On Wednesday, Jan. 28 LBCC held and inclusive environment panel in the library.
Members on the panel included: Jane Sandberg (moderator), OSU staff member Tay McEdwards, Assistant Professor at OSU Dr. Qwo-li Driskill, student Kamran Ahmed Mirza, and LBCC student and community outreach director for the SLC Wyatt Zuber.
There are several terms used to describe someone whose gender was given to them at birth, and how they assimilate gender such as: transgender, trans*, gender non-conforming and cisgender. Each of these terms are considered an umbrella term.
Transgender is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity and/or gender expression differs from what is typically associated with 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. Some transgender people are prescribed hormones or undergo surgery to change their bodies. But not all transgender people can or will take those steps, and a transgender identity is not dependent upon medical procedures.
Trans* is another umbrella term that makes a special effort to include all non-cisgender gender identities, including but not limited to: transgender, transexual, transvestite, genderqueer, genderfluid, non-binary, genderfuck, genderless, agender, non-gendered, third gender, two-spirited, bigender, and trans man and trans woman.
Gender nonconforming is yet another term used to describe people whose gender expression is different from conventional expectations of masculinity and femininity. Not all gender nonconforming people identify as transgender; nor are all transgender people gender non-conforming.
Cisgender is a term used to describe people who are not transgender. “Cis-” is a Latin prefix meaning “on the same side as,” and is therefore an antonym of “trans-.”
Transphobia is a term used as a bias or prejudice against transgender, trans*, and gender nonconforming people. Transphobia can be manifested in harassment and violence; exclusions from employment, healthcare, legal protections, or particular communities; or microaggressions against trans* individuals. The term cissexism is often used as a synonym for transphobia.
The panel was brought together to raise awareness of the harm caused by non-neutral environments for trans* and transgender individuals. Several topics were brought up during the discussion, including customer service interactions. Customer service interactions are one of the more serious topics mentioned because everyday people come into contact and communicate with a diverse group of people in the community.
Customer service issues such as cell phone companies have been around for eons. It’s nothing new, however it can be difficult for individuals from the trans* and transgender community. An issue that seemed to be unanimous among the panel was the usage of surnames.
Pronouns and surnames are a way of identifying and approaching an individual. As children we’re told to use sir and ma’am in reference to people. However, this is a sensitive subject for the trans* and transgender community. Each individual prefers a different set of pronouns and surnames. The panelists were asked what they preferred.
“I prefer they, them and theirs,” said Driskill.
“I prefer females pronouns,” said Mirza.
“I prefer the surnames she, her or them, theirs and they,” said Sandberg.
During the question and answer portion of the panel, personal experiences with customer service, good and bad, were shared. For panelist McEdwards, he would rather the “conflict” between customer and customer service representative be quick and discreet.
“Misgendered? Apologize and quickly move on,” said McEdwards.
Another issue discussed revolved around the public areas in the community. Businesses, restaurants, and doctor offices are just a few places where it’s not necessarily understood how to interact with individuals of the trans* and transgender community.
“An openly dedicated company makes me more comfortable,” said Mirza.
The panelists were asked what it means to them to be trans* and or transgender. One panelist summed it up for everyone on the panel.
“For me, being trans* is about a sense of identity and I have a lot of pride,” said Mirza.
A college community has a responsibility to make everyone feels welcome and comfortable, and is not a place for discrimination. Students and staff on campus share the same goal of education. By understanding individuality, the environment can be more approachable and inviting for those of the trans* and transgender community, and LBCC took a step forward to support that message at last week’s discussion.
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