As a cisgender (someone whose gender identity matches their sex assigned at birth), middle-class white woman, it might be hard for some to understand why I have so much support and understanding for the LGBTQ+ community. However, when I reflect on my upbringing, it's difficult not to see why. I grew up in early 2000s Blackpool—a vibrant scene of flashing lights, roller coasters, hen parties, young farmers, and of course, Funny Girls. When I was growing up, it was more unusual to see people dressed conformatively, and the louder you were, the better. Blackpool was a melting pot of all extremes of British culture. Punk weekend, anyone? Mind the mohawks!
Gender non-conformity was never a problem. Everywhere you turned, you would see someone who did not conform to conventional stereotypes. While hate crimes were a valid and real experience at that time, and remain so now, allyship existed and echoes to this day. Recently, at the 2024 Rebellion Festival, punks surrounded and drove out a far-right protest on the promenade before carrying on with their party.
My professional experiences of gender allyship have been vividly different from my formative experiences. In this current political landscape, gender can be more controversial a discussion than the death penalty, and discourse can result in lifelong, significant changes to the careers and personal lives of individuals. The people I work with exploring their gender often do so in fear and worry of public reaction and are coming from personal backgrounds of great conflict as a result of their identity.
In the medical field, serious concerns around the treatment of young people exploring their gender have been raised, culminating in the findings and outcomes in the Cass Review in the UK. This has led to the development, and subsequent delay of opening, new gender identity clinics to replace the universally damaging practices fostered within the Tavistock Gender Identity Clinic. The development of these clinics however is clearly being hampered by the political landscape of the discussions around gender, and the difficulty in extrapolating mental illness from transgender experience. While society rumbles, it is those actually living this experience who are directly affected. Fears around open and frank discussion has led to disjointed care and practice, and a distrust of medical professionals within the transgender community, further isolating views within their echo chambers.
For those who don't know about, or haven't read the Cass Review, the full report can be found here: https://cass.independent-review.uk/home/publications/final-report/. An interesting highlight that factors into today's current discourse around gender is the significant demographic change in those expressing these experiences. While there is clear evidence for the existence and experience of transgenderism, it cannot be understated that our young people are having experiences no other culture or generation has encountered. When you consider the wider context of worsening mental health, misogyny, increased awareness of neurodiversity, and the issues concerning young people and social media, along with the global cultural history of gender fluidity, there is a clear concern that medical procedures can be causing irreparable harm to young women who have historically never expressed these experiences in such numbers.
The question "is transgender a real experience" shouldn't even need to be asked in 2024. That it is at the forefront of Western political discussions is quite frankly, disappointing. Do those asking this question understand in any way the rich history of gender exploration that is documented throughout global cultures? Fluidity has been a part of the human experience since the dawn of time. History presents a rich tapestry of the human experience that appears to be greatly overlooked in current conversations on gender.
In the past, people who did not conform to gender roles and identities were often revered and respected members of communities, not just in Western cultures, but globally within Indigenous communities and empires, such as the Roman Empire and the Egyptian Dynasties, where gender non-conformity was recognized and incorporated into societal roles. While direct evidence is limited, it is believed that Queen Hatshepsut was gender non-conforming; though a woman, she adorned herself as a man and adopted male pronouns, and is referred to as "his majesty" within inscriptions. In Rome, Emperor Elagabalus is now considered to be gender non-conforming, at a time when the Galli were being revered within the temples, and across the Atlantic in an undiscovered land, Native Americans were receiving healing and wisdom from the people with two spirits, with tribes having their own names and roles for people who did not conform to gender roles. In Navajo culture, they recognize the good fortunes of the nádleehe.
Looking back further into history, we can see a rich and complex tapestry woven through the cultural fabric of the Mahu in Polynesian culture. The Mahu, often revered as individuals who embody both masculine and feminine qualities, hold a significant place in the social and spiritual spheres of Polynesian societies. Their roles have traditionally encompassed various responsibilities, including those of caretakers, healers, and cultural practitioners, showcasing a deep respect for the fluidity of gender that has existed long before contemporary understandings of such identities emerged. This historical context is crucial, as it highlights the ways in which gender diversity has been integrated into the very essence of Polynesian identity and community life. In addition to this, when we turn our attention to the First Nations of North America, we encounter a similarly rich and diverse landscape of gender fluidity that has been documented both in modern and historical contexts. The evidence of gender fluidity among First Nations peoples is not only significant but also deeply intertwined with their cultural practices, spiritual beliefs, and social structures. Many Indigenous cultures recognized and honored Two-Spirit individuals, who embody both masculine and feminine traits, often holding special roles within their communities as spiritual leaders, mediators, and custodians of cultural knowledge. This recognition of gender fluidity is a testament to the profound understanding of identity that existed within these societies long before the imposition of colonial norms and Western binary perspectives on gender. Indeed, looking North, the fascinating history of Sipiniq in Inuit society could be an entire discussion itself.
The political relevance of acknowledging these historical and cultural narratives cannot be overstated, especially considering the obvious geographical divide that has separated the First Nations from Western culture and other external influences for millennia. This separation has allowed for the preservation and evolution of unique gender identities and roles that challenge the rigid constructs often found in Western societies. As discussions surrounding gender diversity and inclusivity gain momentum in contemporary discourse, it is imperative to consider these Indigenous perspectives and histories. They not only enrich our understanding of gender fluidity but also serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience and adaptability of cultures that have thrived in the face of colonization and cultural erasure. By embracing and respecting these rich traditions, we can foster a more inclusive dialogue that honors the complex identities of all individuals, regardless of their gender expression.
What all cultures have in common is a respect for differences and an acknowledgement of the benefits of engaging and communicating with people of different experiences. The people we consider to be medically transgender today have always been a significant part of our communities and history; they have always had a voice, a role, and a part to play in society.
Are there concerns that people are having medical procedures they may come to regret? Yes.
Are there worries that a mental health crisis is fuelling an epidemic of gender non-conformity in young women for the goal of removing perceived vulnerability in the face of misogyny and the never-ending glare of social media? Yes.
Is it true that women and men are being denied, or actively avoiding, mental health treatment when they are in pursuit of gender-altering treatment, resulting in a ticking time bomb of repentant elective transitioners? Yes.
But that does not eradicate or deny the existence of individuals who possess gender non-conforming minds, bodies, and beliefs. In fact, we are currently living in an era characterized by unprecedented medical advancements that surpass any achievements in human history up to this point. These advancements provide individuals the ability to alter their bodies in ways that historical cultures would have found astonishing or even unimaginable. The science of genetics, particularly the understanding of DNA, establishes the biological parameters that categorize a body as medically male or female, which is undeniably significant for various aspects of health and medical treatment. However, it is equally important to recognize that the essence of a person—their soul, identity, and what makes them inherently human—can embody a vast spectrum of possibilities, unrestricted by traditional definitions or societal norms.
This intrinsic aspect of human identity has always existed, and it will continue to thrive and evolve long after contemporary debates and arguments have faded into history. Gender fluidity is not merely a concept; it is a reality that many people experience and embrace. Being transgender is a legitimate and authentic identity, and it is indeed disheartening, if not shameful, that in our supposedly enlightened and modern society, there are still individuals who actively seek to provoke controversy, incite discourse, and spread hatred towards those who identify differently. This is particularly troubling given that numerous cultures throughout history have held a profound respect for diverse expressions of gender identity and have recognized the validity of these experiences. It is critical that we strive for a society that honors and respects all individuals, regardless of their gender identity, and fosters an environment of acceptance and understanding rather than one of division and animosity.
Sources:
Hilton, Dyan (2004). The Complete Royal Families of Ancient Egypt. Thames & Hudson
Cooney, Kara (2018) When Women Ruled the World: Six Queens of Egypt. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic
“The Galli: Breaking Roman Gender Norms” by English Heritage https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/histories/lgbtq-history/the-galli/
Pullen Sansfacon, A., Boivin, J., Partridge, P. A., Labelle, D., & Lee, E. O. J. (2024). Mamu: trans indigenous and two-spirit youth coming together to define their needs and to take action. International Journal of LGBTQ+ Youth Studies, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1080/19361653.2024.2309520
“Who are the Native American Two Spirits?” Roscoe, Will. 2010. http://www.willsworld.org/twospiritq-a.html
“The ‘Two-Spirit’ People of Indigenous North Americans.” Williams, Walter. The Guardian. October 2010. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/oct/11/two-spirit-people-north-america
5 Genders, The Story of the Native American Two-Spirits (2016). https://the-numinous.com/native-american-two-spirits/
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