Entry #1
I read an article on the Straits Times on Saturday, (6 September 2008) about transsexuals in Singapore. The article is basically about transsexuals in Singapore, common misconceptions about them, and how they face prejudice in their jobs and even among their own family and friends.
The common misconceptions about transsexuals are that they are mostly sex workers or prostitutes, working near Changi Village and Desker Road, when in fact many of them hold respectable jobs in law or engineering. Ignorance of transsexuality also leads people to think that transsexualism is a sexual perversion, when in fact, it's actually a medical condition.
Everyone perceive our surroundings and our experience differently, and social and psychological factors such as the individual experiences and even the culture of our society can shape our perception. In this case, transsexuality is a rather taboo topic in Singapore, and many people would think that it's embarrassing to have a transsexual in the family. There is one incident in which a woman was told by her father not to go for the sex change, or face being disowned by her family. In the end, the woman went for the sex operation in Bangkok without her family's blessings, and is now a man. Such incidents are not rare; almost all the transsexuals interviewed face hostility from their family members.
As part of the mass media, the newspaper could be one of the influences of our selection of information in our environment. I hope that it could educate and communicate to the general public about the misconception that most people have about transsexuals, and communicate to them that transsexuals are not that much different from the rest of us. Their confusion and suffering is something that not many of us can understand or even identify with, and their pain could be further compounded by how others hurt them with their stereotypical views of transsexuals. Someone named Javier started an online petition for SBS transit to ban transsexuals on buses. Imagine how transsexuals will feel if such a petition was taken into consideration by the authorities! It would only bring more pain, and the stigma against transsexuals will still prevail.
It is very heartwarming, on the other hand to hear that some people are ready to accept transsexuals into their lives. In one case, a young daughter of only 10 years old was ready to accept that her father wanted to go for a sex change. Her explaination was simple, yet very mature for someone her age; she replied that no matter how her father looks like physically, he will always be her father. Her perception was probably influenced by her social network, who is her family. Her mother, who is the man's ex-wife, was intially upset with the change. However, she joined sgbutterfly, an online community for the transgenders in Singapore, to try to understand the situation. This, I feel, is very commendable.
(I hope this is alright for a first post!)
The common misconceptions about transsexuals are that they are mostly sex workers or prostitutes, working near Changi Village and Desker Road, when in fact many of them hold respectable jobs in law or engineering. Ignorance of transsexuality also leads people to think that transsexualism is a sexual perversion, when in fact, it's actually a medical condition.
Everyone perceive our surroundings and our experience differently, and social and psychological factors such as the individual experiences and even the culture of our society can shape our perception. In this case, transsexuality is a rather taboo topic in Singapore, and many people would think that it's embarrassing to have a transsexual in the family. There is one incident in which a woman was told by her father not to go for the sex change, or face being disowned by her family. In the end, the woman went for the sex operation in Bangkok without her family's blessings, and is now a man. Such incidents are not rare; almost all the transsexuals interviewed face hostility from their family members.
As part of the mass media, the newspaper could be one of the influences of our selection of information in our environment. I hope that it could educate and communicate to the general public about the misconception that most people have about transsexuals, and communicate to them that transsexuals are not that much different from the rest of us. Their confusion and suffering is something that not many of us can understand or even identify with, and their pain could be further compounded by how others hurt them with their stereotypical views of transsexuals. Someone named Javier started an online petition for SBS transit to ban transsexuals on buses. Imagine how transsexuals will feel if such a petition was taken into consideration by the authorities! It would only bring more pain, and the stigma against transsexuals will still prevail.
It is very heartwarming, on the other hand to hear that some people are ready to accept transsexuals into their lives. In one case, a young daughter of only 10 years old was ready to accept that her father wanted to go for a sex change. Her explaination was simple, yet very mature for someone her age; she replied that no matter how her father looks like physically, he will always be her father. Her perception was probably influenced by her social network, who is her family. Her mother, who is the man's ex-wife, was intially upset with the change. However, she joined sgbutterfly, an online community for the transgenders in Singapore, to try to understand the situation. This, I feel, is very commendable.
(I hope this is alright for a first post!)
posted by kyun at
8:55 PM
14 Comments:
I honestly do not feel anything against the transexual people. Besides I find them nicer to talk to as compared to the normal people.
I just feel that they are more understanding and helpful than the rest of us. And i'm sure they need us to feel and treat them the same way too.
And i think its not fair that you see them for the jobs they are doing because there are so many things that they can do especially in the Media industries. There many make up artists and hair stylists that are transexuals and most of them have professional talents so I just wish that people would just leave them alone and let them be whatever they want to be and do as long they don't do anything wrong to society that's good enough.
This reminds me alot of one of Oprah's episodes where transgenders were the topic. This story has stuck with me till today:
Man A was a young man experimenting with his sexuality and started out cross dressing. Soon after, he chose masculinity and managed to marry a lovely yong woman. Years into the marriage, he then realised he could no longer resist the calling to become a woman and started crossdressing again. Although his wife was depressed, the began to accept him for who he is and became BEST FRIEND. According to her, they even share makeup!
That could be a rarity but afterall transgendered people are still human. The word "gender" is a sexist term as how "race" can be considered a racist word. As people are more open to the talk on sexuality, sexual discrimination will be a thing of a past.
Transsexuals or not, if they are capable, I don't see why they shouldn't be hired by companies.
Some time ago, I was stunned when I read a newspaper article which stated that gays could now be employed in more sensitive areas within the government. I never knew that they were discouraged from seeking jobs in those positions before I read that piece. It makes me wonder if transsexuals are given a place in our society as well.
You did a great job for a first post, I'd like to read more. =)
I speak from a typical Singaporean POV who has the typical mindset due to the typical upbringing. I oppose transsexuals and don't regard them highly in the society. In fact they shouldn't be allowed at all as they portray the wrong idea of life.
Well I used to think that way.
I mean who are we to play God and say transsexuals should be banned from here and there. They are humans too and have the right to live their lives. After all, they made their decision to be transsexuals which I believe we, at the very least, should respect it.
Singapore doesn't practise a caste system too, thus we shouldn't discriminate anyone based on any criteria, right?
And yes, transsexuals are somehow... nicer to talk to. I find them more mature and open, maybe due to the constraints that they gotta face.
Generally we're just too confined to traditional methods and values. Things are changing fast and if your mindset doesn't keep up, it is as good as being stale.
Keep up the writing yo!
Personally, if I were to meet a trans-sexual, and know that he or she was a trans, I'll probably be uncomfortable and think that he or she is unnatural.
But that is probably because we are out of our comfort zone, they are different that's why we feel that they do not 'belong' with us. It's probably the same case with people with different colours, sexual interests and even shape and age. Discrimination arises because we cannot accept why people are different. Probably also because we are reluctant to change our mindset of trying to accept others, which is why we seek people who are the 'same' kind.
Though trans-sexuals do make me uncomfortable, it is their life and their sex, it is of no concern to me personally. I have no reason to criticise them for their bravery of going against social expectations.
I have personally met and known several people who underwent a sex change. Most of them were males changing to females. I do not feel that we need to prejudice them. They are still just normal people who do not seem to be satisfied with what they are.
Personally, I feel that whether or not they undergo a sex change, they will always stay the same inside; their character and personalities will not change. The only thing that has changed is the physical appearance.
This friend that I know of is a sales assistant in a clothing retail shop, she is leading life normally after her parents accepted that she underwent a sex change to become what she is now. She even has a boyfriend.
I think that people are able to adapt to transsexuals around them. It's just that when one person cannot accept it, people follow the crowd. However, with perseverance and more knowledge, I believe that the transsexuals will be accepted unquestionably one day.
I suppose people are just scared of what they do not know, or what they feel are strangely unfamiliar.
However, we must also take into account that as an increasing amount of people are becoming more open towards others, like gays and lesbians, because of the exposure that they get from celebrities coming out, perhaps as transexuals get more... neutral or positive media coverage, they would soon be more and more accepted by society.
Nevertheless, there are still bigots and if i may, extremely staunch religious people out there. So until they stop their supremist feelings and act of trying to be god, i doubt the LGBT community will get to live totally comfortably in society..
Kyun,
I think you have chosen quite a brilliant topic to talk about, to me, it's quite a good entry! (yes even for a first post)
One of the first things that came to mind was how much the topic of transexuals reminded me of how i felt about the gay community. I use 'gay' here as a wide term, to include homosexuals of both sexes. As Jo has pointed outin the previous comment, the more coverage and exposure this communities receive, with their own members fighthing and campaigning for their right to be treated equally, i believe the day will come when more people, and i hope a lot more, come to treat these people not with hate and judging eyes, but hopefully with at least a hint of how the little girl has continued to view her father through her untainted eyes - with love.
Conservatives (another broad use here) and practioners of some religions, i.e. Christianity, may not always agree that the gay/lesbian/bisexual/transexual community are doing the right thing, but i still believe most people are still capable of kindness and compassion.
There are many of us in this world. People. Views and opinions, when held with stronger conviction can become values and beliefs that guide our actions. When these people band together to fight for certain rights, or to uphold particular stances, sides will be taken. On one side may be pro-(insert interest group here), and on the other side could well be an opposing group. This is an inevitable situation, but while the respective camps may argue their cases vigorously, i do not believe that there is a need to go to the extent of invoking hatred upon other people.
At the end of the day, we're all human. We're in this together. Whether you're homo-phobic or trans-phobic, are these people threatening to take away lives with the decisions they make? Is there any basis for this dislike/fear? Or have you simply been swept up in the mob frenzy?
I thought the Straits Times did a good effort on the feature about transsexuals in Singapore. Hopefully, that'll help change the perceptions of many who may think that the majority of transsexuals are lowly-educated and whatnot.
I also hope that Singaporeans would generally start to be more open about such issues. The very fact that the government has allowed transsexuals to change their sex on their ICs says a lot. Transsexuals are even allowed to marry. I don't know about you, but I think it's kinda impressive coming from a government that still upholds section 377A. Haha.
Looking forward to reading more posts from you! :)
Haha, section 377a.
It's funny how they can understanding towards one issue (allowing the change on the IC) and turn a cold shoulder towards the other(not repealing S377a).
But then again, I agree that ignorance is the crux of the discrimination. In fact, many associate aids with transsexuals/homosexuals. Exposure plays an important role, because the more exposed one is, the more knowledge is gained. With the right knowledge, perceptions are altered.
Yes people from single sex schools are more open to such issues(yay to all)! Although there are a minority who still strongly object, like you said, its because of religious beliefs and upbringing. But even so, being in such an environment would somehow "soften" them in comparison to other staunch believers who haven't seen anything first hand.
On another note, would you agree that this issue stands on the same level of discrimination as stuff like racism? Racism is disallowed, and the media has to be neutral about it or risk facing a lawsuit. Case in point, a blogger being sued for racist comments (though technically speaking he isn't part of the media but the public). Is it right then, for the lack of efforts in curbing the discrimination of transsexuals? Afterall, it still is discrimination.
Whatever happened to defending the rights of the minority?
(It's a good first post! Great minds think alike, haha :D)
Hi kyun! interesting topic for a first entry here, i assume this is a school project of some kind.
anyway, with regards to the topic, it is impossible to tap into the mind of a transsexual/transgendered unless you are one yourself. one can never fully understand the psyche of a transgendered, and emotional turmoil that he or she has to go through everyday. this is because they cannot accept the most basic thing about themselves- the sex they've been born with.
while i may not be fully accepting of transsexuals for personal reasons, i cannot possibly pass any judgement on them; that is His job. also, their sexuality should not be the issue but rather, their moral and ethical beliefs. there is this indonesian transsexual celebrity (male-to-female) who had previously married a woman just to conform to societal expectations but eventually underwent sex change to become a woman. i have respect for her because she has built homes for the orphans, and still performs religious deeds like any other muslim woman. she has been disowned by her family as it is discomforting for many conservative muslims but i realise that we are not one to judge and so we should not overlook other admirable traits that a transsexual has. Transgendered/transsexuals have needs and feelings too.
Cheers! :)
To all:
Thank you for all your comments! I’m glad that the general consensus here is that we do not mind having transsexuals around us, and that we all accept them as humans, just like us. Like what “yond:)” said on her own blog, perhaps ignorance about the subject has made many of us in this society blind towards such people. As human beings, we are naturally wary of people and things who are more different and foreign from us, and I’m sure that with more such knowledge (and hopefully more exposure from the mass media; it is a very powerful tool!), people will grow to accept transsexuals.
Section 377a is a very interesting topic, dear anonymous #4. I do not understand how they can accept transsexuals and allow them to change their sex officially, but not repeal this. It is…pretty impressive.
Who are we to judge these transexual people? A mixed gender issue but at the end, they are also individuals like us with feelings and emotions.
Few years back, My friend told me that her ex-boyfriend and his bunch of friends purposely made a trip down to Changi Village (as it was rumored that there were many transexuas around that area) to catch a glimpse of them. They ended up teasing them, makeing rude remarks about them in public. I was rather appalled at their behaviour as I found it very insulting and condescending.
This goes to show that how uneducated our society is at times, and it may still take years before our people can fully accept these transsexuals for who they are as individuals with no discrimination whatsoever.
In the currect global society, people are starting to accept minority groups more and more. I, like most, am quite bewildered as to why people would discriminate against them.
Do they forcefully enter our houses and rob it blind? No. Do they molest our children? No. Do they spread unidentified germs whenever they walk past? No.
I'm not going to say more about this issue because a) the ignorance clouding this topic is mind-boggling and I'd just end up ranting and b) most of the others have already said what I feel.
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