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As you relentlessly stare across the classroom, you quiz yourself about the student in the corner. You wonder, “Is that a boy?” Maybe. You keep looking, like you’re confused about a math problem or something. Students of the transgendered community might be staring back at you asking, “Does it even matter?”
Discovering your personal identity is a complicated process for everyone. It seems that most students on campus are finding themselves. They’re joining clubs, rushing for Greek life, getting involved and making their mark. Whether an individual chooses to stand out through their appearance, their friends, or their grades, many CU students are finding their niche on campus. But, if a student is struggling with who they are and the gender they identify with, then what can be done?
Hidden amongst the LGBTQ community is gender dysphoria. Gender dysphoria means to be unhappy with your biological sex or usual gender role, with the desire for the body and role of the opposite sex. Students with this condition are changing their appearance, mindset and gender roles in order to accommodate their desire to feel true to their gender.
Many adolescents facing this realization are saying no to going under modern medicine’s knife. The term “transgendered individual” does not refer to a person who is transitioning to another gender. An individual who is transgendered refers to someone who adopts the appearance and mindset of someone of the opposite sex. An individual who is transsexual usually goes through the physical process of having surgery to change their biological sex.
Because a student is transgendered does not immediately classify the individual as a member of the gay community. A biological man can simply identify as a woman in dress while still pursuing female mates. Gender expression is not the same as sexual orientation. As transgendered author Leslie Feinberg said, “we’re gender bent in a society that is gender rigid.”
We judge. It’s as simple and honest as that.
Sage, an 18-year-old freshman business major, has experienced the hardship of discovering his identity in a system of rigid gender roles firsthand. Sage offered his insight on living as a transgendered teen on campus.
“I am a biological woman, but I identify as a gay man,” Sage said. “Identifying as transgendered was really horrible at first because I didn’t know how to deal with it and feel about it, but then I met more and more transgendered people…On campus, it’s been fine. People are really accepting here.”
Whether gender-queer, female to male, or male to female, every experience is different for students wishing to change their identity. There are a variety of organizations on campus to support these students. Check out the LGBTQ Resource Center to get involved and attend programs that interest you. Gather at CU is a support group that has fun activities in an open atmosphere. Regardless of sexual affiliation or gender identity, joining the Gay-Straight Alliance is a great way to learn more about diverse communities locally and around the world.
I believe there shouldn’t be a category for man, woman, or gender-queer. We should step away from categorizing bathrooms, judging individuals on their dress, or separating ourselves on the grounds of social status. We are all students at the same university, whether gay, straight, male, female, or even none of the above. If we, as a campus, can decide on one thing, it should be that finding yourself is difficult for every person (especially those with gender dysphoria.)
Allow your fellow students to express themselves, and you may have the same opportunity. Be who you are, and let’s leave the judging for the legislative system and D.C.
So let’s stop staring and focus on ourselves. And maybe, just maybe, it really doesn’t matter all that much.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Chelsea Miller at Chelsea.lenore.miller@colorado.edu.
Editor’s Note: Sage’s last name was removed from this article for reasons of confidentiality.
5 comments
I’m glad you wrote this Chelsea, good job!!
This is a very thoughtful piece, Chelsea. My ex is transgendered (now living as a woman) and I’ve been dealing with this reality for nearly 30 years, since we had children who are in their early 20s now. I’m always relieved to see evidence (such as your article) of the evolution of thinking around this issue/reality.
Great article little sister! Im glad you wrote this!
Wonderfully put!! I am from your sister school in Colorado Springs. As the coordinator of the LGBT Resource Center I here these stoories far too often in which students are made to feel out of place as they try to navigate the college environment while also trying to navigate their sense of SELF-identity. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for writing this! I used to run Transform, which is now a part of Gather, which was a group dedicated to trans students and community members. Thanks for linking to the resources you listed and if anyone would like to learn more, please contact the GLBTRC or Gather.