We need Solidarity: while I did not get to know the transgender world it is perceivable. Though a dark, very dark, mirror I have owned most of my adult life. As one of those termed ‘woMAN’, ‘feMALE. This life, gone now almost, has also been spent in total refutation of demeaning describers, of misogynic branding; in the stand against ‘face value’. And In dancing the suicide fox-trop when young, final waltz when old.
Nick Adams, Director of Programs, Transgender Media at GLAAD, states: “forty-one percent of transgender people report attempting suicide—not thinking about suicide, but attempting suicide”. I wonder if these awful statistics also appear in women’s lives. If they too bear witness to ‘attempts at suicide’. As an adult I’ve always known suicide as such a ‘life’ option.
From this perspective, Adams’ rationale is unshakeable. He continues: “it’s because we live in a culture which makes it seem like it’s nearly impossible to be a happy, successful transgender person”. Our culture makes many, many woMen extremely depressed and unhappy. Our culture is not a proper life, does not provide proper life skills, opportunities and support in this wilderness – that is modern life.
Adams’ goes onto state the importance of education about the problems transgender people face, that: “transgender people are just like everyone else. We can be your coworkers, we can be your friends, we can be your neighbors”. Transgender people are everyone else.
As I think about how difficult the environment transgender people must occupy, still I see strong comparisons in my life as woMAN. Especially dark times, many. Then, and inevitably, my suicide impulses were strongly fostered by outside influences, attitudes and environments.
Yet this might all change, if we pull together. Adams quotes Transparent creator Jill Soloway, who says, “anytime someone makes a break for freedom to be their true self, it can be a challenge, but it’s also incredibly exciting.”
So, to me it seems entirely logical when Adams says he looks “forward to the day when people say, ‘I’m transgender,’ and people go, ‘So? What else is interesting about you?'” That day will come. It will take time and it will take – Solidarity. Perhaps the only option is to delete the term ‘gender’? To eradicate that polarising BRAND entirely?
WoMen are too. So, Solidarity TO ALL: Peace, goodwill, prosperity, health, wealth & happiness…. lots and lots of laughter, together. old Susanne xs
susanneah 