This was a really interesting and engaging piece, thank you. I am a white non-binary transfem with good access to healthcare, housing and employment so I did feel read by (and agree with) your comments around not passing becoming a political virtue, to an extent.
I would add that I think an element of the movement to reject passing is the consequence of exactly the phenomenon you are identifying — for me, transitioning at 27 means that passing feels unachievable, especially in the current environment. I have transfem friends who want to pass but don't feel like it's possible and consequently do not take any steps towards medical transition (why try if it's impossible?).
Also, for some reason, trying to pass feels more dangerous. Being perceived as an inner-city lefty enby hipster feels safer than being perceived as a trans woman. Race and class is intrinsically entwined in that.
Ultimately I haven't felt the space in my mind to consider passing and whether I want it. It's easier to not try. Instead I have tried to take ownership of not passing.
Dear Jules, I really love your way of unpacking subjects, including this one. I will be moderating a discussion following a screening of Framing Agnes at the beginning of October, as part of a queer-focused film festival in Scandinavia. As prep for this I wanted to check you out. I love the film for many reasons, and your presence and your contribution to the discussion are two of them. Thank you!
And while I'm here in this particular comment thread.. I resonate with D BS's comments, "I have transfem friends who want to pass but don't feel like it's possible and consequently do not take any steps towards medical transition (why try if it's impossible?)" and "Being perceived as an inner-city lefty enby hipster feels safer than being perceived as a trans woman."
fuck this is good one, I like feel it so much.
This was a really interesting and engaging piece, thank you. I am a white non-binary transfem with good access to healthcare, housing and employment so I did feel read by (and agree with) your comments around not passing becoming a political virtue, to an extent.
I would add that I think an element of the movement to reject passing is the consequence of exactly the phenomenon you are identifying — for me, transitioning at 27 means that passing feels unachievable, especially in the current environment. I have transfem friends who want to pass but don't feel like it's possible and consequently do not take any steps towards medical transition (why try if it's impossible?).
Also, for some reason, trying to pass feels more dangerous. Being perceived as an inner-city lefty enby hipster feels safer than being perceived as a trans woman. Race and class is intrinsically entwined in that.
Ultimately I haven't felt the space in my mind to consider passing and whether I want it. It's easier to not try. Instead I have tried to take ownership of not passing.
Dear Jules, I really love your way of unpacking subjects, including this one. I will be moderating a discussion following a screening of Framing Agnes at the beginning of October, as part of a queer-focused film festival in Scandinavia. As prep for this I wanted to check you out. I love the film for many reasons, and your presence and your contribution to the discussion are two of them. Thank you!
And while I'm here in this particular comment thread.. I resonate with D BS's comments, "I have transfem friends who want to pass but don't feel like it's possible and consequently do not take any steps towards medical transition (why try if it's impossible?)" and "Being perceived as an inner-city lefty enby hipster feels safer than being perceived as a trans woman."
Yes, this is my strategy right now.
So much to unpack here. I just want to sit and talk to you for hours on end about everything. Love seeing you shine so bright!