Transphobia: what you need to know about prejudice to fight it

There are many prejudices rooted in our society, which we must debate in order not to reproduce them. Transphobia is one of them! In this sense, we have prepared this article with information about it so that you can inform yourself and help in the fight against this evil. Check out!

What is transphobia?

Transsexual and transgender people are those who do not identify with their sex and gender at birth. Being a trans man or woman is the opposite of being a cis man or woman. These, in turn, identify with the biological sex and gender in which they were born.

According to the dictionary, transphobia is prejudice against transsexuals or transgender people. In short, it is any form of discrimination or violence against trans people because of their gender identity.

Causes of transphobia

Have you ever stopped to think about why transphobia happens? There are root causes that together result in an almost unshakable form of oppression. Therefore, it is important to know these causes and avoid them. Look that:

• It is a structural issue: an obvious reason for this prejudice to happen is the culture of “heterocisnormativity”, which judges as adequate only heteroaffective relationships between cis people. This completely excludes trans people and people of different sexual orientations.
• Lack of knowledge: Misinformation leads us to reproduce transphobic behaviors without questioning them.
• Religious issues: Many forms of prejudice relate to religion. This is because, in some cases, Christian thinking in our society disapproves of decisions other than those considered correct. In these cases, transsexuality is seen as “a deviation from the way things should be”.
• Contrary to stereotypes: we tend to deal better with what is “common”. Therefore, when someone manifests themselves differently from what is considered normal, contrary to the stereotypes of male and female cis, for example, their posture is considered wrong.

These are just some of the causes. We must understand that it is a rooted problem, that is, it has different origins and motivations. It is worth remembering that recognizing and understanding the causes of transphobia is important, but does not justify it!

How to fight transphobia

There is no doubt that something must be done, is there? According to the United Nations (UN), countries have an obligation to fight transphobia. Want to know how to do your part? Follow these simple steps, but they can help in the fight against this prejudice.

1. Get informed

Getting knowledge on the topic is essential! Thus, you are able to better understand the cause and not reproduce transphobic acts.

2. Position yourself

Did you witness an oppressive situation? Do something! Heard a transphobic joke? Rebuke! We cannot shut up in the face of situations like this: prejudice must always be questioned and debated!

3. Give opportunities

It is common for trans people to find it difficult to get a job due to prejudice. For the same reason, there is a high rate of school dropout among the trans population. If you can, employ and give visibility to these people!

4. Don’t be invasive

When in front of a trans person, do not ask inappropriate questions regarding their gender or sex reassignment surgery. You are facing only one man or woman. No label!

5. Educate the children

It is known that education is an important point in the deconstruction of limiting and outdated thoughts. Therefore, be responsible so that the children around you have a vision free from prejudice.

It is a daily duty to prevent transphobic behaviors from reproducing. Do your part and act on awareness of prejudice. Remember: you don’t have to be trans to fight for the cause!

Transphobia in Brazil

Brazil is the leader in the world ranking of countries that kill most transsexuals and transvestites. It is worth remembering the underreporting of cases, that is: the reality can be much worse than the official data show. Although transsexuality is no longer considered a disease by the World Health Organization (WHO), it is still pathologized.

Trans rights in Brazil

According to the Federal Constitution of 1988, in its article 5, “All are equal before the law, without distinction of any nature, guaranteeing to Brazilians and foreigners residing in the country the inviolability of the right to life, liberty, equality , security and property, in the following terms.” We can see, therefore, that there should be no distinction between transsexuals and other people, having all the same rights.

Recently, the Federal Supreme Court (STF), the highest body of the judiciary in Brazil, decided to frame transphobia as a crime of racism. After this decision, transphobia and homophobia became part of the list of discrimination punished by law 7,716/1989.

Still, an achievement of trans people is the guarantee of their social names. We must respect them and refer to each one according to the name and pronoun that he prefers.

It is important to understand that transphobia is a reality in our country. Despite the rights already won, transgender people face battles and discrimination every day and are still on the margins of society.

Transphobic phrases you should avoid

We often hear and even repeat phrases that affect the trans population. In some cases, without even knowing. Check out these 10 transphobic phrases to not repeat or normalize transphobia:

You are male or female?

This is an offensive invasive question. Also, by asking such a question, you eliminate the non-binary population (which does not identify as male or female).

You are so beautiful, you look like a real man/woman

Trans women are not fake women! Neither are trans men.

It doesn’t even look like you’re a woman/man

Telling a trans man, for example, that he “doesn’t even look like he’s a woman” is extremely offensive. That’s because he’s a man, not a woman.

Did you become a woman/man?

No, no one “became” a woman/man. Was always!

You can’t use this bathroom

This comment is very transphobic, as trans women are women like any other and, therefore, have the right to use the women’s bathroom. The same goes for men.

would you deceive me

Trans people are not out to deceive anyone. After all, your gender identity isn’t a fantasy, it’s who she/he is!

No uterus, no opinion

This is a phrase used by women in matters that concern women. It sounds harmless, but it excludes trans women.

What’s your real name?

You must refer to the person by whatever name they want. If she doesn’t want to be called by her registered name, respect it.

Did you have the surgery?

This is very invasive, plus the surgery doesn’t make anyone more female/male. A trans woman, for example, is a woman, regardless of her genitalia.

Became a woman to be with a man

First of all, no one became a woman! Also, sexual orientation is different from gender identity.

You must have heard some of these phrases, right? Be careful not to reproduce them!

videos about transphobia

Want to know more? We separate videos that can help you better understand this reality. Take a look!

The sad reality behind transphobia

Daniela Andrade, one of the main trans activists in Brazil, talks about the reality of those who suffer this prejudice. It’s a tough video, but much needed!

Debating this prejudice

Here, you will find the explanation of what transsexuality is, sexual orientation, among others. In addition, the video has a very rich debate on the topic.

Stories from trans people

In this video, you will find reports of transphobic situations. It is important to reflect and rethink our social role. Follow up!

Transphobia is a serious thing, don’t omit yourself in the face of this evil! Start by doing your part: listen to trans people, discuss prejudice and trans rights in our country. Read about affective responsibility and understand the importance of acting with care towards others!