typically assigned at birth and many people accept this as part of their core identity throughout life, some individuals may experience a discrepancy between their physical sex characteristics and the way they perceive themselves. This can lead to distress, confusion, and even feelings of being misaligned with one's biological body.