How do experiences of passing—whether desired or undesired—impact self-esteem, authenticity, and safety in daily life?
Passing is when an individual assumes or presents themselves as something they are not to others, such as gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion, age, social status, occupation, and other characteristics. Passing may be intentional or unintentional, conscious or subconscious, and positive or negative.
Intentional passing can have both positive and negative effects on self-esteem. It allows individuals to feel accepted by society and experience more comfort in their environment.
It may also lead to feelings of guilt and shame for hiding parts of one's true self. Unintentional passing may be due to misperceptions by others about an individual's identity, which could cause confusion or frustration for that person.
Passing can impact authenticity by requiring individuals to suppress or modify aspects of their identity to fit into mainstream society. This can create dissonance between what is presented externally and internally, leading to reduced mental health and well-being.
Transgender people who pass as cisgender may experience anxiety and depression due to the pressure to maintain a lie.
Passing can also affect safety, particularly in situations where revealing one's identity could result in discrimination, violence, or even death. LGBTQ+ individuals may face discrimination from family members, employers, or communities if they come out as queer. People of color may face racial profiling and harassment if they are perceived as white. Gender nonconforming individuals may be at risk of physical harm.
Experiences of passing, whether desired or undesired, can significantly impact self-esteem, authenticity, and safety in daily life. Intentional passing can provide acceptance but comes with risks, while unintentional passing can cause confusion and stress. Passing can also compromise authenticity by forcing individuals to hide parts of themselves, and may put them at risk of discrimination or violence based on prejudice.