Hey, here’s a transabled positivity post from your local Certified Cripple — I’ve been thinking about how saying like, well I fit your standards and I still think they are shit devalues self-advocacy and frankly invalidates at least half the point, but I realized, and heard from others, that validation of your trans identity from those who are cis in that identity might be a huge support, so 💖
And this is also very much just a transability positivity post in general, regardless of my own disabilities, too.
Your identity is not ableist.
Are trans in the direction of ability loss: you wanting things that are suffering for others is not invalidation of that suffering.
Are trans in the direction of ability acquisition: it does not mean that you think others are lesser for their disability.
Use, or want to get, mobility aids they “don’t physically need”: you are not stealing resources. There are literally posts within the disabled community about how mobility aids are *not* a limited resource, everyone who needs or wants them should get them if they can, and more demand actually creates more supply.
Present as their identity in any way: you are not faking, not any more than I “fake” when I deepen my voice as a transmasculine and otherwise transvoice person. That *is* real, that is the real you, even if it’s not in your body factory settings.
Can’t present as their identity: hugs, if you want them, or any other display of affection that you would prefer.
Have happily transitioned, or had acquired those changes unintentionally and were happy: congratulations!!
Have transitioned, or had acquired those changes unintentionally, and aren’t happy with them: that does not mean that your past desires were ableist, and that does not mean that your present suffering is your fault.
Are currently transitioning or looking for ways of transition: good luck!
Can’t transition: a display of affection and support of your preference
Don’t want to transition: your identity is valid, and your identity is not ableist, regardless.
And support for all other transabled experiences, all of them, all of you! I will post this now because if I save this into drafts I might not go back to it in a long time.
And happy Disability Pride Month.
It *is* for you too, whatever your experience is.
I am so sorry that transphobia is currently so high.
Your life and identity and experiences are about you, not about others. Their experiences are about them and not about you as well.