I found this on a different blog, filled out by a different person, and I thought it would be a great thing if we started a trend where trans people filled out this questionnaire to help others discover our diversity. Here is the original blog I found this from.
1) Has being Transgender brought about any negative view from peers?
It has brought upon some scorn from the places you would expect, mostly homophobic people, but not a whole lot honestly.
2) Have you noticed any respect given for your choice?
Tons. A lot of people think I am "brave" for going through with this. Women sometimes need to be "won over." I think some of them are afraid you'll bring shame on their gender, but when they see you're serious, they embrace it.
3) Do you ever regret telling people?
I regret the years I didn't tell people. I somewhat regret not telling my parents in person, but there's no good way to pull a band-aid off.
4) Do you think that being openly Trans can affect a person's chances to be successful?
I think it can get one fired. A lot of transphobic people out there are managers for businesses, but I think any manager worth their weight in shit knows that an employee's work is what counts most.
5) Why is being trans frowned upon?
I think mostly because of people's concept for what a trans person is. Lots of media makes us out to be silly cartoons of people.
6) What is the best way for a person to help in the fight for LGBTQI rights?
Awareness, creating awareness, dispelling myths.
7) What is your view on religion and its role on the "homosexual agenda"?
I don't think religion should have a place in someone's life if they are not of that religion. I think separation of church and state is clear enough. Seeing as gay rights is a civil rights issue, I don't see how any church has any say whatsoever, even the ones who are pro-LGBT.
8) Tell me about your relationship with your parents.
My mom is pretty good with it. I often feel like she keeps me close so she can drop suggestions about going back to male, but for the most part, she's surprised me. My dad is having a hard time with it, but we have communication, so that is good. My step-mom plays mediator a lot. My step-dad isn't a factor because I've lost all desire to know him through the process.
9) What is your viewpoint of marriage in accordance of one man and one woman?
I think it's pretty stupid honestly. I think the same people worried about the sanctity of marriage are the same saps who buy into the Disney story of "happily ever after," lived vicariously by a $20,000 wedding. It's tradition sure, but that doesn't mean that tradition isn't stupid. Bloodletting used to be a tradition.
10) Do you think that being open about your sexual orientation makes you more vulnerable to discrimination?
I run into a lot of people who don't understand the difference between gender and sexuality all the time. They say "If you want to be a girl, why are you into girls?" Like the word lesbian magically disappears from their brains. One guy said "You want to be a girl, but your testosteone still craves pussy." He went on to say that if I could get my mind in order, he'd be interested. As if.
11) How have your experiences led you to become an awareness speaker?
I get asked all the time to go speak on behalf of trans people. And yes, being active in the community has upped my interest in spreading awareness, but I think it's important not to be centralized on one level of civil rights, but all levels. So really, I guess it's made me more socially aware.
12) Who are you people?
We're not to be underestimated.
13) Are you ridiculed or discriminated against? How often, if so?
I feel I've been fired from a job for coming out. It was ambiguous. My step-dad called me a faggot numerous times. Doormen who have to check my ID at clubs can be dicks. People in public feel the right to come up and tell me "Dude, I totally thought you were a chick when you walked in." Thanks bro. I also love how people feel like it's within their rights to ask what plumbing I have. That question is AWESOME!
14) Are your daily routines any different?
It takes me longer to leave the house and I take pills now, but nothing else really.
15) What are your thoughts of the gay population in the politicians' eyes?
We have our white knights, but we have more Palin's and Rand Pauls. Over all, I think most politicians are limp noodles who I place very little stock in.
16) How do you feel about the Bible/God not wanting His children with the same sex?
I once used a page from the Bible to roll a joint.
17) Do you think it is possible that you are just going through a phase?
Oh I think this is definitely a phase, just as all life is a phase. I completely expect to be a different person in ten years, so I hope this is a phase, otherwise, it's going to be a boring ten years. Life is more than gender. I made one small change to my being, I still have a lot to me.
18) Who is the hardest person/people to tell?
Parents, grandparents, employers. In that order.
19) Would you change your orientation if you could?
No, there's nothing to choose.
20) How did you decide you were attracted to the same sex?
Once again, there's no decision. The only decision you decide is whether or not you want to accept who you are.
21) How did your family react?
That's very general. It's been a bit of a headache, but it's also been lovely.
22) What did your friends say or how did they react towards you when you told them?
Well I didn't lose any friends I miss. Most of them have been stellar. Some where confused, or uncomfortable, but they all come around.
23) Did family and friends take your choice easily?
Haven't you asked me this five different ways already?
24) Do you feel as though your choice to pursue transition has held you back in any way?
Only if I let it.
25) How old were you when you realized you were different?
I quote Johnny Blazes- "I have always been becoming what I am right now."
26) Do you believe Transgender rights are moving forward or backward?
I believe it's getting better. I feel like when pop culture embraces trans people, the rest of the world will shortly follow, which I feel is happening. Now if only Madonna would adopt one of us.
27) Are any of you willing to share harmful experiences you have gone through just because of your gender orientation?
I believe I have covered that above.
28) What can those of us who have little contact with the Transgender community do to help?
Be a friend, be honest, be open minded, be knowledgeable.
29) What is the one thing you wish all people knew about being Transgender?
We don't like being the token tranny, just as I am sure someone doesn't like being the token black guy or fat chick. Basically, don't reduce us to titles. Also, just because we can fly, doesn't mean we like using our powers to get you to work on time.
30) Was there a certain epiphany that you had where you realized you were Transgender?
Yeah, I was tripping on mushrooms when I was 19. I had this weird body rejection. Something kind of opened a door in my mind and said "HEY!" I'd always done things like wear my mom's lipstick, sneaked peeks at girl's magazines, or that time I shaved my legs and had to wear ridiculously long socks in gym to avoid being found out, this moment just kind of crystallized things for me. After that, it was only a matter of time and acceptance.
31) Is it easy for you to talk about being Transgender for groups? Why or why not?
I like it. I'm a classic narcissist, so any chance to talk about the magnanimous me, is relished.
32) How do you know?
I don't even pretend to get this question.
33) Do you still think about if it's still what you want?
I think it's always good to wonder that. It's good to know who you are and why you are.
34) Have you been denied a job because of your gender identity?
Like I said, it was ambiguous.
35) What is the weirdest question you have been asked?
"Can you have babies now?" My ex-girlfriend once asked me if I had already had the surgery after a month of coming out, like I somehow had several thousand dollars to toss around. I also get asked if I am a top or a bottom a lot, or if I am pre or post-op, like I said before. People are curious, I get it, but you wouldn't walk up to a cisgender stranger and ask them about their genitals now would you?
36) Have you ever been discriminated against? If so, what happened?
Jesus this is repetative. For furture people filling this out, feel free to edit this and streamline.
37) How has cyber bullying affected the Transgender community?
Youtube comments are some of the worst. But I don't pay them any mind. As Dr. Seuss said- "Those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind."
38) Do you think new laws against the discrimination of Transgender people should be proposed?
Obviously. The law should not make a kind of person an outlaw.
39) How would you want society to treat Transgender people?
Like people.
40) Why do you think so many people define sexual orientation so directly?
Because this world thinks in black and white.
41) Do you ever feel like you need to reduce the amount of PDA because of your sexual orientation?
A little, but only for my partner's comfort, not mine or anyone else's.
42) What is the most offensive word to refer to someone who is Transgender as? Why?
Probably referring to them as the wrong gender on purpose. But really, none of it really offends me. I've been called worse by better and when people say shit to me it just outs them as unintelligent.
43) How do you feel about gay marriage?
It shouldn't have ever been illegal to begin with. It should have never been an issue to begin with.
44) When did you realize you were different?
Srsly? This question AGAIN?
45) Do you think being Transgender is a choice? Why or why not?
Ugh... I think it's a choice to be mind numbingly repetitive... You know what? Fuck this questionnaire, I no longer advocate the sharing of it. I call for revisions!
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