Transgender Issues of Privacy & Silence
Submitted by Ann Castiglione
A member of our group recently brought to our attention a list of issues that transgender people deal with on a daily basis. I felt shocked that anyone would approach someone with some of the questions, but others gave me food for reflection. I will try to explain a couple of the topics in a few words. The statement at the top of the list mentions someone asking very personal questions, and simply requests people not to ask questions we wouldn’t want to answer ourselves. I couldn’t imagine any person asking such personal questions, but the parent of a transgender child said she gets asked those questions about her child often. Let’s remember to respect one another’s privacy.
Another statement on the list caused me to stop and reflect upon my own actions. “Stop pretending neutrality is support. Silence isn’t kindness, it’s compliance.” I am ashamed to admit there have been times, too many times, when I have been silent about LGBTQ+ issues because I am uncomfortable. Even with 20+ years as an ally, I have remained silent in certain circumstances. The response can be simple, “Please don’t speak that way about my friend.” Won’t you join me in an effort to step out of that comfort zone and no longer be silent.