Why positive media representation matters

jaimezenski:

My first exposure to Trans people was on Jerry Springer and then later internet porn with shemales and trannies. I found it deeply disturbing because I knew I felt feminine, and wanted deeply to just be a girl, but had no idea how to express that.

Now I grew up in a very conservative home/town where no one and I mean no one was openly talking about LBGT issue, or if they did it was in the context of sin and going to hell.

And seeing these representations in Media made me think being trans was either people who can and should be taunted and ridiculed (thanks Jerry) or objectified and scorned as sexual object (fu porn).

It wasn’t until almost 2004 that I began to see my first few glimmers of trans people in a positive light on a trans support board. And I started to understand that might be what I had been feeling. But the shame was such from my early exposure to trans issues that I buried that down deep in the closet. Right when my body could have most easily transitioned, albeit I was already well into my 20s.

I never lost the dysphoria, which for me comes and goes on a cycle. And I still hate my body I feel trapped in. I might have had the courage to transition younger. But now I have decided not to and just live my life.

I wish I would have had the courage when I was younger to push move towards transition. Positive media would have helped give me that courage.

Don’t let anyone tell you how to live your life. It’s none of their damn business. No matter how much they try to make you feel shamed, ridiculed, or unwelcome. It’s their fault they can’t deal and I doubt they would let you tell them how to live their life. So fuck them all. Be you. Be beautiful. You are loved.