Familial & Peer Acceptance of Transgender Teens

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Creative Work - Post 12

A haiku on transgender rights and acceptance -

Acceptance for all

Trans lives are important too 

Stop rejection now 

I chose to right a haiku because it is the easiest poem to understand , due to the quick and simple nature they have. I wanted to make something easy to understand , so that I could reach a wide variety of people. Many times throughout my research, I felt very confused and overwhelmed by the material I was reading, likely because I have very little experience with the LGBTQ* community. The goal of creating a haiku on transgender acceptance was to make sure it would be something very simple for anyone to understand. I hope this will reach as many people as possible, so that a change can be ignited and oppression of transgender people will be eliminated. This work will help people understand that rejection and harassment of transgender people is a real thing, and I intend for people to see this and be repulsed , making them want this change also. The change I hope my readers will seek is the advocating I hope this post will inspire. 

KW

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Annotated List of Additional Sources - Post 10

Jenner, C. (2015, July 27). A Tremendous Problem Facing the Trans                          Community. Retrieved November 29, 2015.

This article was interesting to me,as it was written by a transgender celebrity who receives much of the media’s attention. In the article, she discusses the tragedies of trans teen suicide and suggests different ways to help prevent this. This would be beneficial for a transgender teen to read, coming from an adult who faces large amounts of controversy and still speaks out about happiness and anti-suicide ideas. 

 Laverne Cox Biography. (n.d.). Retrieved November 30, 2015.

The biography of Laverne Cox is the source that I used for my post on a real life example. I chose Laverne Cox because her story deals with stories of harassment and bullying throughout her teenage years as a transgender person. Today, she has overcome her years of bullying and is now a thriving actress. 

Morrow, D. (2003, January 16). Social Work Practice with Gay, Lesbian,                   Bisexual, and Transgender Adolescents. Retrieved November 22, 2015.

This was the article I used for my first analysis of a scholarly source. This article discussed three main areas transgender teens may face issues, the family, the school system, and positive self image. This was relevant to my research as I am concerned with ways transgender teens can find acceptance throughout their school and family relationships.   

Nadal, K., & Griffin, K. (2011). Microaggressions: A Root of Bullying, Violence,            and Victimization toward Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth          In The Psychology of Teen Violence and Victimization (Vol. 1, pp. 3-21).

I used this chapter for my analysis of a second scholarly source post. This chapter discusses the bullying the LGBT* community faces as young teens, and addresses possible causes and solutions to bullying. 

Shamus, K. (2015, March 10). Transgender Teen Acceptance, An Act of Love            for Family. Retrieved November 22, 2015. 

I used this article for my Analysis of a Web Source post. The article discussed one specific family’s journey throughout accepting their transgender son. I referenced this article in many other posts because I was able to use it as an example, in that the father of the transgender child was filled with rejection until he decided to research and understand the topic, and is now able to accept his son. 

Shapiro, T. (2015, May 6). For Transgender Teens and Teachers, Acceptance          could be Two Words Away. Retrieved November 29, 2015.

I thought this article could be beneficial to those interested in my topic because it focuses on a small town that is working to make transgender something that is more accepted in their community. It is relevant to my topic because this acceptance they are working towards is hopefully something that can be applied back to all transgender people all over the world. 

Shrestha, K. (2015, August to Acceptance: Transgender Teens Tell their                   Stories. Retrieved November 29, 2015. 

I found this article beneficial to my topic because it was a series of several young adults sharing their personal stories. The stories included bullying, standing up for themselves, and how they have so proudly overcome the rejection they once faced. 

Tempesta, E. (2015, September 3). 'I hope you're happy because I'm                         miserable': Transgender teens speak to themselves ten years from now           and share heartbreaking struggles for acceptance and hopes for a                     better future. Retrieved November 25, 2015.

This source was my favorite source that I was able to use for this project. The article is filled with teens/young adults telling themselves ten years in the future, things they hope they can achieve and have. Many of the things the teens wished for for their ten years in the future self was acceptance from their family members. I suggest taking a look at this article for anyone who interested in this topic of transgender acceptance, because it is truly moving. 

Thielke, M. (2015, October 29). Ottumwa Transgender Teen Shares Story of            Acceptance. Retrieved November 28, 2015

I used this article because I found it to be one of the instances where a transgender teen was able to find acceptance within his community. In my blog, I focused very little on what it is like when a transgender teen is fully accepted, so I wanted to include this article for anyone interested in the topic.

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My Reflections - Post 11

After my research on familial and peer based acceptance of transgender teens, I can say that I have learned a large amount on the issue. Prior to this project, I had very little understanding of the transgender community, the oppression that is faced, and why this oppression is troublesome. This project has been very eye opening for me, because I feel that I have gained an understanding I previously did not have.

The years spent as a teenager are some of the most difficult years, dealing with many changes and a whole of awkwardness. During these years, most teens are thriving for acceptance from their peers and support from their families. Unfortunately, these are two things transgender teens tend to struggle with. From my research, I have found that more often than not, transgender teens are not something parents or teen friends welcome with love and acceptance. Transgender teenagers often face isolation from their friends who shun things they are not familiar with, or things that are “not normal”, while many parents refuse to accept that their child is different from the picture perfect teenager they had imagined. 

Both of these forms of rejection are just flat out wrong. In my opinion, the rift in information here comes from a lack of knowledge and understanding on the sexual identification of transgender. It is natural for people to fear the unknown, however transgender is not something unknown. With all of the research, therapies, literature on the gender, it has become something that has been identified as “okay”, instead of a medical condition.

It is my opinion, after my research for this project, that the rejection from parents and peers comes from a lack of understanding. In the first post I made, Analysis of a web source, we met a family who had a transgender teenage member. At first, like any family, they were shocked and slightly confused. To accommodate and aid their child, the family did large amounts of research, and afterwards were able and willing to accept the child for who he really was, regardless of gender. This is an example of the way knowledge can transform one’s opinions. It’s natural for people to reject what they do not understand, and that is what is continually happening with peers and families regarding acceptance of their transgender friends and children. 

The power structures I discussed in my earlier post could have a tremendous impact on the understanding of the transgender community. School systems should be teaching a form of sexual education that acknowledges every sexual orientation and identification. This way, we can create generations of understanding and accepting people who will not discriminate against members of the LGBT* community. 

To wrap things up, from my research I found that there is ,unfortunately, a large amount of rejection from families and friends of transgender teens. In my opinion, this is due to a large misunderstanding that can be solved using power structures, such as the school system, to end the rejection and oppression once and for all. 

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Intersectional Issue - Post 7

Familial and peer acceptance of transgender teens is an intersectional issue in the way that it impacts various races/classes differently. While the acceptance of transgender teens via their family members and friends in an issue in itself, the impact of this acceptance on different races and classes varies greatly. This is an intersectional issue because the way transgender teens are treated can differ when discussing different communities. One example of race intersections is related to an example we discussed in class. We talked about how latino/a families tend to want their children and peers to adhere closely to gender norms, somewhat due to their strong conservative family values. The denial of a child’s identification may be extremely high in this culture due to religion or it may be widely accepted because of the way this community values their family and loved ones.  

This issue may differ between socioeconomic classes also. For example, upper class children tend to be held to a very specific mold by their parents, because they envision them as perfect. If an upper middle class teen came out as transgender, they may face outrage from their parents. On the other hand, this class has the funds to get their teen the proper counseling and medications to aid in their transition, although they may still face discrimination from their peers, who also uphold the “perfect upper middle class image”. Lower class parents may be completely accepting, but aren’t allotted the funds to further aid their child in transitioning. Ultimately, many families and friends will have different reactions and understandings of a transgender teen, but the way it translates differently through various communities makes the familial and peer acceptance of transgender teens and intersectional issue.

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Your Recommendations - Post 9

From researching in depth familial and peer based acceptance of transgender teens, I believe I have identified a plan that can better society, and ultimately fix the issue of acceptance of transgender teens for good. The first step in my three part plan of action begins within one of the power structures I discussed, public education. The first step in fixing the issue of acceptance of transgender teens (and all ages of people who identify as transgender) is teaching a curriculum in schools that teachers all spectrums of the LGBTQ community as a normal part of life, and that identifying as any part of this community is okay. By teaching that these identifications are normal and okay will create a generation of adults who do not view any part of the LGBTQ* community as abnormal or look down upon them. 

The second part of the plan is when the first educated group of children become adults. As adults, they can teach their children acceptance of all kinds of people, regardless of sexual/gender identification. By continuing to teach young children, early in life, that accepting anyone is right will ensure the continued acceptance of transgender people. 

The third, and final part of this plan includes the end of discrimination, hatred, oppression and any other negative attitude toward anyone who identifies within the LGBTQ* community. Through educating society on transgender people and the normality of this community, we have created an understanding that does not fear the unknown. Without an fear and misunderstanding left, there is no longer discrimination towards transgender people.

This solution correlates with my topic of familial and peer based acceptance of transgender teens, because with this plan in operations, we will see a permanent acceptance for all people under the title of LGBTQ*. Ultimately, this solution will create a generation of people who are more accepting and less judgmental towards things they are unfamiliar with. 

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Summary - Post 8

The significance of the problem with the acceptance of transgender teens via peers and the family is extremely high. Due to the lack of understanding that currently surrounds transgender teens, there are great amounts of oppression and discrimination facing this community. The discrimination and hatred that has been created results from the idea of anything that differs from the heterosexual norm of straight people identifying with their gender at birth. However, as time moves forward, transgender has been identified as a community within LGBT and is not something that should be viewed as “wrong”.

Unfortunately, a vast majority of society still has uneducated ideas about transgender and discriminates against those who fall into this category. For my blog, I wanted to dig deeper into familial and peer based acceptance of transgender teens, to gain a better understanding of how these ideas impact transgender teens and those who surround them. My findings have showed me that in most communities there is a large lack of acceptance for transgender teens whether it is through their families or friends. Due to this lack of acceptance, many teens are bullied at school or in their social environment, and often continue to face these negative attitudes in their homes from their parents and other family members. 

The end result of this issue with acceptance of transgender teens is mental issues due to the relentless negative actions and attitudes experienced throughout their adolescent time. In addition to this, transgender teens also struggle with accepting themselves for who they are due to the constant disapproval from those around them. From my research I have gained a better understanding of the community transgender, and also have found that there are simple solutions, such as education and understanding that can aid society it accepting all groups of people, regardless of gender or sexual identity. 

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Discussion of Power Structures - Post 6

The two power structures I believe relate back to familial and peer based acceptance of transgender teens are the medical field and public education. I believe both of these institutions play a key role in the public understanding of LGBT issues, and specifically the understanding and acceptance of transgender teens. Analyzing and small adjustments to these concepts can create a position change for transgender teens and their family and other loved one’s. 

The first power structure I would like to discuss is the medical field. The medical field is a power structure, because ultimately through psychological and biological research, they are abled to aid teens throughout their transgender journey’s because they are equipped with a much better understanding then most everyday people would have. The medical field holds the power of not only aiding teens in their transitioning, but also sharing their knowledge on the topic with the general public. Counseling and providing teens with the correct medicines/hormones during this time would enable teens to have a better understanding of themselves and be more comfortable in their own bodies. In addition to this, if medical establishments were able to share their education on this concept with the public, I believe society would have a better understanding of transgender teens, which in turn would lead to less discrimination and ultimately acceptance from their peers. The power the medical field holds lies within these examples discussed, as they hold the power that could help society with better acceptance of transgender teens. 

The second power structure that relates back the the acceptance of transgender teens is public education. The public education system is a power structure because they hold the power of educating a large portion of society that goes through the public education system. However, an issue lies within the lack of presentation of any form of LGBT education, and even a lack in sex-ed with a heteronormative focus. The power within the public education system could largely benefit the issue of familial and peer acceptance of transgender teens by creating an education program that teaches the understanding and acceptance of things other than the heterosexual norm. 

The examples of both the medical field and the public education system relate closely with other sources I have used for this project because each of the other sources are very crucial when it comes to the acceptance of transgender teens, and can be seen as underlying themes in many of the other sources I have used. Much of the lack of acceptance that I have discovered within many of my sources come from minimal understanding of transgender teens, caused by the lack of representation in society, schools, and the medical field. These power structures are capable of teaching understanding and acceptance by making minimal changes that will greatly benefit the live’s transgender teens.

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Discussion of a Real Example - Post 5

Laverne Cox

The real life example I chose to analyze is Laverne Cox. Laverne is a transgender woman, born a male, who throughout her lifetime received criticism and was subject to bullying as a child.  In order to analyze the experiences of Laverne I used a biographical source to get a better understanding of her life and many of her experiences. 

Laverne was raised alongside her twin brother, and because of this says “she never really saw a difference between boys and girls.” Cox says that from the time of her childhood she had always felt more like a female, she enjoyed more feminine things, specifically dancing and music. She explains that because of her feminine attitude and interests, she was subject to much ridicule from her other classmates. Growing up in Alabama, a Southern state that tends to be more conservative, she likely faced more discrimination than other transgender teens who live in more liberal areas of the country. 

 In the third grade, she had begged her mother to place her in a school for the arts, and her wish was granted. Despite the harassment she faced, Laverne continued with her love of the arts and graduated from Indiana University and Marymount Manhattan College with a BFA in dance. 

Laverne’s experiences relate closely to my topic because she is a transgender woman who struggled with acceptance from her peers going through school. Like many transgender teens, she was subject to ridicule and bullying because of her female characteristics and interests. The experiences she faced as a child, fortunately did not alter her love for the arts and dance, and was able to overcome the school yard torture she faced by continuing to work towards her true love of the arts.

Laverne Cox’s story relates to all of my other blog posts, because they all have dealt with the harassment of transgender teens throughout their adolescent years.  Many of the sources I have read have focused on the negative sides of this, explaining familial and peer rejection towards transgender teen identities, however Laverne’s story has a different twist. Not only was Laverne able to focus on the things she loved, but was able to receive higher education in them, and ultimately is a renowned actress that many know. She brings great attention to the transgender identity through her acting, and her speaking out for transgender people’s rights. 

Link Used: http://www.biography.com/people/laverne-cox

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Analysis of a Second Scholarly Source - Post 4

Kennedy Wright

For my second scholarly source, I chose to use the book entitled “The Psychology of Violence and Victimization”, and focused on the chapter Microaggressions: a Root of Bullying, Violence, and Victimization towards Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youths written by Kevin Nadal and Katie Griffin. This chapter analyzes how and why bullying occurs and then applies the findings to LGBT teens, in attempts to find a solution to stop the high rates of bullying LGBT teens experience. 

The chapter begins by discussing the history of bullying and discrimination. The authors suggest bullying has been evident in history, in the form that what is not considered conformative is not right. This same concept is still the basis for much of the oppression transgender youth face, in the way that they are often bullied because their sexuality is widely misunderstood and unexplained. The attitudes mentioned create an atmosphere that produce discrimination and negative ideas towards anyone that is not conforming with whatever standard being considered. The authors suggest that eliminating these microaggressions begins with discussing them openly when they occur, and creating an open dialogue for the situation. 

The chapter finishes by relating these ideas about the elimination of microaggressions back to bullying of transgender teens. The authors give specific ideas that can be used to aid society’s end toward bullying of LGBT youth and teens. One example is for adults and administrators to acknowledge bullying when it occurs, instead of denying it. This is important, so from an early age children know bullying is wrong. They also suggest parents talking with their children about what it means to respect everyone, even if they are different than they are. 

I agree with the authors solutions. I think that parents play a huge role in the way a child understands things, so if parents can teach equality while also punishing bullying that occurs, a newer generation will be created that will be more accepting and tolerant of things that are different than the norm. The only issue is, how can an entire population of parents who teach acceptance and equality when they were not taught these things as children themselves? I do not know they answer to this, however I’m sure there are ways to go about this. 

This source is different from the two other sources I have used to far because it is written on a different form of acceptance. The other two articles I have read have been centered on familial acceptance, and how parents reactions towards their transgender children can effect the way the child develops. However, the chapter of this book explores acceptance from one’s peers. This chapter, although different from my previous ones, is still important as it can further aid in the elimination of bullying of transgender teens. 

Link to chapter:  https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=tueOcNrTzMYC&oi=fnd&pg=PA3&dq=transgender+teens+family&ots=1zd14trJUr&sig=XOa36ZYd6nNbejDXAWNJMvTQu9M#v=onepage&q=transgender%20teens%20family&f=false

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Analysis of a Scholarly Source - Post 3

Kennedy Wright

For my third post, analysis of a scholarly article, I chose the article titled “Social Work Practice with Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Adolescence”, by Deana F. Morrow. This article focuses on some of the main topics that LGBT teens face as they grow through their teenage years. For my summary of this article, I will focus on these issues as they relate to transgender teens specifically. The article discusses two larger categories,  being Family Issues, The School Environment. 

The first category the article goes into discussing is the section for Family Issues that LGBT teens face. This section begins with stating the basic fears for teens when deciding to come out to their parents, or to continue to hide their sexuality.  Teens fear disapproval and rejection from their families, and for these reasons sometimes choose not to tell their parents how they really feel. LGBT teens are looking for validation, comfort, love, and support from their families when they decide to explain their sexuality, however do not always receive these things as an outcome. Often teens who come out to their parents face violence, disapproval, disownment, and other forms of abuse from their families. 

The school environment is where most teens learn how to interact socially, and form friendships. For LGBT teens, coming out about their sexuality puts them at risk for bullying, violence, and isolation due to the lack of understanding most teens possess. Typically LGBT teens in high school either shelter themselves completely and face isolation and loneliness, or become overachievers in academics or athletics in order to “pass” as gender/sexual conforming. 

Ultimately, the article establishes that LGBT teens have a difficult time forming positive self image throughout their teens years due to the lack of approval from their families and peers. Therefore, social work should aim to access the degree of personal development, and family/peer support in order to aid LGBT teens throughout their adolescent development. 

Coming from a small town, personally I understand the lack of understanding when it comes to LGBT related issues for teens. Until college, I really had no exposure to the LGBT community. How can we make a society that understands and can better aid/ accept LGBT teens? One possible solution is introducing these concepts at a young age and teaching being a member of the LGBT community is okay, and not wrong. This would allow children to form healthy opinions, instead of opposing the unknown. 

This source is different from the web source I read based on their perspectives. The web source I chose was based on a positive and accepting family who supported their son. While Hunter’s family did their research in order to better understand his transition, the reality is not all families are like this, and usually they are the opposite. This scholarly source digs deeper into identifying specific issues LGBT teens face, and how they can be aided in their development. 

Link to Article: http://familiesinsocietyjournal.org/doi/pdf/10.1606/1044-3894.246 

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Analysis of a Web Source (Post 2)

Kennedy Wright 

Transgender teens and children often face a large amount of scrutiny for the gender they identify with, mostly because it is not the same one they are assigned at  birth. The oppression and negative attitudes come from a wide variety of sources, but usually family and peer acceptance is an issue transgender teens face. While acceptance is from a trans teen’s family is not usually obtained easily, there are some families who welcome their transgender child’s gender with open arms.

The article I chose for this post is entitled “Transgender Teen Acceptance, an Act of Love for Family” (link included below). The family the article follows is the Keith’s who son, Hunter, is transgender and is now identifying as male. Prior to his  transition, his family noticed small things he said as indicators that there may be some kind of gender questioning going on for Hunger, and they weren't wrong. Hunter came out to his mom in a very casual, easy-going manner. Her response was similar, she said “OK”, and that was that. Hunter’s father and older sister didn't take it quite as easy. His father was hesitant at first. He went on to discover in some of his research of transgender people, that in some cultures they are thought to be an asset and have infinite insight into the world. His father took his new information and his love for his child and grew to accept and cherish Hunter for who he is. Similarly, his sister was always supportive and loving regardless of Hunter’s gender, but admitted to sometimes missing the younger sister she used to have, while also having some issues making Hunter’s gender public to her friends.

Hunter’s family was supprotive, loving, and understanding throughout his discovering of himself. This aided Hunter in the way that he was not forced to hide from the people who he loves the most. Unfortunately, many transgender teens do not get this type of feedback when attempting to come out to their parents, but instead face denial, rage, and upset feelings.

I am wondering why some parents can't seem to support their children the way Hunter’s parents have been able to? A parent loves their child infinitely and , in my opinion, that love should not be conditional to the child's gender. I'm aware of possible issues with religion that may sway a parents opinion in a negative way. However, I am wondering if many of the un-approving parents have their decisions based off society's perception of transgender people. If society was not so negative toward trans people, maybe parents wouldn't see this as such a bad thing. For example, Hunter’s sister was hesitant about telling her friends about Hunter. I do not believe this is because she was embarassed, but because she was worried about how they would treat her brother. In my opinion, familial acceptance of transgender teens has to come from a parent’s love, but is also shaped by society and the way they believe their child will be perceived.

Link to article - http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/03/10/transgender-teens-acceptance-an-act-of-love/24685557/

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INTRODUCTION POST Kennedy Wright GWS 203 The purpose of this blog is to explore familial and peer acceptance issue that Transgender teens face throughout their young adulthood. With this blog I would like to research and further discover some of the larger issues Transgender teens face with acceptance and understanding from their friends, family, and peers. I would like to gain knowledge on the preconceived notions those who discrimination against Transgender teens believe, and how to reroute them into acceptance. This topic is important to this class and LGBT studies because acceptance from family and society is a huge issue that needs to be changed. Families and friends who cannot accept transgender teens lead to these teens facing confidence issues and overall acceptance of themselves. This was interesting to me, because there are many new reality television shows exploring transgender teens, and I think acceptance via family and friends is one of the most important things that a young adult can have.