Transgender (trans): a person who has a gender identity or expression that differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.
If the first thing that pops into your head is, “why do we need such a day?”, hopefully this brief article can help you understand.
Whether you know it or not, they are your neighbours, coworkers, distant relatives, close family and friends. Not all transgender people are visible, and that’s their choice; what is becoming evermore visible are attacks on the transgender community around the world. After years of hard-won rights, the simple right to exist is now under threat.
Being transgender is not new: a simple Google of “transgender in history” will return several great articles. It is not caused by the internet; it is not a political debate; it is not social experiment. It is part of being human, and has always been.
The issue comes to how history has recorded the experiences of trans people or, more correctly, ignored or erased that history. In 1933, Nazis burned the library of Dr. Magnus Hishchfeld’s Institute of Sexual Research, destroying thousands of books collected as part of his pioneering private research and counseling office studying gender diversity since 1919.
From ancient to modern times, transgender people have contributed to society: from Roman leaders to leaders in computer technology. While there are many well-known transgender celebrities, there are lesser-known people involved in medicine, computer sciences, politics – basically, every field, just like everyone else.
So why do we need such a day? To raise awareness of both the positive and the negative issues that must be dealt with by transgender people every single day. Being transgender is not a choice; however, being hateful, instead of compassionate, for another human being, is.
In a show of support and inclusion, the transgender flag will be visible at the 14 Wing Greenwood main gate Friday, March 31. The Defence Team Pride Advisory Organization sends an open invitation to all to attend the flag raising at 8:15 a.m. in the Transition Centre parking lot by the main base entrance.
To learn more, consider attending a Positive Space information briefing or become a Positive Space ambassador. Please contact Major Backhouse, 902-765-1494 local 1643, for information.
