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dissertation based on the perceptions of transgender

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago

Ideally looking for genuine support and input here.

I initially wanted to base my dissertation on how those identifying as transgender feel within society and the difficulties faced. However, it has been decided, that due to ethics I won't be able to do this. So I am now going to hold focus groups on how individuals perceive transgender and what difficulties they think identifying as transgender could arise.

Although I've done research around this and a lot of media work comes up, some education, but not so much family/friends.

I was wondering if anyone has any thoughts to the kind of things I could ask to get the groups talking. Although transgender has been ongoing for years, it has recently been shown a lot more in the news etc.

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By *anchestercubMan
over a year ago

manchester & NI

You could ask around the idea of 'suspicion' or the importance of 'passing'.

How cis women view trans women would provide lots of info.

Many people would probably consider themselves allies for LGB people - but how is their ally-ship (not a real word) different/the same when thinking of the T people. Do they even feel the T belongs on the end of LGBT.

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By *ee VianteWoman
over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk

There's the matter of having Mr or Miss on documents, particularly things like credit cards, which can 'out' people and the difficulty of getting it changed.

You could bring up cases such as the recent one in the press about the TS woman who was sent to a male prison because she hadn't sorted out her documents. That might prompt some discussion.

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By *ee VianteWoman
over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk


"You could ask around the idea of 'suspicion' or the importance of 'passing'.

How cis women view trans women would provide lots of info.

Many people would probably consider themselves allies for LGB people - but how is their ally-ship (not a real word) different/the same when thinking of the T people. Do they even feel the T belongs on the end of LGBT. "

alliance? (For ally-ship)

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By *ee VianteWoman
over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk


"You could ask around the idea of 'suspicion' or the importance of 'passing'.

How cis women view trans women would provide lots of info.

Many people would probably consider themselves allies for LGB people - but how is their ally-ship (not a real word) different/the same when thinking of the T people. Do they even feel the T belongs on the end of LGBT. "

Good point. Lots of TS people identify as straight. I've never asked how they feel about being included in LGBT.

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By *assie48Woman
over a year ago

Stoke-on-Trent

As part of my role in the past I have supported someone who was an haemaphridite not sure if I have spelt that right so if I can give any input i would be happy to

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"You could ask around the idea of 'suspicion' or the importance of 'passing'.

How cis women view trans women would provide lots of info.

Many people would probably consider themselves allies for LGB people - but how is their ally-ship (not a real word) different/the same when thinking of the T people. Do they even feel the T belongs on the end of LGBT.

Good point. Lots of TS people identify as straight. I've never asked how they feel about being included in LGBT."

To me they identify as straight because they are. If they are sexed a man, but feel like a woman and attracted to men then surely they're straight, as they don't identify as a man, especially if undergone the surgery.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"You could ask around the idea of 'suspicion' or the importance of 'passing'.

How cis women view trans women would provide lots of info.

Many people would probably consider themselves allies for LGB people - but how is their ally-ship (not a real word) different/the same when thinking of the T people. Do they even feel the T belongs on the end of LGBT. "

That's a very good point. Same for men too, but they don't seem to get spoken about as much when it comes to trans

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By *ephistoCouple
over a year ago

torrance


"Ideally looking for genuine support and input here.

I initially wanted to base my dissertation on how those identifying as transgender feel within society and the difficulties faced. However, it has been decided, that due to ethics I won't be able to do this. So I am now going to hold focus groups on how individuals perceive transgender and what difficulties they think identifying as transgender could arise.

Although I've done research around this and a lot of media work comes up, some education, but not so much family/friends.

I was wondering if anyone has any thoughts to the kind of things I could ask to get the groups talking. Although transgender has been ongoing for years, it has recently been shown a lot more in the news etc. "
. I think questions of self acceptance arise. Also, being accepted into one's own family can be difficult. There seems to be a high suicide rate with trans people. In general, going out into one's community can be dangerous. How do you go out when you know you may have a hate crime committed against you for no other reason for just you being yourself? And interactions with the police can be a joke! Whether you get hassled for supposedly "working the streets" or if you have a crime committed against you, are you truly given protection? How about employment? How many trans people get crappy treatment due to homophobia by others when they are just trying to earn a living? There's many areas to cover here. Good luck!

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By *ephistoCouple
over a year ago

torrance

From what I know trans people may be considered on the lower rung on the LBGT. Not all in this community are like this, but there can bad feelings toward trans people.

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By *anchestercubMan
over a year ago

manchester & NI


"You could ask around the idea of 'suspicion' or the importance of 'passing'.

How cis women view trans women would provide lots of info.

Many people would probably consider themselves allies for LGB people - but how is their ally-ship (not a real word) different/the same when thinking of the T people. Do they even feel the T belongs on the end of LGBT.

That's a very good point. Same for men too, but they don't seem to get spoken about as much when it comes to trans"

Sure it's true of men also

But I think women are more advocating of their womanhood, and considering there are less trans men than trans women, it hasn't become as big of an issue.

You might also want to consider holding a focus group with just LGB people. I read an interview with a trans woman a few years ago where she said much of the transphobia she encountered was from LGB people - do LGB folks see trans folks as being an equal part of their community and struggle? Have their views evolved over time?

We've seen groups like Stonewall and the LGBT foundation (it used to be the LGF with no reference to bi or trans or trans people) actually change their policies to be inclusive of trans advocacy - what has prompted that change and why has it only recently happened?

That's a lot of text but just throwing things out there!

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By *anchestercubMan
over a year ago

manchester & NI

Also, I'd have questions based around health provision too.

How do people feel about gender reassignment surgery on the NHS? Why is that often seen as being different to other medical interventions for cis people?

There's a big teachable moment there to dispell a lot of myths.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago

Thank you for all of your advice.

One of the reasons my lecturer gave as to why I couldn't speak with trans people, was because I wasn't part of an LGBT group, so it may be difficult to hold a focus group with members in one, unless I try the one based at the uni.

Ideas on treatment from the nhs May prove to be an interesting subject to discuss, I hadn't thought of that one.

Thank you all again

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Thank you for all of your advice.

One of the reasons my lecturer gave as to why I couldn't speak with trans people, was because I wasn't part of an LGBT group, so it may be difficult to hold a focus group with members in one, unless I try the one based at the uni.

Ideas on treatment from the nhs May prove to be an interesting subject to discuss, I hadn't thought of that one.

Thank you all again "

I don't understand that. You can't ask questions of a certain group because you're not part of the group?

Good luck with the assignment it sounds really interesting.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

The subject if transgender is an absolute minefield of terms and terminology, its hard for someone with my limited intelligents to get my head round, but when someone I love dearly came out to me as transgender, it never once entered my mind to walk away it not do all in my power to make sure that no one exploited their vulnerability, but as an ally, you are constantly told, you can't call them this, you can't call them that, when you have known someone for as long as I have known the overdone in question, its hard to go from saying she, and saying he, but as an ally I feel that I'm not allowed to make a mistake. And I think the thing if it is that the person who is transgender, has had a lot longer to get used to it than an ally, this is a tough Su hectic to dissect .

By the way, your not doing your degree at Sydney university are you? LOL

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Ideally looking for genuine support and input here.

I initially wanted to base my dissertation on how those identifying as transgender feel within society and the difficulties faced. However, it has been decided, that due to ethics I won't be able to do this. So I am now going to hold focus groups on how individuals perceive transgender and what difficulties they think identifying as transgender could arise.

Although I've done research around this and a lot of media work comes up, some education, but not so much family/friends.

I was wondering if anyone has any thoughts to the kind of things I could ask to get the groups talking. Although transgender has been ongoing for years, it has recently been shown a lot more in the news etc. "

I'm not that far from you, if you do anything over this way I'm happy to participate.

I'm currently writing my dissertation on critiquing art from queer points of view - so happy to share any resources if I have anything that could benefit you.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"The subject if transgender is an absolute minefield of terms and terminology, its hard for someone with my limited intelligents to get my head round, but when someone I love dearly came out to me as transgender, it never once entered my mind to walk away it not do all in my power to make sure that no one exploited their vulnerability, but as an ally, you are constantly told, you can't call them this, you can't call them that, when you have known someone for as long as I have known the overdone in question, its hard to go from saying she, and saying he, but as an ally I feel that I'm not allowed to make a mistake. And I think the thing if it is that the person who is transgender, has had a lot longer to get used to it than an ally, this is a tough Su hectic to dissect .

By the way, your not doing your degree at Sydney university are you? LOL"

My god, auto correct went crazy there

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"But I think women are more advocating of their womanhood, and considering there are less trans men than trans women, it hasn't become as big of an issue. "

Actually I believe the numbers of men and women being treated in the gender clinics are roughly similar.

You just don't "see" as many transmen as transwomen, because they're generally not fetishised in the same way.

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By *rightonsteveMan
over a year ago

Brighton - even Hove!


"But I think women are more advocating of their womanhood, and considering there are less trans men than trans women, it hasn't become as big of an issue.

Actually I believe the numbers of men and women being treated in the gender clinics are roughly similar.

You just don't "see" as many transmen as transwomen, because they're generally not fetishised in the same way."

Or maybe they don't draw attention to themselves......a myriad of reasons and not necessarily exclusive to the opinion you've just raised.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Thank you for all of your advice.

One of the reasons my lecturer gave as to why I couldn't speak with trans people, was because I wasn't part of an LGBT group, so it may be difficult to hold a focus group with members in one, unless I try the one based at the uni.

Ideas on treatment from the nhs May prove to be an interesting subject to discuss, I hadn't thought of that one.

Thank you all again "

Honestly, I'd explore your lecturers reasoning as part of your dissertation. Because right there your lecturer has highlighted exclusionism / inclusionism as a factor.

I once assisted with a thesis on hemophilia so I know what it's like to come up against closed doors. However it strikes me that the TG community are striving for equality and inclusion, so perhaps your lecturers viewpoint is open to a good counter argument as it sounds slightly prejudicial?

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By *ee VianteWoman
over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk


"But I think women are more advocating of their womanhood, and considering there are less trans men than trans women, it hasn't become as big of an issue.

Actually I believe the numbers of men and women being treated in the gender clinics are roughly similar.

You just don't "see" as many transmen as transwomen, because they're generally not fetishised in the same way."

I also think some people see MtF as swapping to a weaker person. It's not the done think for men to act feminine so to actually want to be feminine is worthy of disrespect and ridicule.

I haven't seen the same stigma applied to FtM. In fact some transitioned FtM say they get more respect and recognition as a male, rather than going from a position of privilege to being more marginalised.

I'm struggling to explain this clearly. I can't find the words I want.

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By *ee VianteWoman
over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk

I can't think of a FtM equivalent of ladyboy, shemale or chick with a dick. Probably because they are primarily porn terms, and as WH says, it's mostly MtF that are fetishised.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Thank you for all of your advice.

One of the reasons my lecturer gave as to why I couldn't speak with trans people, was because I wasn't part of an LGBT group, so it may be difficult to hold a focus group with members in one, unless I try the one based at the uni.

Ideas on treatment from the nhs May prove to be an interesting subject to discuss, I hadn't thought of that one.

Thank you all again

Honestly, I'd explore your lecturers reasoning as part of your dissertation. Because right there your lecturer has highlighted exclusionism / inclusionism as a factor.

I once assisted with a thesis on hemophilia so I know what it's like to come up against closed doors. However it strikes me that the TG community are striving for equality and inclusion, so perhaps your lecturers viewpoint is open to a good counter argument as it sounds slightly prejudicial?"

I do know what the lecturer is saying though. It can be hard to research a subculture without being part of a subculture. Like for my dissertation I wanted to write about approaches to art criticism from persons of colour and first nation cultures, as well as discussing the barriers that they face when trying to reach out into various industries, but I've made no progress in the last six months - I simply don't understand the issues fully. And I cannot immerse myself in those cultures to try and understand. I have never faced that prejudice - I am not a good enough researcher/writer to do justice to the subject.

On a similar note, only yesterday I had a young man approach me because he wants to shoot a documentary project in a small community that I'm quite influential (in some ways) in. I told him to leave the camera at home, come to a few events and get to know people. He simply wasn't interested in that, he just wants to film people (and this is a community that have historically had the piss taken out of them by outsiders). He wonders why people won't open up to him and give him what he wants.

Researching oppressed communities and alternative subcultures is hard if you're not a member of that group. Because it's both hard to understand the issues, and to gain peoples trust.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I can't think of a FtM equivalent of ladyboy, shemale or chick with a dick. Probably because they are primarily porn terms, and as WH says, it's mostly MtF that are fetishised."

In porn they/we are sometimes referred to as "Bonus Hole Boys".

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago

Apparently the New chairman for the ethics board is really strict and has refused many proposals and doesn't want the same to happen to us.

Like stated above using the right terminology/words within a focus group, as I don't want to offend or upset anyone due to my wording. She felt it would be a seen as a sensitive case andwould rrecommend for a masters or PhD so I am able to have the knowledge. Although, like those as cisgender some are offended by some words whilst others aren't, so to be of absolute certainty that no-one will be offended is no guarantee.

Everyone has difference of opinions and I hope when I hold the focus groups I get a variety of people who aren't afraid to express and just agree with everyone else.

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By *ee VianteWoman
over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk


"I can't think of a FtM equivalent of ladyboy, shemale or chick with a dick. Probably because they are primarily porn terms, and as WH says, it's mostly MtF that are fetishised.

In porn they/we are sometimes referred to as "Bonus Hole Boys"."

Nice...

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Apparently the New chairman for the ethics board is really strict and has refused many proposals and doesn't want the same to happen to us.

Like stated above using the right terminology/words within a focus group, as I don't want to offend or upset anyone due to my wording. She felt it would be a seen as a sensitive case andwould rrecommend for a masters or PhD so I am able to have the knowledge. Although, like those as cisgender some are offended by some words whilst others aren't, so to be of absolute certainty that no-one will be offended is no guarantee.

Everyone has difference of opinions and I hope when I hold the focus groups I get a variety of people who aren't afraid to express and just agree with everyone else. "

FWIW, I think your tutor is right about it being a Masters or PhD proposal.

If you're involving focus groups and ethics committees then it might be better to already have a successful research project behind you so that you have a proven track record.

What is your degree in? Could you do something related but without the ethics concerns?

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By *anchestercubMan
over a year ago

manchester & NI


"But I think women are more advocating of their womanhood, and considering there are less trans men than trans women, it hasn't become as big of an issue.

Actually I believe the numbers of men and women being treated in the gender clinics are roughly similar.

You just don't "see" as many transmen as transwomen, because they're generally not fetishised in the same way."

I believe the fetishisation has a big part to play in the increased attention on transwomen but I don't think the ratio is equal for men and women. The figures I've seen don't support that.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"But I think women are more advocating of their womanhood, and considering there are less trans men than trans women, it hasn't become as big of an issue.

Actually I believe the numbers of men and women being treated in the gender clinics are roughly similar.

You just don't "see" as many transmen as transwomen, because they're generally not fetishised in the same way.

I believe the fetishisation has a big part to play in the increased attention on transwomen but I don't think the ratio is equal for men and women. The figures I've seen don't support that. "

Well, I guess someone is using reports to support their conclusions then.

How unusual...

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By *anchestercubMan
over a year ago

manchester & NI


"But I think women are more advocating of their womanhood, and considering there are less trans men than trans women, it hasn't become as big of an issue.

Actually I believe the numbers of men and women being treated in the gender clinics are roughly similar.

You just don't "see" as many transmen as transwomen, because they're generally not fetishised in the same way.

I also think some people see MtF as swapping to a weaker person. It's not the done think for men to act feminine so to actually want to be feminine is worthy of disrespect and ridicule.

I haven't seen the same stigma applied to FtM. In fact some transitioned FtM say they get more respect and recognition as a male, rather than going from a position of privilege to being more marginalised.

I'm struggling to explain this clearly. I can't find the words I want."

I understood what you said clearly.

But that goes to the very root of how gender is policed, especially for children/teens.

It's far less stigmatising to be a girl who's a tomboy than it is for a boy who's feminine.

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By *anchestercubMan
over a year ago

manchester & NI


"But I think women are more advocating of their womanhood, and considering there are less trans men than trans women, it hasn't become as big of an issue.

Actually I believe the numbers of men and women being treated in the gender clinics are roughly similar.

You just don't "see" as many transmen as transwomen, because they're generally not fetishised in the same way.

I believe the fetishisation has a big part to play in the increased attention on transwomen but I don't think the ratio is equal for men and women. The figures I've seen don't support that.

Well, I guess someone is using reports to support their conclusions then.

How unusual..."

I back up a lot of what I post - it's caught out quite a few Tories.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"But I think women are more advocating of their womanhood, and considering there are less trans men than trans women, it hasn't become as big of an issue.

Actually I believe the numbers of men and women being treated in the gender clinics are roughly similar.

You just don't "see" as many transmen as transwomen, because they're generally not fetishised in the same way.

I believe the fetishisation has a big part to play in the increased attention on transwomen but I don't think the ratio is equal for men and women. The figures I've seen don't support that.

Well, I guess someone is using reports to support their conclusions then.

How unusual...

I back up a lot of what I post - it's caught out quite a few Tories. "

Sorry, I meant how it's possible to take the same set of numbers and skew them to fit the argument you want to present.

Because reports lie, and the only way to get true numbers is to go back to the initial findings.

However in my own personal experience - the gender clinic I go to has been about 50/50 transmen/transwomen the last couple of times I've been.

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By *anchestercubMan
over a year ago

manchester & NI


"But I think women are more advocating of their womanhood, and considering there are less trans men than trans women, it hasn't become as big of an issue.

Actually I believe the numbers of men and women being treated in the gender clinics are roughly similar.

You just don't "see" as many transmen as transwomen, because they're generally not fetishised in the same way.

I believe the fetishisation has a big part to play in the increased attention on transwomen but I don't think the ratio is equal for men and women. The figures I've seen don't support that.

Well, I guess someone is using reports to support their conclusions then.

How unusual...

I back up a lot of what I post - it's caught out quite a few Tories.

Sorry, I meant how it's possible to take the same set of numbers and skew them to fit the argument you want to present.

Because reports lie, and the only way to get true numbers is to go back to the initial findings.

However in my own personal experience - the gender clinic I go to has been about 50/50 transmen/transwomen the last couple of times I've been."

No harm in agreeing to disagree.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"

FWIW, I think your tutor is right about it being a Masters or PhD proposal.

If you're involving focus groups and ethics committees then it might be better to already have a successful research project behind you so that you have a proven track record.

What is your degree in? Could you do something related but without the ethics concerns?"

My degree is in sociology (not psychology people get mixed up) an no we all have to go through ethics regardless of topic, even if its a library based research project.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

why transgender? what made you choose this subject?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"

FWIW, I think your tutor is right about it being a Masters or PhD proposal.

If you're involving focus groups and ethics committees then it might be better to already have a successful research project behind you so that you have a proven track record.

What is your degree in? Could you do something related but without the ethics concerns?

My degree is in sociology (not psychology people get mixed up) an no we all have to go through ethics regardless of topic, even if its a library based research project. "

Ah, that makes sense.

Perhaps something with a bit less 'people interaction' for your first thesis? I was going to do alot of focus group type stuff for my dissertation, but I'm two months away from hand in and I'm REALLY glad that I didn't.

Is trans-identity a subject that you really have your heart set on?

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago

As its qualitative data they recommend we use focus groups or interviews in our research.

My reason for trans identity is based on the research I've done already for essays and how things have been in the past, I want to see if more (even if still little) publicity has changed the way situations are now.

I know some trans people, which I feel has also had some influence on it too

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By *anchestercubMan
over a year ago

manchester & NI

Record your focus group(s) and get them transcribed, it costs money but it saved me loads of time.

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By *ust_for_laughsCouple
over a year ago

Hinckley


"

FWIW, I think your tutor is right about it being a Masters or PhD proposal.

If you're involving focus groups and ethics committees then it might be better to already have a successful research project behind you so that you have a proven track record.

What is your degree in? Could you do something related but without the ethics concerns?

My degree is in sociology (not psychology people get mixed up) an no we all have to go through ethics regardless of topic, even if its a library based research project. "

I'm planning on doing research into dyslexia and offenders in prison so wish me luck getting that past the ethics committee! Though I do already have some contacts within prison chaplaincys that may make it slightly easier.

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