GWS 294 Blog

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[translatinx-familia]

Post 6: The Role Latinx Mothers in Queer Family Acceptance

When researching the topic of family experiences among Trans and gender variant Latinxs I came across an interesting phenomenon. It seems that Latinx cisfemale relatives play an important role in affirming the identities of trans Latinxs. Latinx mothers specifically were not only more likely to accept and embrace their trans children but also educate other family members. This is important because it explores the intersections of gender variance, being female identified, and race in regards to conceptions of gender. 

A study about familial acceptance/rejection among Transwomen of color showed that “Mothers, grandmothers, and other female relatives were more likely to be described by Transwomen as accepting,” (Bimbi et.al., 2009). This was in stark contrast to the reactions from male relatives, as fathers, brothers, grandfathers were often less supportive. (Bimbi, et.al.,2009). The study was an even mix of Black and Latinx Transwomen and showcased the different reactions family members had to their gender identity. 

Female relatives of both Black and Latinx Transwomen did not just accept their daughters, but they actively supported and celebrated them even when other family members did not. One participant said, “My mother, she was there for me … Then when I told my father, it was a big issue, because he’s a religious person … He put me out, but my mom, she had another place [for me] to go,” (Bimbi et.al., 2009). In this instance a mother went out of her way against her husband’s wishes to help support her Trans daughter. Another participant talks about her mom as her biggest supporter, “My mother’s my best friend. She buys me panties and bras… my aunt, nephews and niece … they accept me to the fullest. They see me the way I want to see myself, which is [as] a female”, (Bimbi et.al., 2009). 

Most of the data about cisfemale relatives acceptance of Trans and gender variant Latinxs was collected from the perspective of the Trans Latinxs themselves. There was not too much written about their perspective or process in understanding their Trans relatives. One short Youtube documentary about Gay and Trans Latinxs, “Tal Como Somos/Just as We Are”, includes the relationship that Gabby, a Transwoman, has with her mom. (Jrv4utube, 2008) Gabby says, “My mom knew. Maybe unconsciously, she knew. About my sexual orientation. She just didn’t want to accept it,” (Jrv4utube, 2008). Gabi explains how at first her mom did not understand and even kicked her out of the house; but when Gabi came back fully presenting as a woman, she accepted that this is who she really was. Gabi’s mom says, “I had never seen anything like this in my family. I talked to Gabi and he said, ‘Mommy, this is how I am. I am like this’”, (Jrv4utube, 2008). Gabi’s mom had little knowledge as to what being Transgender meant, but after some time and realization that this was her daughter’s identity, she accepted. She says, “You know, there comes a moment where one has to accept it, accept things the way they are” (Jrv4utube, 2008).

Another resource that I found showcasing Latinx mothers’ acceptance and involvement in their Queer children’s identities was the “Tres Gotas de agua” (Three drops of water) short series released by the Somos Familia organization. This short series documents the thoughts of three immigrant Latinas about their Queer children and their advice to other Latinx parents with Queer children and to the Latinx community in general. With these mothers, there seemed to be very little resistance to the identities at the time of their children’s coming out. (Somosfamilia1, 2011) They seemed to not only accept their children as Queer, but to celebrate them and advocate for them. Susana says about her Lesbian daughter, “Why should I limit her or treat her as an inferior being? Because of a sexual difference?”. (Somosfamilia1, 2011) On the last question she makes a face and scoffs as if the idea of rejecting her child based on their queerness was the most ridiculous thing she has ever heard. Further, she talks about the importance of Queer Latinx feeling supported by their families and communities as she describes her own experience with her daugher, “She had a right, and we had an obligation to make her feel good”. (Somosfamilia1, 2011)

Overall, it is important to recognize the significance of Latinx communities and families’ support for Queer Latinxs. Some Queer Latinx may face neglect, rejection, and even hostility by their parents. However, this is not every family’s case. Also, Latinx mothers and other cisfemale relatives seem to play an important role in affirming the identities of Queer Latinxs and in advocating for them to other family members and to the rest of the Latinx community. This is important work that is done out of love, humility, and understanding and so it must not be overlooked. 

Works Cited

Bimbi, David S., Joline A. Koken, and Jeffrey T. Parsons. “Experiences of Familial Acceptance–Rejection among Transwomen of Color.” Journal of Family Psychology 23.6 (2009): 853. Print.

jrv4utube. “Tal Como Somos/Just As We Are – Gay and Trans Latinos.” Youtube.com. March 25th, 2008 2008. Web. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyIrPFntrqM>.

Somosfamilia1. “Tres Gotas de Agua.” Youtube.com. April 26, 2011 2011. Web. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLtHcbmvjAg>.

[queerchillona-blog]

Really great post! I really found your blog project to be fascinating and hope you continue to do more research. It was very interesting to read about how cis females relatives in Latinx trans families are more likely to be supportive and accepting. Not only that, but how they play a role in affirming identities. I will definitely be watching the link to the short series you provided.

[transpocrepresentation]

(5th Post) Trans WoC Making Waves in Film : Mya Taylor, Kitana Kiki Rodriguez, and the Power of Tangerine  

In comparison to television and streaming services, film(s) have a long way to go in getting their representations of trans people and stories correctly. Very few movies with any trans or gender variant characters that receive any sort of mainstream recognition or awards appeal and if they do cis-gender actors get the praise for their portrayal of trans characters. The 2015 indie film Tangerine goes against the grain in being genuine in its representation of the lives of trans women of color. Not only that, but the film was an indie hit and was a critical success. That success aimed mostly at the film’s two leads, Mya Taylor and Kitana Kiki Rodriguez. 

What is amazing about this movie, is the trust put into trans individuals who shared their stories to help shape the movie and make it as realistic as possible. This trust was also put in the hands of the stars who carried this movie, and it was both women’s first acting role. The fact that the budget was limited, but that’s not the focus of this (but it does show that studios are cautious to invest in the stories of trans people). But through the process of crafting the stories the (cis white) filmmakers looked at the trans people in the community to help shape their story. And this story also sheds the light on the lives of sex workers, regardless of gender. But the film gets a plus for looking at the intersections of peoples lives.   

That leads to a pivotal point, that this movie is just more than the gender of it’s leads (and extras), it has a plot that goes beyond “transgender”, that is just an aspect of the characters (that does play into the situation these characters are in though). In a piece by The Advocate writer Daniel Reynolds looks at the film like this, “ Tangerine is ultimately a story about two friends who overcome obstacles together…it may be one of the most human stories of the year.” He continues, “the friends happen to be transgender sex workers searching for a cheating pimp is just icing on the cake.” Unlike other films it doesn’t make a spectacle of the trans aspect of the film. 

This film is also groundbreaking in the recognition the lead actresses got from critics, that resulted in award nominations and victories. Both Taylor and Rodriguez were nominated for “Breakthrough Actor” at the 2015 Gotham Independent Film Awards, with Taylor ultimately winning the category and became the first trans women to win a Gotham award. And on a much more mainstream stage both received acting nominations at 31st Annual Independent Spirit Awards (Taylor for “Best Supporting Female” and Rodriguez for “Best Female Lead”), in which Taylor also took home the trophy. Which was a big deal as Taylor became the first trans actress to win a major acting award. There was also a campaign to get the women nominated for Academy Awards, which would have been historic as a trans actor or actress has never been nominated. These were huge strides for trans people of color in the media, as a light was shed on the trans talent there is in acting (and the trans talent in people of color). Which is a good comparison to the trans stories and cis-actors who got recognition. Neither Taylor or Rodriguez got the Oscar nomination (or anyone of color for that matter, but that’s a whole other issue), but Eddie Redmayne did get a nomination for his performance as Lili Elbe in The Danish Girl again showing the white cis actor get all the praise for their performance as gender variant or trans individuals. This also draws parallels to Hilary Swank and Jared Leto’s Oscar winning performances trans-masculine Brandon Teena in Boys Don’t Cry and the fictional character Rayon in Dallas Buyers Club , award winning and praised performances for a cis people’s portrayal of a real trans person and a fictional one.  

Regardless of the awards outcome, Tangerine has left it’s mark and shown that intersectional stories with non-cis leads can succeed and resonate with audiences. Taking a chance on trans people of color can pay off and the results can be happily surprising. Reynolds had this to say about the film’s impact, “ Taylor and her co-star Kitana Kiki Rodriguez have helped turned what might have remained a well-reviewed but little-recognized indie movie into a movement… these trans actresses are speaking frankly about their past experiences as sex workers in order to help move the needle. And they’re not afraid to address those who criticize Tangerine”

-Michael 

Photo Credit

Helpful Articles Used in This Post: http://www.advocate.com/film/2015/12/29/tangerines-stars-have-turned-movie-movement 

http://www.ew.com/article/2016/02/28/mya-taylor-tangerine-spirit-awards

[queerchillona-blog]

I like how you talked about the film being more than the gender of the leads (although I did also like how they shed a light on the lives of sex workers), and is about the friendship between the women and how you described it as being one of the most human stories of the year. It was such an amazing film, and I’m excited to be able to see more films that actually cast trans women and provide complex roles for them. I also hope this films opens the doors for Mya Taylor and Kitana Kiki Rodriguez.

[transinspanish-blog]

Reflection

I really felt I out a lot of work into this project for one particular reason, and that is that I didn’t see trans people on TV when I watched with my parents. Now, being also to see that the stories are there and they are being told makes me begin to formulate how to explain this community to my parents. I think seeing where the coverage succeeds and where it falls short is something that really helps too. For example, I think that when talking to parents or sister about Linda Yepes I can highlight the ways in which she is pictured as person with agency who had an education and worked her way into her field, but note that there are times in which the she is being monetize and that is not okay. 

Further, I think that seeing bad coverage, like that of the hate crime committed against Annabel Montoya I think it shows me that as someone who has the knowledge about issues like pronoun should be a good ally and say something about why it’s important that you use correct pronouns at time when it would be to wearing on the trans people in that space to so themselves. I also believe this teaches me that wording of things is really important and validating experiences is important, because it really bothered me that they treated the hate crime as a maybe mate crime. 

Lastly, I wish I had found more representation of trans men or trans people in telenovelas. I really wanted to show this because I feel like it is under represented. If anyone knows some that I might have missed I hope that they can point me towards them.

[queerchillona-blog]

I really enjoyed your blog project. I grew up watching Univision and my family still watches it so you brought up an issue I hadn’t thought of before. I know Univision is very problematic, and you just increased my awareness of the way Latina trans women are represented in Spanish tv. I’d never seen a trans woman being represented in Latinx channels before but I learned a lot from your blog. I truly hope you continue your research!!!

[latinxgws294-blog]

Scholarly Source Part Deux

Social Integration and Health:Community Involvement, Stigmatized Identities, and Sexual Risk in Latino Sexual Minorities

The topic of the article was about social integration theory, which as explained in the article is that if an individual is more involved in the community they will get a sense of fulfillment in their lives. The purpose of the study is to see if there is a positive effect from volunteering and activism on gender nonconforming folks and their health. 

The article points out that GBT Latinos are three times higher rate of HIV/AIDS than whites. Research of volunteering and its positive affects have been limited to heterosexual white males (So what’s new? LOL). As it is mentioned in the article stigma of race and gender nonconforming increase the likelihood of risk use of alcohol and other substances, which are often used as coping devices. “Individuals may engage in substance abuse and sexual risk act to compensate for feelings of devaluation and shame as individuals may feel they lack self-control”.

An interesting thing I found in the article was that it mentioned that some Latinos do show some psychological distress when being racially discrimination, but those whom are active against discrimination and are proud of themselves don’t have negative health outcomes. The results of the study did show a relationship between activism/volunteering and positive outcomes, but mainly if the individuals did work with HIV/AIDS organization or LBGT organizations. The results also showed that involvement may deter alcohol and drug use. 

Ramirez-Valles, Jesus, et al. “Social Integration and Health Community Involvement, Stigmatized Identities, and Sexual Risk in Latino Sexual Minorities.” Journal of Health and Social Behavior 51.1 (2010): 30-47.

Photo Credit Here

[queerchillona-blog]

I found it extremely interesting to see that the study found a relationship between activism/volunteering and positive outcomes. I had never thought of those those having a relationship.Was it due to the increased emotional support that activism/volunteering provides those individuals? Do you think that the use of volunteering/involvement in organization can be used as a form of treatment for any gender variant Latinx folk that have substance abuse problems?

[je-gws294-blog]

Course Reflection

While I had taken a previous class (GWS 203) that looked at transgender or gender variant individuals a bit, it was not the whole focus on the class so coming into this I just wanted to learn more. This was certainly the case. Throughout the class we read many readings from others that I had not heard before on various topics elating to gender variant individuals. I also learned quite a bit of knew terminology and more on what is going on in terms of health care access for transgender folks. The health panel that we attended was also very informative especially the part when one of the panelists, I think it was Caprice, mentioned how everything and anything is trans health related because honestly I had never thought about this.

I think this course helped me remember that just because I may not identify with this particular community, I identify as a ciswoman, does not mean that I should not pay attention to what is going on and that is is important to stay current on the events that are occurring around me and affecting a population that deserves to be given the same rights as everyone else because trans rights are human rights. It also gave me a chance to explore an area, my blog project on transgender people in sports, that I have not heard about and just see that while sports might not seem like this really important thing, it is still something that needs to be inclusive to trans people. likeI plan to definitely keep learning more about trans rights and activism surrounding trans folks through articles and readings that I can find online and other media venues. I think it is very important to keep learning about issues that affect the gender variant community because we can pass what we learn to others who have yet not been educated on the subject and have them know what is going on. 

Photo Credit

[queerchillona-blog]

I also really appreciated the fact that we were able to attend the gender variant health panel. It was truly a great experience and I learned so much from that event. I really liked that you talked about this course and how even though you identify as a cis woman, trans issues are still important you should pay attention to them. I think a lot of people don’t realize that trans issues are important,especially when taking a GWS course.

[gp528-blog]

Reflection

I have learned that gender is much more pervasive than I originally thought. I used to believe there were only certain instances in which gender was employed but every action, style of dress, type of manner, etc is heavily gendered and I learned there is no real reason as to why that is. In fact, the classifications of behaviors that are gender non-conforming are often quite arbitrary and almost everyone engages in some form of gender non-conforming behavior at some point in their life. Similarly, the exact definition of transgender can be difficult to determine. All too often it is described as someone “trapped” in the wrong body and this shifts the fault to the person instead of the society in which there are two distinct genders and anything outside of that is a transgression which must be stopped. 

My view of the world has changed in the sense there is more to gender than I ever could have imagined. I feel as though even suggesting there is a spectrum seems too limiting. Variety seems a more fitting word as you often do not hear other identity categories (age or race for example) as falling somewhere on a continuum. Continuum implies people may be more or less of something when variety says that we are all simply who we are.  It may be that simple. 

After the course is over I wish to continue to read on and about transgender studies. I will also be far more critical of what I consume. Before this class I must admit that whenever I saw a transgender character in either media or literature I thought it was the pinnacle of progress. I know now that this is certainly not the case and it is a myth that nothing is being put forth by transgender people, whether in media or academia. The information is out there and I intend to get to it.

[queerchillona-blog]

I liked that you talked about how there’s no exact definition to transgender, as we learned in the beginning of class. I think this class taught us to critique the whole, “ trapped in the wrong body” narrative which doesn’t leave room for anyone who doesn’t believe in the binary that is used to define transgender

[queerchillona-blog]

Reflection

I feel extremely lucky to have been able to have taken this class and truly learn new things. I hope that this course is able to be offered in future semesters because I definitely feel that a course like this should be continuously offered in the GWS department.

I really enjoyed learning about gender variant groups around the world and the fact that the word transgender doesn’t apply to those groups. I liked analyzing the term transgender and how sometimes terms like gender variant can be a better term to use for some people. Especially when we learned about zees , toms, and dees in Thailand and how certain terms can’t be translated into other language because it doesn’t mean the same thing. I also learned about necropolitics and biopolitics, which I didn’t know about before, so I really feel like I got a lot out of taking this course. I also hope our blog projects can be seen as resources for other gender variant folks who stumble upon them.

Taking his course also further reinforced the notion of co-opting a movement such as #BlackLivesMatter and #TransLivesMatter and how problematic it is, as well as how it doesn’t lead to coalition building. I really enjoyed the Bassichis et. al reading because it provided a lot of important ways to create radical and transformative change. I think after this course, I will try to continue to do research on Latinx gender variant folks,especially because I want to become a social worker and work with the Latinx LGBT community.

Photo cred

[gp528-blog]

HerStory Viewing and Panel

The event was a viewing of the episodes of the series “Herstory.” Each episode was approximately 10 minutes long and it was followed by a Q & A with the cast (who we did not would be there!) with questions from the moderator, S followed by questions from the audience. The episodes revolved around the dating lives of trans and queer women and their relationships with one another. I absolutely loved the event. The episodes first and foremost, were well-written and had wonderful acting. I found myself in disbelief when it ended because I wanted there to be more. In all honesty the only thing I can say that I disliked was the fact that I felt it was not long enough. All the women were so thoughtful in their responses and it felt like a very loving and caring environment and it was apparent that they all held a deep respect for one another.

Jen stated that the show was developed via trans talent. In what she described as a “top to bottom” structure, the majority of the people working on the film from the director to the sound editors to some of the composers were trans. This is an important instance of “by us for us” at work. As Jen said, there is no shortage of trans talent. Someone in the audience also asked about the inclusion of gender non-conforming people and they stated that when the material can be introduced organically then they will be but they emphasized the importance of sharing one’s own experiences so anyone who has a story to tell may tell it. There was also the discussion of disclosure and when and where one may draw the line. There may be some individuals who may identify as somewhere on the spectrum and feel no particular way about being misgendered but others, as Jen revealed, may read themselves differently depending who they are with. 

[queerchillona-blog]

I’m so bummed that I wasn’t able to stay for the Q&A, I’ve heard that there was a lot of really important dialogue that happened. I was also surprised to see that some of the cast was there and I found that to be so exciting to be able to have the amazing actresses present. I also found myself wanting more episodes or at least longer episodes because I genuinely liked the series. I’m glad to hear that the series was mainly created, produced, acted by trans individuals, and I hope that eventually we have more series like this.

[mezcalconcafe-blog]

Event Post: Body Courage

Body Courage is a one-woman show staring Danielle Pinnock. In search of her own body acceptance, Pinnock conducts various interviews, asking folks about their own body acceptance or shame. In the show, Pinnock acts out individual interviews and narratives. I really enjoyed my experience here. The show covered a lot of material, from lighthearted narratives to heavier material. Each narrative was presented in a way that gave a lot of agency to the narrator. Overall, the show made the audience laugh and kept everyone engaged. Pinnock did a great job!

The main topic in this show was body acceptance and body shame. Often when we talk about body shame we tend to focus on cis women; however, this relates a lot to gender variant folks. As discussed in Clare, there is often a disconnection that gender variant folks feel about their body and this disconnection is often related to shame.

One of the narratives that Pinnock presented was of a transgender person. Through the interview, the narrator explain how they felt shame in their body, pre and post transition. This is important because it shows that trans folks can also feel ashamed after they transition because there are social expectations that are placed on them.

When it comes to representation we only see certain bodies; whether that’s white bodies, cis bodies, or cis passing bodies, and for the most part, they are all conventionally attractive. This can create a of sense of shame in trans folks because they are told to look a certain way. When trans folks choose to transition we as a society expect them to pass and cater to beauty standards. Body Courage addresses this feeling of shame when it comes to gender variant folks. 

More info on Body Courage here.

[queerchillona-blog]

I really enjoyed this event as well. I found the show to be inspiring and Pinnock is an amazing actress. I agree with the comment you made regarding the way the narrative was presented to give agency to the narrator. After we read the Clare article about body shame, I immediately thought of this event. You made a great connection between the article and the piece Pinnock did on the shame trans people feel about their body.

[queerchillona-blog]

Gender Variant Event : Her Story

I was able to attend the Her Story event and really enjoyed myself. I wasn’t able to stay for the panel portion of the event but I got to watch the whole series with a community of people. A link to the event is found here.

I actually had a great experience at the Her Story event. I was surrounded by a great community of people. Her Story is a six episode web series that follows the lives queer and trans woman and how they navigated through relationships. I really enjoyed the characters Page and Violet.The web series promotes a realistic representation of trans women and actually included trans women actresses. I also really liked that the web series incorporated issues that affect trans women. I enjoyed each and every episode and when the series ended, it left me wanting more.

The web series covered sexuality and how gender does not equate to sexuality. The character, Violet, thought she was straight, but found herself exploring her sexuality and forming a relationship with Allie. Her Story also touched upon sex work industry, to be specific, escort services. Violet had been an escort when she was in New York and the man she was living with had been one of her regulars. In class we discussed gender variant people getting into the sex work industry because of lack of financial opportunities,poverty,homelessness,etc. Violence was also portrayed in the web series; trans misogynist violence and interpersonal violence. There was a lot of trans misogyny from a cis lesbian character named Lisa. Lisa used harmful slurs, outed Page, and used trans misogynist rhetoric to claim that trans women shouldn't be allowed in women’s shelters.

[queendqgws294-blog]

Gender Variant Latin@s

The article “Eliding trans Latino/a queer experiences in US LGBT History” by Tim Retzloff is about two influential gender variant Latinos; Jose Sarria and Sylvia Rivera. Jose Sarria is more commonly known for being the “first open homosexual in the country to run for elective office” (145), and Sylvia Rivera is known for being part of the Stonewall riots and for organizing STAR (Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries). Both very influential Latinos in the LGBT community, however their Latino identity has been erased from the media and their representation. For Sarria, he chooses to identify as Spanish decent so he himself rejects the Latino identity. Rivera even though widely recognized as Latina, that part of her identity is omitted from history. Overall, the article is about how certain identities are not represented because they don’t fit nation-state view of how things should be, and thus excluding certain groups of people because they don’t fit in.

I think this reading stood out the most to me because it discussed Latinos that influenced the LGBTQ community and how they are represented because sometimes we are omitted from history. Latinos are a huge part of the United States, me being one, and we are left out of a lot of things because we are not white and this article does a good job analyzing that.  I think that the impact this article had on me was that I felt included, that my identity as a Latina has value and that my people contribute to the world, and specifically to the LGBTQ Community. I hope other readers can see outside what the media represents on an individual and they can value different aspects of someones identity and not just one part. 

Retzloff, Tim. “Eliding trans Latino/a queer experience in US LGBT History: José Sarria and Sylvia Rivera reexamined.” CENTRO Journal 19.1 (2007): 141-161. Academic Search Complete. Web. 6 Jan. 2016.

[queerchillona-blog]

I also wrote about this article! I agree with you about this reading standing out to me because queer Latinx people are often erased from history or at least their Latinidad is erased. The narratives of queer latinx are really missing from a lot of the materials we read in GWS courses so I was completely ecstatic to read about Rivera and Sarria, especially Sylvia Rivera because she is so important. I hope to read more about gender variant Latinx people in the future. 

[mezcalconcafe-blog]

4th Post: A Course Reading 

Eli Clare’s “Resisting Shame: Making Our Bodies Home” talks about the shame that people feel on their bodies, especially trans, gender non-conforming, and people with disabilities. Trans people often feel shame when it comes to their bodies and as a result they tend to look at their “trans-ness [as] a birth defect,” (459). Framing trans identity as a disability not only pathologizes trans identity but it also erases disability as an actual issue. Clare also discusses how trans people describing their “trans-ness” as a defect and claiming that they want the same health benefits as people with disabilities is problematic because once again it ignores the issues that people with disabilities face and erases the fact that they also endure inequality in the healthcare system.

I felt a connection to Clare’s article because the feeling of shame is central to a lot of issues. Clare mentions trans identity and disability, but it is also central to issues of sexuality and race. Getting at the root of why people feel shamed in their bodies can help to unravel and expose systems of oppression. This article helped to explain other reasons for the health disparities in gender variant people and how a lot of it is rooted in shame and how that affects mental health. This article also did a great job of highlighting how comparing trans identities to disabilities is problematic and it should be a take away from this article.

Link to article, click here.

[queerchillona-blog]

Great summary. You discussed how shame is connected to health disparities in gender variant people. I wouldn’t have thought of shame being the root of health disparities, but I can definitely see how it would now. I also agree with how problematic claiming “trans-ness” as a disability erases people with disabilities, especially gender variant people with disabilities. It kind of reminds me of when we discussed co-opting in class in reference to #TransLivesMatter co-opting #BlackLivesMatter, would you consider this to be a similar situation?

[queerchillona-blog]

Blog post #4

Tim Retzloff’s article, “ Eliding trans Latino/a queer experience in U.S. experience in U.S. LGBT history: Jose Sarria and Sylvia Rivera reexamined” discussed the way Sarria and Rivera have been portrayed throughout different forms of media/history. Retzloff’s analyzes the respectability politics around the representation of these figures and how often their Latinidad has been erased.Jose Sarria is known for being the first open homosexual in the U.S. to run for elective office and he also formed the Imperial Court System of female impersonators. Meanwhile Sylvia Rivera is known for her involvement in the Stonewall Riots and is said to be the one who threw the first brick, along with that, she and Marsha P. Johnson started STAR which provided a shelter for homeless trans youth.

Retzloff compares how Sarria and Sylvia were represented in media/history and the respectability politics behind the representations. Sarria was seen to be more favorable in representing the gay community because of his respectability of running for office. Not only that, Retzloff touches upon colorism and the division within the Latinx community by mentioning that Sarria claimed Spanish ancestry and lack of connection to the Latinx community. Sylvia Rivera didn’t have such a positive representation in history/media and had been rejected by the GAA. She was Puerto Rican and was openly involved in the queer Latinx community. “ Her darker skin, her feminine performance, her sheer destitution were read as alien, to be shunned or fetishized but not assimilated” (Retzloff 155).

I liked this article because it was the first one to talk about Latinx gender variant people and also talked about colorism in the Latinx community. I actually didn’t know about Sarria before I read this, so I was glad to learn about him. I knew about Sylvia Rivera before and it was interesting to read more about her and the way she had been portrayed through history. I also liked how the article talks about how often when there’s a queer Latinx figure, their Latinidad gets erased, as if you can’t be both queer and Latinx. Reading this made me think about respectability politics and how it plays a part in articles, films, etc we read/watch. 

link to reading: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/12784237/GWS%20294%20Spring%202016/Retzloff%20-%20Eliding%20Trans%20Latinoa.pdf

[bonnie-gws-294-blog]

Group 4 Project

Romancing the Transgender Native: Rethinking the Use of the “Third Gender” Concept

by Evan B. Towle and Lynn M. Morgan

WORKS CITED: 

Towle, Evan B., and Lynn M. Morgan. “Romancing the Transgender Narra=ve: Rethinking the Use of the “Third Gender” Concept.“ The Transgender Studies Reader. London: Routledge, 2013. 666-84. Print.

Morris, Rosalind C.. “All Made Up: Performance Theory and the New Anthropology of Sex and Gender”. Annual Review of Anthropology 24 (1995): 567–592. Web

Ravine, Jai Arun. Toms and Zees: Locating FTM Identity in Thailand. Print.

Jones, Kelsie Brynn. "Trans-Exclusionary Radical Feminism: What Exactly Is It, And Why Does It Hurt?” The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 02 Aug. 2014. Web. 08 Mar. 2016.

Kalei, Kalikiano. “AuthorsDen.com: Page Not Found.” AuthorsDen.com: Page Not Found. Author’s Den. Web. 08 Mar. 2016.  

Morgan, Lynn M., and Evan B. Towle. Romancing the Transgender Native: Rethinking the Use of the “Third Gender” Concept. Print.

Center for American Progress. “Transgender Americans Face Staggering Rates of Poverty, Violence.” Movement Advancement Project. 18 Feb. 2015. Web. 08 Mar. 2016.

[perpetualnightowl]

Blog Post 3: Trans Health Panel 

Simply put, I found the trans health panel to be very informative on the many aspects of trans/gender variant/gender non-conforming health care. The panelist all seemed very engaged and passionate about the topic which I think made the panel successful. Even though the panelists often went off on tangents that just showed the sheer amount of information they saw as important to share, which if anything is indicative of the fact there their needs to be more knowledge and education on trans/gender variant/gender non-conforming health care. And really more times needs to be dedicated to proper education not just to those in attendance, but people within the medical field. Which was pointed out during the panel, by all the panelists. Speaking of the panelists, the variety of panelists ultimately did help bring in different perspectives and experiences with varying topics within trans/gender variant/gender non-conforming healthcare. This also showed varying opinions on topics among the panelists.                                                                        Link to info on the panel: http://gws294spring2016.tumblr.com/post/139123420134/healthpanel

For me the three most important topics covered and things I learned were as followed: 

Viewing “essential healthcare” as individualistic- this was an important point to start the panel discussion on. This doesn’t just apply to trans /gender variant/gender non-conforming people, but to everyone. Whatever the person needs is essential, regardless of how others view whatever the person needs ( regardless of it’s something minute or something like surgical intervention) 

Medical language miscommunication- this is a relevant point brought up as well given than most trans individuals don’t even have a high school diploma (or a home to live in for that matter) and most medical language can seem confusing. This is also apparent in other areas too. Like the film No Mas Bebes, where Hispanic women with limited English signed off on getting their tubes tided because of the medical language that doesn’t translate or is hard to understand. 

The ICD (International Statistical  Classification of Disease) 10- This is interesting for two reasons. The first being that I didn’t know about the ICD, I was aware of the DSM, but the ICD is yet another manual that labels gender variation wrongfully as some sort of disorder. Secondly, this is interesting because the panel also shed light on the fact that this revision of the ICD is still well behind the standards of several other countries around the world. 

Photo credit: http://www.slideshare.net/kelleywinters/201305-nth-sb

[queerchillona-blog]

I enjoyed your incorporation of how essential health care is individualistic because the healthcare needs of someone is definitely dependent on the person. How essential health care looks like will look different for everyone. Just as you mentioned in your post, I had no idea about the ICD . I vaguely remember one of the panelists mentioning that the US uses an outdated version of it. It makes me wonder why the US isn’t using the most recent ICD manual? 

[mezcalconcafe-blog]

Blog Post 3: Trans Health Panel

The Trans Health Panel touched on many issues such as what constitutes as “essential” healthcare to cultural sensitivity training for healthcare providers. A main topic was access; who has access to healthcare, hormones, and/or information. I really enjoyed the panel because it was very informative, yet easy to comprehend. When it comes to talking about health it is often in clinical language that not many understand. However, this panel addressed many issues and was very informative without the clinical language. 

Through this panel I learned about GENDA (Gender Expression Non-Discriminatory Act). I was unable that this had passed in New York but it is very important to be informed about it because it is very impactful. GENDA protects gender identity and expression from hate crimes or discrimination in housing, employment, etc.

I appreciated the discussion about language because as mentioned by Caprice, not everyone has access to clinical language or even the language to express themselves. When it comes to healthcare, it is important that healthcare providers make sure to use language and terms that can be understood by patients. It is also important that healthcare providers use terms that a patient has used to described their self, instead of imposing terminology on them.

Representation. Part of making a patient comfortable and making sure that the patient is cared for, is representing them on documents. It is useful for a patient to walk in and see themselves represented in pamphlets or posters. Similarly, medical documents should have a “buffet” of options when it comes to gender identity or expression to make sure a patient can see themselves represented in a document.

More on GENDA here.

[queerchillona-blog]

You pointed out GENDA in your post, and before this health panel, I actually wasn’t aware of the existence of this act or even the fact that it had been passed. I definitely hope someday we can pass a similar act here in Illinois or at least Chicago. You also mention how representation in important when it comes to health care for gender variant people. The panel taught me that it is important for the patient to be able to feel represented and comfortable in a clinic. I also appreciated your comment of medical documents having a “buffet,” as Caprice had said, of options in terms of gender identity/expression.

[queerchillona-blog]

Trans Health Panel

I found the Trans Health Panel to be extremely interesting and I was excited to see such a diverse panel.I found my experience to be positive and I felt lucky to be able to attend it. The panel attempted to address the different issues regarding health care for gender variant people. Topics ranged from accessibility, training medical staff to be culturally sensitive, to even self-care. I like how there was definitely more discussion regarding health care outside of surgeries, one of the biggest topic was hormones and their accessibility. More information on the panel can be found here: http://gws294spring2016.tumblr.com/post/139123420134/healthpanel

1. I learned that Cook County Hospital offered some services to trans youth through Dr. Margot Bell. I had no idea that a hospital that’s so close to UIC is trying to provide health care for gender variant people. Dr. Bell strives to make hormones more accessible to trans youth of color and she mentioned during the panel that since she opened the clinic, the purchase of hormones from the internet/different countries has significantly decreased. 

2. Caprice also mentioned that when we use medical terminology when we speak to under served gender variant people, we alienate them.In order to make health care accessible to gender variant people, we need to address the language issue. Health care providers need to make sure that their patients understand the information they’re getting or figuring out a way to explain things in a way their patients would fully understand. Not everyone has the same educational or even language background.

3. Something else I learned from the panel was that regardless of Campus Care at UIC covering gender affirming surgery/other services, it still does not make them accessible. Shay had mentioned that they had tried accessing those services and found it to be difficult. They mentioned that there’s no infrastructure to allow access to those services. Just having the services covered does not make them accessible if people still have to jump through hurdles to even get an appointment.

photo cred: http://www.glaad.org/blog/federal-employees-will-now-have-access-transgender-healthcare