There is no one single definition of what it means to be transgender. For some, being trans is about how they feel inside; for others, it's about their identity as an individual separate from their assigned gender at birth. But regardless of the reasons why someone might identify as trans, there are certain aspects that all trans individuals have in common. One such aspect is the pursuit of becoming oneself - the process of discovering who you truly are and living your life authentically. This can involve everything from coming out to loved ones to taking hormones or undergoing surgery. For many trans people, this journey requires them to confront societal expectations and norms about gender roles and identities.
One way to think about this is through the concept of authenticity. According to philosopher Charles Taylor, authenticity involves having a "full sense" of who you are. In other words, it's about knowing yourself deeply and intimately and acting accordingly. It's about being true to yourself, even if that means going against society's expectations. When it comes to trans selfhood, authenticity can be difficult to achieve because there are so many social pressures placed upon us. We often feel like we need to fit into narrow boxes based on our assigned gender at birth, which can make it hard to find our own path. But by embracing our true selves and rejecting these expectations, we can begin to live more fully and freely as ourselves.
Another way to think about this is through the work of Michel Foucault. He argued that power structures (like those around gender) shape our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. By challenging these structures, we can begin to see ourselves as something more than just what others tell us we should be. This can be incredibly empowering for trans people who may have been told they don't belong anywhere else but in their assigned gender role.
Becoming oneself is an essential part of being transgender. It allows us to break free from societal expectations and find our own paths in life. And while it's not easy, it's definitely worth the effort. As author bell hooks once said: "authenticity is not about perfection; it's about honesty." So let's embrace our true selves, even if it means breaking down some walls along the way.