The Allyship & Advocacy Series: How Much Do You Know About the Trans Community?
There has been more exposure of transgender people in recent years, giving more people throughout the world the chance to further understand what it means to live as a trangender person. However, there are still so many myths, misunderstandings and lies that circulate. Transphobia and the perpetuation of misinformation causes discrimination and violence against transpeople on a daily basis throughout the world. In order to make this world safer and promote equality for transfolks, we need to listen, learn, speak up and stand behind when necessary.
Do you understand the facts when it comes to statistics and stories of transgender people? Find out in this True or False quiz.
Do you understand the facts when it comes to statistics and stories of transgender people? Find out in this True or False quiz.
True or False: Transgender is connected to a person's sexual orientation.
Here is a definition of transgender as provided by GLAAD:
Transgender: An umbrella term for people whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. People under the transgender umbrella may describe themselves using one or more of a wide variety of terms - including transgender. Many transgender people are prescribed hormones by their doctors to bring their bodies into alignment with their gender identity. Some undergo surgery as well. But not all transgender people can or will take those steps, and a transgender identity is not dependent upon physical appearance or medical procedures.
Transgender: An umbrella term for people whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. People under the transgender umbrella may describe themselves using one or more of a wide variety of terms - including transgender. Many transgender people are prescribed hormones by their doctors to bring their bodies into alignment with their gender identity. Some undergo surgery as well. But not all transgender people can or will take those steps, and a transgender identity is not dependent upon physical appearance or medical procedures.
True
False
True or False: There are more than half a million people who identify as transgender in the USA alone.
Based on the research of Dr. Esther L. Meerwijk and Jae M. Sevelius at Am J Public Health in 2017, there are more than one millions transgender people living in America alone, equalling about 1 in 250 people. In Canada, there are about 75,000 people who identify as transgender.
True
False
True or False: The first sex reassignment surgery was in the 1960s.
According to Wikipedia, the first female-to-male surgery was performed on Dr. Alan L. Hart in the USA in 1917. This involved a hysterectomy and the implantation of testicular tissue in the place of removed ovaries.
The first transwoman to receive surgery was in Germany in the 1920s to the early 1930s. She was presumed to have been killed in a Nazi attack on the Institute of Sexual Research in 1933.
The first transwoman to receive surgery was in Germany in the 1920s to the early 1930s. She was presumed to have been killed in a Nazi attack on the Institute of Sexual Research in 1933.
True
False
True or False: It is rare for transpeople to be denied healthcare.
According to the Human Rights Campaign, about 29% of transpeople in America have been denied healthcare by a doctor or medical provider. About 22% also have no healthcare coverage at all, meaning they would have to pay entirely out of pocket for hormones, medication and any other medical attention they might need.
True
False
True or False: Over 40% of transgender people have contemplated or attempted suicide.
According to Trans Equality Rights in Canada, about 77% transgender individuals have contemplated suicide in their lifetime. About 43% have actually attempted ending their own life. Mental health issues are extremely common among transpeople, with two thirds dealing with long-term depression.
True
False
True or False: Gender dysphoria is a designated disorder according to most psychiatrists.
It wasn't until 2012 that the American Psychiatric Association removed the term "Gender Identity Disorder" from The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. This was when it was exchanged with the term Gender Dysphoria, which better represents the distress and anxiety people feel if they don't feel that their gender identity matches their given sex.
True
False
True or False: Over the last few years, trans representation in media has increased significantly.
According to GLAAD's 2019-2020 Where We Are on TV report, there were 38 trans or non-binary characters on television last year. This is a significant increase from the year before, when there were only 26.
While progress is being made to increase trans representation and a wider range of characters on the LGBTQ+ spectrum, there is still work to be done. Many trans characters are not being played by trans actors, for example.
While progress is being made to increase trans representation and a wider range of characters on the LGBTQ+ spectrum, there is still work to be done. Many trans characters are not being played by trans actors, for example.
True
False
You got {number correct}/{number of questions} correct answers
Thank you for taking this quiz and we hope it brought you some new information about the trans community. Trans people, especially trans people of color and trans youth, are part of one of the most vulnerable populations in our world today. Understanding more about them is the first step in helping to build a world for the trans community that is not only safer, but also provides them with total equality and allows them to thrive without fear.
We encourage you to continue doing the work to be an ally with the trans community. Follow trans creators in media, share their stories and uplift their voices. Consider trans rights when you vote. Make sure trans people feel comfortable in your spaces and community.
We encourage you to continue doing the work to be an ally with the trans community. Follow trans creators in media, share their stories and uplift their voices. Consider trans rights when you vote. Make sure trans people feel comfortable in your spaces and community.