Trans* is an umbrella term that encompasses a variety of identities that go beyond traditional gender norms. Transgender (or Trans*) describes individuals whose gender identity, gender expression, or typically associated gendered behavior does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth. Transitioning refers to the process in which a transgender person changes aspects of themselves, such as appearance, name, or pronouns, to better align with their gender identity (APA, 2023; SafeZoneProject, n.d.). Although the visibility and recognition of transgender individuals in Europe have been increasing, they still face significant social, legal, and health-related challenges, barriers, and discrimination. The following text discusses cases of violence, discrimination, and murder motivated by transphobia.
Framing & Perspectives
Transgender identities have existed across cultures and history, with many Indigenous cultures recognizing gender diversity long before modern terminologies emerged. The meaning of gender nonconformity might vary within different cultures (APA, 2023). For instance, the “Two-Spirit” people in many Native American communities held significant cultural roles and embody masculine (Driskill et al., 2011). In South Asia, Hijras have been acknowledged for centuries as a third gender, with historical significance in Hindu mythology (Hossain, 2012). Transgender rights movements gained momentum in the 1960s, with figures like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera playing key roles during the Stonewall Riots (Feinberg, 1996). Continuously, scholars such as Susan Stryker and Alok Vaid-Menon emphasize the intersectionality of gender, race, and class in understanding the diversity of trans experiences (Stryker & Aizura, 2013; Vaid-Menon, 2020).
Legal recognition of gender identity varies significantly across Europe. Countries like Malta, Norway, and Ireland have laws that allow self-determination in gender recognition (ILGA-Europe, 2021). In some countries, access to gender-affirming treatments is severely restricted or requires lengthy and invasive procedures (European Professional Association for Transgender Health, 2019). Overall, access to appropriate and gender-affirming (mental) health care remains a significant issue for transgender people in Europe (European Society for Sexual Medicine, 2018) because most care providers lack the training and awareness necessary to offer appropriate care.
Relevance
Frequent discrimination and harassment were reported by nearly 60% of the interviewed transgender individuals in Europe in the past five years, and over 20% reported being physically or sexually attacked based on their gender identity (FRA, 2020). The Trans Murder Monitoring Project reported that between 2008 and 2020, there were 130 reported cases of murdered transgender people in Europe, with many cases likely underreported (Trans Murder Monitoring Project, 2020). Despite these challenges, there have been positive strides in Europe towards the inclusion and rights of transgender people. Various countries have enacted legal protections against discrimination based on gender identity, and there is growing support for gender diversity in public discourse. Advocacy groups across Europe are working to promote transgender rights, raise awareness, and push for legislative changes that support the self-determination and dignity of transgender individuals.
Keywords: LGBTQ+ Topics, Gender, Gender Identity, Gender Expressions, Trans, Two-Spirited, Legal Recognition, Social Movement
Connected terms: Acronym “LGBTQIAPN+”, Queer, AFAB/AMAB, Body Image, Bodily Autonomy, Cisgender, Queer Theory, Representation, Woke, Body Liberation
References
American Psychological Association (2023). Understanding transgender people, gender identity and gender expression. Retrieved 18th September 2024, from Answers to your questions about transgender people, gender identity, and gender expression (apa.org)
American Psychological Association (2018, September). Defining transgender terms. Monitor on Psychology.https://www.apa.org/monitor/2018/09/ce-corner-glossary
Ben Hagai, E., Zurbriggen, E. L., & Lugo, N. R. (2022). The Transgender Spectrum. In Queer Theory and Psychology: Gender, Sexuality, and Transgender Identities (pp. 99-121). Springer International Publishing.https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-84891-0_5
Driskill, Q.-L., Finley, C., Gilley, B. J., & Morgensen, S. L. (2011). Queer Indigenous Studies: Critical Interventions in Theory, Politics, and Literature. University of Arizona Press.
Feinberg, L. (1996). Transgender Warriors: Making History from Joan of Arc to Dennis Rodman. Beacon Press.
Gender Wiki. (n.d.). Transgender. Retrieved January 4, 2023, fromhttps://gender.fandom.com/wiki/Transgender
Hossain, A. (2012). Beyond Emasculation: Being Muslim and Becoming Hijra in South Asia. Asian Studies Review, 36(4), 495-513. https://doi.org/10.1080/10357823.2012.731726
Lori Gray. (2017, April 13). The gender spectrum. Voices.https://voices.berkeley.edu/behavioral-health-sciences/gender-spectrum
National Center for Transgender Equality. (2016, July 9). Frequently asked questions about transgender people.https://transequality.org/issues/resources/frequently-asked-questions-about-transgender-people
OULGBTQ+ Society. (n.d.). Transgender. Retrieved January 3, 2023, fromhttps://www.oulgbtq.org/trans.html
SafeZoneProject (n.d.). Retrieved September 18th, 2024, from LGBTQ+ Vocabulary Glossary of Terms » The Safe Zone Project
Stryker, S. (2008). Transgender History. Seal Press.
Stryker, S., & Aizura, A. Z. (2013). The Transgender Studies Reader 2. Routledge.
Transactual. (n.d.). Facts about trans lives and trans rights. Retrieved January 4, 2023, from https://www.transactual.org.uk/facts-about-trans
Transstudent. (n.d.). Definitions. Retrieved January 3, 2023, fromhttps://transstudent.org/about/definitions/
Vaid-Menon, A. (2020). Beyond the Gender Binary. Penguin Workshop.
Good Night Out Campaign. (n.d.). All Gender Access Toolkit. Retrieved January 4, 2023, fromhttps://www.goodnightoutcampaign.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/toilets.pdf
