What’s in a name? A lot, especially to trans people. The letting go of the old, ‘dead’ name is to them an important step in self-development. A long process of thinking preceded the choosing of my own, new name.
‘The needs of our communities consist of much more than emergency help, we know this. But, we also know that while bigger organizations and policymakers are busy discussing abstract policies, there are people caught between the intersections of life and who cannot wait to get help. That’s why we are here.’
‘I’m standing in front of a mirror in my camisole and jeans. Marle, the woman next to me, asks me to name all the positive things about my body. When it remains quiet, she says, “You know, from the picture you brought I can see that you used to have a very beautiful feminine body. You’re trying to lose weight to become prettier, but in reality you’re becoming less pretty the thinner you get. If you gain weight, you would regain your femininity.” The only thing I think is: why would I want to be even more feminine?’
“Isn’t that dangerous, those puberty inhibitors?” It’s a question I’ve been asked many times when I tell people that I started my physical transition at age 13. To map out the vital meaning of puberty inhibitors, I spoke with three young transgender people.
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‘If we want to create a society that includes everyone, then we will have to start a conversation with each other about transphobia. With people in our own neighbourhood, but also with colleagues or classmates. IDAHOT can help with that.’
Visibly trans is more difficult in the countryside than in the city.That is what’s assumed. What about this really? In this article I dive into the statistics, share my own experience as a non-binary Frisian, and talk to three trans people from different places in the Netherlands about their experiences in the city and in the countryside.
