Transgender is not something that a lot of people traditionally talk about in Martin, TN. Recently, it has become more open and discussed on social media and television, but what do you know about it? A person doesn’t feel right in their skin so they change it, they change their name, their gender. Well that’s technically right, but in terms that everyone can understand; why do they want to do that?
Being from the south, this is not something a lot of people want to understand. I was in a situation where someone, who was transgender, was called by the wrong name. I know it bothered them, but it also hurt me. Why can’t it be simple? Why do they have to go through this? After the person corrected themselves, it made me wonder: What is a way someone can explain this topic to let everyone understand what they’re going through?
Captain America: A superhero that everyone should know. If you don’t know him and have been living under a rock, he was a scrawny kid that wanted to join the military, but he was too weak to join. A scientist found him and wanted to try an experiment to make him stronger and faster by putting him in this machine and changing how he was. They could have given this power to anyone, but they chose a loyal, scrawny, selfless kid because they knew he would not take advantage of this opportunity. Now, I know you’re probably confused as to why I am using him as an example, but I will explain.
Captain America didn’t feel like himself in his body. He didn’t ask to be scrawny. He didn’t ask to be picked on by other bigger kids. All he wanted to do was be himself and do something he loved. That is what transgendered people want us to know, as well. They know they don’t feel comfortable being the sex they were born with, and most people are scared to even admit that to anyone.
Captain America changed his whole appearance. No, he didn’t change genders, but he changed his looks and his way of life. He went from a tiny boy to a military man overnight. He went from going by Steve Rogers to being referred to as Captain America. He changed his life so he could do something he loved, and trans people want to change their life so they can love themselves.
They did not ask to be different. They did not wake up one morning and decide they wanted to change. Usually, the first time they can form a thought, they know something’s not right with how they are. With medical advancements today, trans people can be like Captain America. Trans people now have better opportunities to be the people they are meant to be with the help of doctors and medical advancements.
Yes, Captain America helped save the world, but these people help show how difficult it is to come out and tell people they don’t feel comfortable in their own skin. They have the strength to stand up to people and talk about their experiences.
We live in a tough world. Yes, society is becoming more open and accepting, but people every day feel oppressed because of who they are. We live in a world full of Captain America’s, but we give them slanderous names like transgender, gay, lesbian, bisexual, etc. No matter how you say it, it comes off rude. I am not saying other heroes don’t exist, but we don’t need to ignore anyone who has the courage to stand up for themselves and tell people that they don’t feel comfortable in their own skin. They deserve the power and acceptance to change that.
Photo by Alice Rouse on Unsplash.