2.5 Denial of trans authenticity
So far, we have talked about targeted violence and microaggressions. Both are examples of the discrimination/transphobia experienced by trans people. Philosopher Talia Bettcher (2009, pp. 98–99), argues that transphobia stems from a ‘basic denial of authenticity’. She believes that this denial underpins the majority of anti-trans bias. In a world where trans people are sufficiently commonplace and well researched to be understood to be having a genuine experience, rather than being an unexplained anomaly. This bias undermines what Bettcher calls ‘first-person authority’ − the right of every trans person to define their own experience.
Activity 2.5: Who gets to decide who I am?
a.
True
b.
False
The correct answer is a.
a.
Transition improves mental health (Cornell University, 2017; this is also a finding of the ICTA project). However, trans people still carry the burden of minority stress, which impacts their wellbeing.
a.
True
b.
False
The correct answer is b.
b.
Only about 0.5% of trans people regret transitioning or return to their assigned gender (Wiepjes et al., 2018). A large U.S. study found most de-transitions were due to external pressures—family, partners, employers, discrimination, and job difficulties (Turban et al., 2021).
a.
True
b.
False
The correct answer is b.
b.
We explore this more later. There is a lack of evidence for this myth, but we saw in the ICTA research co-occurring issues used to undermine trans identity.
a.
True
b.
False
The correct answer is a.
a.
The WHO no longer use the term gender dysphoria, deeming it pathologising, but clinical levels of distress are not consistently seen in all trans people (Davy and Toze, 2018) – so not having ‘dysphoria’ is not evidence someone is not trans.
a.
True
b.
False
The correct answer is b.
b.
This idea been debunked (Serano, 2010) but it has led to some harmful misconceptions.
Discussion
Bettcher is suggesting that transphobia results when we forget that the person who understands their identity and needs best is the person themself. As therapists, it is useful to note the myths and stereotypes that might undermine our ability to accept a trans person’s first-person authority.
2.4 Thinking about transphobia