“So much of our body image is based on our gendered expectations of who we are and what we think people should be.”
[image descriptions: (Image 1, above) - a medium shot of an older transgender woman laying in a hospital bed just moments before her gender reassignment surgery. She has short golden-blonde hair and wears glasses and a light blue hospital gown. Her hands are folded together in her lap as she gazes up towards the ceiling. She looks peaceful and ready for what’s ahead. (Image 2, below) - a wide shot of a transgender woman post- reassignment surgery. The camera peers through a window with white trim to reveal the woman dancing in a kitchen. She wears a flow beige skirt, a white tank top, a red and pink flowered button-up, and a long beaded necklace. She is laughing and smiling as she twirls around - the same way she did as a child.] ~ Photography: Jena Hovey
Char, 62 - Michigan
Char always knew she was a girl. From a young age, she attempted to express this but was silenced and pressured into the stereotypical activities associated with her assigned gender. As a result, Char felt disconnected from her body and struggled to bridge the gap between who she knew she was and who everyone else thought she should be.
The disconnect between one’s biological sex and gender identity can cause severe distress to transgender individuals. In our society, there is intense social pressure to conform to gender norms. In an attempt to develop ‘masculinity’ and find acceptance, Char joined the Navy. There, she unexpectedly found a community of people just like her, but she also saw how they were treated and feared for her safety. Transgender people can face extraordinary levels of discrimination and violence; Char was no exception. Despite the fear of violence, Char knew she wanted to be openly transgender and seek reassignment surgery - to feel congruent with her body.
After years of insurance denials and heartache, Char was able to get her reassignment surgery at 62. She says she feels “really lucky” and knows that, unfortunately, “many other people within the trans community will never get to see a day like this.”
Char's story demonstrates the stigma and violence around transgender individuals and the trials they go through to find safety and acceptance.
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#SeeBodiesDifferently #MidwestBrokenMirror
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