Trans People and Their Whole Personality: A Misperception Debunked

There is a common misconception that being transgender is someone's 'whole personality.' This is far from true, as trans individuals come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities. It is important to understand that the complexity of an individual's identity extends far beyond whether they identify as transgender.

The Illusion of Clickbait

One of the reasons why it might seem that transgender people take their identities as a focal point is simply an illusion created by the media. Just as there are a handful of individuals who shout about their gender identity across social media platforms, the quiet ones are often overlooked. Let's consider the following scenario:

If we compare 1,000 quiet trans people who have only shared their experiences a few times to 5 public activists, it is only natural for the public to perceive a scarcity of trans individuals. The few vocal advocates often overshadow the quieter ones, creating an illusion of an exclusively 'out' community. This is a natural cognitive bias and not an accurate representation of the transgender community as a whole.

Education for Empathy

Another reason many trans individuals choose to be more vocal about their identity is to educate others. When people come out as transgender, they often face challenges in dealing with miscommunication and misunderstandings. Educating others not only helps in creating a more inclusive society but also promotes deeper understanding and empathy. The desire to be understood and treated with respect is a universal human emotion, and transparency can be a powerful tool in breaking down barriers.

Autism and Gender Identity

A significant portion of the transgender population identifies as autistic. This connection can be better understood by looking at the way brains process information. The autistic brain tends to hyperfocus on things that interest it, often leading to an intense desire to explore and share knowledge in those areas. This can explain why some trans individuals might gravitate towards activism or public speaking to educate others.

The notion that there are male and female brains is a simplification, but it is sometimes accurate. Many individuals experience a 'brain-body mismatch,' where their cognitive processes do not align with the societal expectations based on their assigned gender at birth. This mismatch can lead to a sense of self that is neither male nor female, or a desire to define their own identity outside traditional gender binaries.

A Personal Reflection

I, for one, am a multifaceted individual: a singer, poet, writer, public speaker, hiker, and dedicated professional in STEM. I am deeply passionate about nature, and can recall specific trees from my favorite walks. I am a nurturing parent, and my children are the most important part of my life. I am also a devout follower of Christ, though I am critical of the way the church has sometimes betrayed the teachings of Christ. My life is filled with continuous learning and deep human connections.

If you were surprised by my trans identity upon learning it, you might need to reassess your assumptions. Every transgender person is unique, with their own values, passions, and experiences. The diversity of the transgender community is abundant and varied, just like any other group in society.

Transgender individuals are not defined solely by their gender identity. They are multifaceted beings with a wide range of interests, talents, and identities. It is our responsibility to embrace and celebrate this diversity, fostering a more inclusive and understanding society.