Trans 101

Introduction

There are records of trans and gender-divergent people going right back to the earliest days of humanity, from cultures all around the world. The latest scientific evidence suggests that biological sex is not a simple binary but instead more of a spectrum. Yet, despite this our transgender comrades are subjected to intolerance, bigotry and often violence – just for trying to be true to themselves. This course seeks to address misunderstandings about transgender issues and help us all to be better allies to our transgender friends and comrades.

Trans 101

The videos in this section were created and shared by YGender and Minus18, to help people better understand what it means to be trans, and how to make the world and better, safer, happier place for trans and gender diverse people.

History

But transgender people are a new phenomena right? Something that has arisen out of liberalism and new surgical techniques? Well, no, not really. There have been records of trans people for as long as humans have been recording their history.

Further Reading

• History Extra: ‘Female Husbands’: the Secret Lives of 18th-Century Transgender Pioneers Click here

Science

Researchers are still exploring the science behind sex and gender but it is clear that the male / female binary is inadequate to explain the diversity found throughout nature. Sex, gender and sexuality are increasingly all seen as being on a spectrum. The following explainers summarize the key issues.

Further Reading

• Scientific American: Sex Redefined: The Idea Of 2 Sexes Is Overly Simplistic Click here
• Harvard Blog: Between The (Gender) Lines: the Science of Transgender Identity Click here
• Heed Lessons From Past Studies Involving Transgender People: First, Do No Harm Click here
• Healthcare: Transgender Pregnancy: Moving Past Preconceptions Click here
• The Transgender Exigency: A Brief History of Defining Sex and Gender Click here