We Come In All Flavors.

There is no one type of trans, some can integrate in to society, some can’t, some crossdress on weekends, some have transitioned, some are on hormones and some wants to have surgery. But we are all trans, we all cross the gender norms. I found this article about how we can help each other, some of the ideas I like other well…

9 Ways Trans Folks Can Support Each Other
Pride
By Basil Soper
March 30, 2016

1 Hold Space for Trans People Who Are Non-Binary, Non-Conforming, or Questioning
Binary trans folks can be just as exclusive and dismissive towards genderqueer people. These folks are on the spectrum and a part of our community. Support them where they are at!

2. Believe Trans Folks
Sometimes, tran folks like to think there is some kind of trans card you need to be a part of the club. If someone comes out as trans and you, personally, don't think they are trans- you need to check yourself. Trans people come in all forms!

3. Don’t Judge How Someone Transitions
We are all on our own gender journey. Some folks choose to not use hormones. Some don't ever want surgery. Some want to express themselves in a more androgynous manner. It's all about what makes that personal comfortable. Remember, their expression does not reflect on you or your identity.

The article goes on with this idea,

5 Advocate For All Trans Folks
Depending on socio-economic status, race, gender expression, identity, history, and location some trans folks are more privileged than others. We need to adovocate for one another, no matter what. We are a united front, let's act like it!

This is something that I believe in, we can’t judge who is trans and who is not because we end up with a “pecking order” or “I’m most trans than you.” We criticize laws that ban us from using the bathroom of our gender identity and we complain that it is unenforceable unless they check everyone, we the same is true when we trans to label who are trans and who are not.

Item 6 I do not agree with,

6 Share Lists of Safe Spaces
Keep tabs on organizations, bathrooms, hair salons, barbers, and workplaces that are trans friendly. Post and share this information with folks that need it!

One of the local support groups that I attended had on their website a list of safe places like the author suggested… well. One time one of the gay bars that was listed changed to a country & western bar complete with a mechanical bull, needless to say when the group of trans women walked in they weren’t welcome. That is the problem with lists, they must be constantly updated, if you don’t it can have disastrous consequences.