Transgender (Semester 2 | Week 8)

The topic that was introduced to my 11 Ap English class this week felt a bit more abstract in comparison to the previous section on masculinity and femininity. The overarching idea still targeted the effect that gender roles play in present-day society, however, the concept in my class discussion this time around fell between the common labels for each sex. This week, I analyzed multiple articles and viewpoints on transgender males and females.

Personally, studying this topic with my classmates was a somewhat unique experience for me, as I was already familiar with various genders and identities. Due to this, I did not necessarily learn anything new through the examples provided in class. Instead, I was able to gather new knowledge through listening to class discussions, and examining peer opinions.

Each of interviews and anecdotes introduced in class (on people such as Zach Kerr and Ashton Lee, who identify as transgender in present day society) prompted a different type of discussion from my classmates. One question that appeared throughout the week, wondered exactly what it meant to feel genderfluid, and how it was possible to lack an association with either male or female. During a class discussion, yet another side of this question was brought up, saying that it is possible for some people to feel ‘male’ one some days, and ‘female’ on others.

The semi-unanimous confusion that followed these questions prompted me to consider how people define humans as male or female.

I couldn’t help but wonder if it is society’s enforcement of behavioral stereotypes of each sex that causes labels such as “transgender” and “genderfluid” to exist. For example, to say that a person is acting ‘feminine’ or ‘like a woman’, unconsciously uses predetermined stereotypes of femininity to do so.

In America, wearing beautiful clothing (dresses, skirts), applying makeup, and enjoying romantic/sentimental items are considered as activities for women; if such a man existed in America, he would be considered feminine. However, if it were considered to be proper and natural for a man to enjoy such endeavor, would this ‘feminine man’ simply become a man?

Adding on to this, considering the fact that the entire world has different stereotypes, roles, and expectations of each sex, is it possible that a human that would be considered transgender in my current area would be considered perfectly normal in a different area of the world?

Hopefully, I didn’t sound too ignorant or insane in my blog musings this week (I’m sorry if I did). I really loved the exploration of gender roles this quarter, and I seriously hope to explore more ideas and concepts like these in the final weeks ahead.