Wattpad's Official GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance)

Let's Talk LGBTQ+: Let's Talk The Struggles of Being Trans

Hey! After a very very long time, I could finally get to finish and edit this first edition of Let's Talk LGBTQ+. I really hope you guys enjoy it a lot and I suppose this is my apology for not being very active with this story. I do apologize, I haven't had a lot of time lately. Additionally, I'm sorry if this seems a little rushed, I tried to get it out as soon as I could.

Anyways, the person I am interviewing today is your_demon_grunkle, he was really cooperative and I really appreciated his support of this activity. Anyways, here we go. 

Me: Opening question: Before I start asking you specific questions, why did you decide to talk about this specific topic?

Interviewed: I'm female to male, and we're actually fetishized in the media, as well as being ignored and given less information about to make room for our mtf sisters (I love them, but most of the internet and subreddits about trans people forget about transmasc and ftm people.)

Me: Ah I see. Do you personally have other ftm friends? Do you have like a safe space where you feel you can be yourself?(Also if I accidentally step over a boundary please let me know so I don't do it again)

Intervewed: (I will) I don't know any other ftm people, but I hang out with a friend (not going to name him for his own privacy) who's gay and feminine, so he gives me tips on how to look and act more masculine, and I give him tips on how to look and act more feminine. He's one of the two people who actually know I'm trans, so talking with him is as close as I can get to a safe space (there are no romantic feelings involved though; our relationship is purely platonic).

Me: It's nice to have friends who you can talk to and interact with. Okay, what would you say is the biggest problem you (or others) face being trans

Interviewed: I would say one of the biggest problems for a lot (or all) trans people is prejudice. It's hard to show your pride with a family who doesn't accept you or in the Bible belt. One of the problems about being born female, however, is shark week and the massive dysphoria it causes.

Me: Ah I see. Some people out there don't understand what dysphoria is, could you give us your own thoughts on what you think dysphoria can be defined as?

Interviewed: It's different for everyone, but for me, dysphoria feels like you're in the wrong body. I also describe it like wearing a very uncomfortable set of clothing when you want to just wear your pajamas.

Me: I see, so kind of like just generally feeling like you are not comfortable with yourself?Yes. It's a little difficult to explain, but that's probably the best way to phrase it

Interviewed: Makes sense. How does clothing and binders work for FTM people?I don't have a binder (I'm not out and I don't want to know how my parents would react), but I layer shirts which has a chest flattening effect. I also use one or two sport bras, but I do it separately.

Me: What else can you tell us about the topic?

Interviewed: I'm not very familiar with the topic, but I know there are some charities and organizations that take donated binders and send them to transgender people who need them.There's also a few websites that tell you how to make your own binder, like wikiHow, which help greatly.*helps

Me: Of course. What do you think is the main misconception about Trans people?

Interviewed:One of the biggest misconceptions about trans people is that to transition, you only need one surgery. Some trans people do only choose to get one surgery, but it's much more complicated than just getting on surgery and boom, you transitioned. Another myth is that all trans people medically transition, which is not always the case. Some of us can't afford it, are not out, or don't feel the need to medically transition. I, for one, live in Florida, which banned trans healthcare for teens, so I'm forced to stay closeted and wait until I can finally get healthcare, like T shots and, eventually, top surgery. But the thing is, some of us are happy with our bodies, and some of us aren't. It's that simple, but people don't always realize that.

Me: That makes a lot of sense, actually. How do you feel about the law in your state?

Interviewed: I think it's unfair; we should be allowed healthcare like everyone else. I've signed some petitions, but none of them have really changed anything. At this point, I'm just waiting (I can't go to marches because it's a pandemic.)

Me: Oh yes that is a very good point! How has the pandemic affected the trans community?

Interviewed: We've had trouble getting the healthcare we need, and we're also very isolated from social support. We're at risk to the virus like everyone else as well, but it has multiple outcomes that would affect our wellbeing greatly.

Me: Sorry for the late reply!! Do you yourself feel this impact?

Interviewed: Not as much as others, but I have a non binary friend who is currently trapped at home with their homophobic and transphobic family. It's gotten bad enough that I've asked them to stay over for a week just to keep them away from that toxic environment. (They're currently looking over my shoulder as I write this)

Me: Oh wow. That sounds really bad. Does your friend wanna say anything about anything we've talked about?

Interviewed: They've actually gone to stay at their aunt's for the time being, but they said they appreciated the offer.

Me: Ah ok. Okay, last question: What do you think could be done to improve trans people's situation?

Interviewed: I think one of the biggest things that needs to be done is to educate people about the trans community. A lot of people think it's their fault if their child comes out as trans, and even more think we're sinners.

Me: Anything else you want to tell us?

Interviewed: I think that's it. Thank you for interviewing me!

Okay! That is that. If you want to participate in one of these (and I really hope you do), I reccommend heading over to our chapter "Let's Talk LGBTQ+" (https://www.wattpad.com/1115572787-wattpad%27s-official-gsa-gay-straight-alliance-let%27s). Please go check it out and thank you for the support!!

Thank y'all so much and I promise I haven't lost motivation!!