We've heard the stories time and time again. A young boy who enjoys playing with dolls and wearing high heels decides he must be a girl. A young girl who cuts her hair short, loves motorcycles and always joins her dad's hunting trips decides she must be a boy. In some cases, their feelings persist and they eventually decide to transition from one gender to the other.
As an ally, I believe people should have the choice to transition, and that choice should be between them and their doctor (and their parents, in the case of children). I strongly support LGBTQ+ rights.
That being said, I am also worried that the recent rise of gender dysphoria cases may be a symptom of our society's gender stereotypes. When a boy wants to grow his hair out long and wear a dress, he is inevitably bullied, because in our society his actions are associated with female gender performance. Does his female gender performance make him a female, or is he simply a male who doesn't conform to our society's gender expectations? As difficult as transitioning is, it may be even more difficult to be a little boy in grade 4 wearing a skirt and makeup.
To what extent is gender dysphoria caused by traditional gender expectations?
To what extent does transitioning reinforce traditional gender expectations?
To what extent can gender roles and gender performance be challenged?
Considering how entrenched gender performance is in North America, I'm afraid we could end up with a society where all "masculine" girls and "feminine" boys are pressured into transitioning. This could result in traditional gender roles remaining unchallenged.
What are your thoughts? Am I on to something, or totally out to lunch? Please comment below. Blatantly transphobic comments will be deleted.
Further reading:
Rachel Held Evans
Amy Julia Becker
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