Let’s Talk About “Trans Enough”
At some point in their journey, almost every trans person I know has doubted whether or not they were “trans enough.” Trans enough to call themselves trans, trans enough to change their name or their pronouns, to speak up about issues, to advocate for themselves, to dress or act or speak in a certain way, and perhaps most commonly, trans enough to come out as trans to either themselves or their community.
But where did this idea come from? Who creates the measures? And why do we - the trans community - so often buy into this dangerous and damaging notion?
For the next few weeks, I will be posting a series that looks at the idea of “trans enough” from different angles, exploring and explaining how an idea that was born from the impulse to control, moderate, and explain trans identities has lodged itself so firmly in our popular imagination. We will look at how the idea of “trans enough” functions, and how it factors into the ongoing oppression of trans people. We will imagine what it would mean or look like to disregard the idea of “trans enough,” and focus instead on appreciating and embracing the lifelong relationship to gender that all of us navigate.
Post 1: Where did “trans enough” come from?
Post 2: How cis people use “trans enough.”