A transgender person is someone who does not identify with their assigned gender at birth. This means they may have been assigned female at birth but identify as male, or vice versa. Trans people often face discrimination, harassment, and violence because of their identity. They also encounter challenges when it comes to healthcare, housing, education, employment, and more. Authenticity refers to being true to oneself. Ethics are moral principles that guide behavior. Societal expectation is what society expects from an individual. Lived experience is the actual experience of living life. Embodiment involves being present in one's body and recognizing its physical limits and capabilities. How can these concepts apply to transgender individuals?
Embodiment is important for transgender individuals because it allows them to live authentically. It enables them to be true to themselves and recognize their own needs, desires, and limitations.
A trans man who undergoes hormone therapy may no longer feel comfortable wearing dresses or skirts, so he stops doing so. He embraces his masculinity by wearing pants, shirts, and shoes that fit him. As a result, he feels more authentic and confident in his own skin. Authenticity informs societal expectations because trans people should be able to express themselves freely without fear of judgment or persecution. Society expects people to act according to their assigned gender, but this can cause distress for trans individuals. By embracing their true selves, trans people challenge social norms and create space for all genders to be accepted. Lived experience shapes how people see themselves and others. When someone identifies as trans, they may have had different experiences than cisgender (non-trans) people. Their lived experience affects how they navigate relationships with family, friends, co-workers, and strangers. Trans embodiment can help trans people understand their unique challenges and opportunities, leading to greater self-awareness and empowerment.
Trans embodiment informs ethical considerations of authenticity, societal expectation, and lived experience by enabling individuals to be true to themselves, challenge society's expectations, and better understand their own lives. By recognizing these factors, we can support trans people in living happy and fulfilling lives while promoting diversity and inclusion in our communities.
How can trans embodiment inform ethical considerations of authenticity, societal expectation, and lived experience?
The concept of embodiment plays an important role in understanding one's identity. According to Diane Ehrensaft (2017), transgender individuals may face challenges related to gender identification that make them feel disconnected from their physical bodies, leading to negative psychological and social consequences. Embracing one's body through activities such as exercise, dressing according to one's gender expression, or seeking medical intervention can improve mental health and increase self-acceptance.