Germany’s Self-Determination Act is an example for the increase in visibility and discussion surrounding transgender identity within the EU. However, discrimination against transgender individuals persists, highlighting the ongoing need for greater acceptance and equality. To address misconceptions surrounding trans identity, we explore common myths with insights from experts and those directly affected.
The topic Transidentity has gained considerable visibility and discussion over the last ten years, particularly in the EU. This change is the result of active engagement by those affected, growing social support and awareness and legislative changes.
Trans in Transition: A rapid development in the visibility of the topic in the EU
Many countries have passed laws that strengthen the rights of transgender people. For example, Malta passed the progressive “Gender Identity, Gender Expression and Sex Characteristics Act” in 2015, which facilitates legal gender transition and emphasizes self-determination. Similar laws have been introduced in countries such as Ireland and Denmark, which enable the process of legal gender recognition without mandatory medical intervention. In Germany the Self-Determination Act was passed on 12.04.2024.
Medical and psychological support for transgender people has also improved considerably and there are an increasing number of specialized clinics and professionals now.
Despite the positive developments, there are still significant challenges. Discrimination and violence against transgender people remain a serious problem, and many transgender people find it difficult to be fully accepted in their social environment.
Paul H. is a trans man himself and said in an interview: “Legislative changes such as the Self-Determination Act reflect increasing social acceptance. However, it is alarming that a positive development is often accompanied by an equivalent negative one. There has not been a moment of social calm as both visibility and hatred have risen simultaneously. The greater visibility for trans people unfortunately goes hand in hand with increasing hostility against trans people.”
Myth vs. reality
The discussion around trans identity and the rights of trans people is often characterized by prejudice and misunderstanding. These false assumptions contribute to the discrimination and stigmatization of trans people. We asked what the most common myths about trans identity are and discussed them with people directly affected by them and those with expertise in the field.
Myth 1: “Being trans is just a phase”
A widespread prejudice is the assumption that trans identity is just a temporary phase, especially among young people. We asked Robin Ivy O. from the Queer Network of Lower Saxony about this. Robin is responsible for overseeing all matters related to transidentity and nonbinarity within the organization. Robin informs us that the detransition rate is approximately 1%, primarily attributed to the lack of a supportive environment and challenges in being accepted as a person identifying as transgender. “I think it’s important to be more open about the topic of ‘trans’ and to accept that it’s okay if someone only uses a certain label for a short time and then no longer. This doesn’t mean that something was done wrong or that the time the label was used was less valuable or less real. Rather, it means that you learn more about yourself and explore a different reality of life. We need to give trans people the space to explore their identity without feeling pressured.”
“The idea that people simply change their gender for fun is far from reality. It is a considerable effort that comes with legal, financial and personal consequences. People who choose to gender transition do so out of a strong need to live authentically and identify with their true selves.”
Myth 2: “Trans people have mental disorders”
Another common misconception is that trans people suffer from a mental disorder. This assumption is often based on outdated medical classifications and contributes significantly to stigmatization.
In 2019, the World Health Organization changed the classification of trans identity and removed it from the category of mental disorders. This change reflects the scientific consensus that trans identity is a normal variation of human gender identity and should not be pathologized.
Robin and Paul agree that this statement is overall a wrong causation and that it’s not being trans that causes mental disorders, but the extreme stigma, the pressure of oppression and discrimination and the fear of not being recognized as trans that leads to mental health problems.
Myth 3: “Trans people want to invade women’s safe spaces”
A much-discussed topic is the juxtaposition of trans rights and women’s rights, especially in the context of the Self-Determination Act. This becomes particularly clear when it comes to the use of restrooms, where it is often argued that the women’s restroom is a safe space.
“Hostility towards trans women involves the assumption that trans women are actually just men who want to invade women’s safe spaces. Instead, we should recognize that trans women need safe spaces just as much as cis women. It would be nice if the Self-Determination Act hadn’t started with the premise that you have to defend safe spaces from trans people,” Paul told us in our interview.
Robin explained to us: “In my opinion, this argument often ignores the reality that many of the feared problems already exist and occur, regardless of the person’s gender identity. It becomes particularly problematic when trans women are portrayed as men and excluded from these spaces.”
Strong together: more education and solidarity – less prejudice
Debunking common prejudices and false assumptions about trans people is an important step in promoting acceptance. Every individual has a responsibility to educate themselves about trans identity and actively support the rights and well-being of trans people. This begins in one’s own environment by treating trans people with respect, listening to them and acknowledging their identity.
Paul mentioned that the best approach is to engage in conversations with individuals within your close circle and Robin suggested that it’s important for everyone to broaden their understanding of gender. It is our collective responsibility to fight for a world in which all people can live free from discrimination and prejudice, regardless of their gender identity. The time for more education and solidarity is now, and each of us can make a difference!
RESEARCH | ARTICLE © Joanne Mott and Selina Schräder, Jade Univefsity of Applied Sciences Wilhelmshaven, Germany
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