In Theory and In the "Real World," Trans Issues Relate to Feminism

VIDEO: Katelynn’s Real World ‘Secret’ Shocks Absolutely No One

In one of the first seasons of MTV’s show The Real World, Pedro—a gay man—was casted. At the time it was a big deal that his sexual orientation was being broadcasted—and recognized. Katelynn, one of the cast members on the current season of the show is Trans. This a great stride for the Trans community, and in turn for LGBT rights and even feminism.

In one scene, Ryan (another cast member) talks candidly with Katelynn about her identity. Their conversation is a little humorous but also really important. So, kudos to MTV for airing it and in turn for helping to open some minds that otherwise never would have thought about the subject of Trans issues. Oh, and snaps to Katelynn for being brave enough to be comfortable in her own skin—that’s more than most of us can say for ourselves

VIDEO: Katelynn’s Real World ‘Secret’ Shocks Absolutely No One




When Davey and Chase (two transgendered people) spoke to our class, this is what they had to say:

Feminism is about resisting patriarchy and because Trans people are--like women--oppressed by male hierarchy the two movements have a lot in common.

Economic Marginalization: unemployment rates for Trans people are overwhelming. In San Francisco 25% Trans people are employed full time, 15% part time and 10% are reported as unemployed. The rest are unofficially employed by the street economy prostituting themselves and/or selling drugs. This staggering unemployment--the result of discrimination--has the same effect on Trans people as it has historically had on women. When any individual is forced to be economically dependent on others--be it their partner, family or friends--a basic right of self-sufficiency has been denied.

Most of the time sexism/trans oppression happens simultaneously. "Normal" has to be measured against something and often because women are the victims of sexism, they (or maybe just the system that oppresses them) in turn oppresses trans people. Normal is defined in relation to abnormal--trans people as "other" helps women define themselves as the subject instead of their traditional role as other to the Male subject.

For instance, science and nature are used to justify sexism against women and Trans people. Women are perceived as the weaker sex and Trans people are also considered weak--whether because they are seen as being confused about their gender, psychologically unstable or weakness is associated with just not fitting neatly into one category of gender.

And, “my body, my choice” is not just a feminist statement. Just as the medical community has long dictated women's bodies, it also controls Transgendered people's bodies, too. For instance, being Trans is considered a psychological disorder that must be declared for treatment or change. This essentially proves that people are valued based on their reproductive abilities. So, by advocating for Trans rights, feminist can also make the statement that woman is not just a womb...hitting two patriarchal birds with one stone.

Davey's website