What Does It Mean to be Transgendered or Two-Spirited?
Society generally views people as being either male or female, both in terms of biological sex and how you act and present yourself. As a result, individuals can be pressured to identify and act as one gender or the other. Transgender is an umbrella term that includes people who do not abide by traditional male or female roles and expectations, and /or who identify with a gender other than the one assigned at birth (ie. women who feel like men, or men who feel like women). Depending on the individual, gender identity can either be consistent or can vary over time. Two-spirited is a First Nations term for individuals who are considered to be neither women nor men. It often implies a masculine spirit and a feminine spirit living in the same body. Traditionally, two-spirited individuals were seen as having a gift and they performed traditional duties of both genders.
Some transgendered or two-spirited people knew from the time they were children that they were different. Others say they became aware of these feelings when they were teenagers, or young adults.
Why do some transgendered people want to change their bodies?
You may feel it’s important that other people see you the way you see yourself. You may decide to take steps to help others understand who you are. These steps can include making changes to your body. This process is sometimes called transition. Transition is very personal, takes a long time, and costs a lot of money. There’s no “right” way to transition. Transitioning is the process of moving toward living full time in your felt gender identity.
Transitioning can include:
- changing your name and records
- changing your hair and/or clothing style
- hormone therapy
- counselling
- cross-living (living, dressing, working as your self-identified gender)
- sex reassignment surgery (creating a phallus or vagina, sometimes also refers to a mastectomy or breast implants)
Be proud!
Some transgendered and two-spirited people feel better about themselves after coming out. Coming out can allow you to overcome the shame of hiding an integral part of yourself from others. There are lots of great reasons to be proud about being transgendered and two-spirited. You can…
- Feel more connected with your body
- Stand up for your rights
- Teach others about your life
- Have open and honest relationships
- Feel more confident
- Be a role model for others
- Have a more satisfying and deeper connection with yourself, emotionally, physically and psychologically
Resources
To learn more, contact an organization that supports transgendered and two-spirited individuals and families such as Egale Canada, PFLAG, TransParent Canada or Canadian Rainbow Health Coalition.