As society progresses, it is vital that individuals are able to express themselves without fear of discrimination or prejudice. One group that has historically faced significant obstacles in this regard is the transgender community, which includes people who identify as neither male nor female, both genders, or somewhere in between. While many countries have made strides towards acceptance and inclusion, there remains much work to be done before all members of the LGBTQ+ spectrum can feel truly safe and accepted in their own skin. This essay will explore some of the historical and cultural factors that continue to shape contemporary societal transphobia.
One major factor contributing to societal transphobia is the concept of gender roles. In traditional cultures around the world, men and women were expected to fulfill specific roles within their families and communities. Men were typically seen as providers and protectors, while women were often relegated to domestic tasks such as cooking and cleaning. This created a clear division between the sexes, making it difficult for anyone who did not conform to these expectations to find acceptance within their social circles. Even today, many people hold onto outdated ideas about what constitutes masculinity and femininity, leading them to judge those who deviate from these standards.
Another contributor to transphobia is religious beliefs. Many religions teach that God created humans male and female, with no room for other identities. As a result, many adherents view transgender individuals as sinful or abnormal, leading them to marginalize and ostracize them.
Certain religious groups may interpret trans identity as an attack on traditionally held values, further reinforcing negative attitudes towards those who identify as trans.
Society also plays a role in perpetuating transphobia by promoting cisnormativity. Cisnormativity refers to the assumption that everyone is either male or female, with little room for any other options. This can be seen in everything from language (using gendered pronouns like 'he' and 'she') to media representations (portrayals of only two genders). When society fails to acknowledge non-binary identities, it sends a message that they are less valid than others.
There is the matter of medicalized discrimination. Historically, doctors have played a significant role in defining what it means to be male or female, often using physical characteristics such as genitals and chromosomes to categorize patients. This has led to the misconception that being transgender is simply a medical issue, rather than a personal one. Moreover, some medical professionals continue to use hormones and surgeries in an attempt to "correct" a person's gender, reinforcing the idea that there is something wrong with them to begin with.
While progress has been made towards greater acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals, much work remains to be done before all members of this community feel safe and included within society. Historical and cultural factors such as gender roles, religion, cisnormativity, and medicalization continue to shape societal views on trans identity, creating obstacles for those seeking to live authentically. By recognizing these barriers, we can take steps towards creating a more inclusive future where everyone feels free to express themselves without fear of judgment or exclusion.
What historical and cultural factors continue to shape contemporary societal transphobia?
Contemporary societal transphobia is a product of an intersectional combination of various historical and cultural factors that have shaped the perception of gender nonconformity. Historically, transgender people have been perceived as "deviant" individuals who violated social norms of femininity and masculinity (Pitagora & De Mattos, 2018).