I joined the GenderGP team around two months ago. I started out doing the odd project here and there for the website. I wasn’t overly focused on the subject matter, it was simply another client and an opportunity to put my skills to good use. So I added the “to dos” to my list, alongside the other projects I was working on.
I tend to steer clear of the media and have done so for around 13 years, so I’m really not up to date with current events. That’s not to say I don’t have an idea of what’s going on in the world, just that it isn’t a constant focus for me.
I’d heard bits and bobs about the transgender movement over the years but hadn’t given it much thought. Had I been asked for my opinion on the matter it would have been one of skepticism and disbelief, but I realise now that this was born entirely out of ignorance.
One of my first tasks on joining GenderGP, was to go through all of the pages on the website and tidy them up. As part of the process I ended up reading many of the articles and my entire outlook changed.
Throughout the process, I learned that ‘this transgender thing’ is about far more than I had realised. That rather than what I had perceived as an exercise in people simply dressing a certain way to shock, or because they did not want to conform, a trans person’s gender identity is as real to them, as it is to any cis (which I have learned is the term for non trans) individual.
I have also learned that simply denying trans people the support they need is not a solution. I have read the history of GenderGP and seen the backlash from outside of the transgender community. I have also seen the warm messages of love, support and thanks from our members. I feel proud to be a part of a service that is actually making a real change for the better.
Without services such as GenderGP stepping forward to offer help and support, where it is so desperately needed, so many people would be simply left to suffer in silence.
People are living their day to day lives with this internal battle and our collective ignorance is only making things worse. So my advice to anyone with an uninformed opinion is read up, get informed, don’t let ignorance win. Only then can you be a true trans ally.
Photo by David Kiriakidis on Unsplash
I’m sure Tom is good at what he does and we all appreciate his input and knowhow.
I was just wondering was/is there no transgender members or patient who was able to take on the role not only would they be up to date, going through transition themselves and living in the arena we Trans community live in?
Just wondering as I find it difficult enough to explain myself and look not only for acceptance but almost approval within our daily lives and find our gender group/s a place of sanctuary and understanding from someone like me.
Anyway just my thoughts
Kind regards
Lisa
Thank you for your message Lisa. The team at GenderGP is a powerful combination of LGBT+ staff members and allies!
Tom,
You are a hero for sure!
Should more people be like you in having an open and enquiring mind then the lives of trans* people would be so much better.
Slowly, piece by piece an incremental battle is being won and the backlash can be held to account.
Thank you for sharing your journey and giving more light to the world and with support like this the world just gets better.
Always remember by doing this you are an inspiration to so many people, simply with such honest and thoughtful words, that’s all it takes!
BIG LOVE!
Pip x
Very interesting point, Tom! Thanks for sharing your experience. While I agree media representation goes a long way to influence people’s understanding, lack of public knowledge and general disbelief really mixes up perceptions further and constitutes a detrimental impact on the lives of trans people every day.
The world needs more people like you! 🙂
Tom, I am sure you were selected to work for Gender UK on your ability not your race religion or other factors, so I am really pleased you learnt so much about the trans world, and you shared it here. Thank you.