Transgender beyond borders, what Western society could learn from global cultures

For those who are committed to the idea that females and males should have distinct roles in society, the idea of transgender individuals—who may not clearly fit into one of those categories—may make them uncomfortable. Interactions with a trans person may evoke insecurities about how they should behave and what type of behavior they should expect in return. While the discomfort experienced by cisgender individuals is not the responsibility of transgender people, understanding the source of these anxieties can be a means of reducing bias.

Research in psychology supports this theory:Numerous studies show that endorsement of traditional gender roles correlates with negative attitudes about transgender people. With this in mind, part of the solution to anti-trans bias could be the promotion of less restrictive gender roles for everyone, not just transgender people. If people don’t hold firm expectations of gendered behavior, they can be open to a wide spectrum of behavior from all genders.

When we look at current attacks on the rights of transgender people in the U.S., we rarely see reference to the broad range of nonbinary genders that exists around the world. However, by considering the cross-cultural lens, we gain the potential to shift our dialogue about the nature of gender roles and expressions.

Mariah Schug, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Psychology and Chair of the Department of Gender, Women’s and Sexuality Studies at Widener University. Professor Schug conducts much of her research in the Faroe Islands, where she has considered the experiences of immigrants and the LGBTQIA+ community. In her teaching, she challenges her students to reflect on traditional concepts of gender and sexuality. She also writes for Psychology Today.

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Original Article on The Advocate
Author: Mariah Schug