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© 2009-2012 |
Guidance for the Media - Common Misunderstandings
“This is all about a ‘lifestyle’ really, isn’t it?”
That depends. A transvestite person or someone who crossdresses may do so because they find some recreational pleasure in so doing (though for many the role and power of this activity does go far beyond, offering a sense of peace and deep release).
On the other hand, a transsexual person never transitions because they seek to adopt a new ‘lifestyle’. They do so because it is simply not possible for them to continue living as they did – they are very likely to have suffered serious depression or to have attempted suicide in the time when they tried to do so.
Transition is a last resort for many, embarked on after years of denial and failed attempts to make the inner confusion and hurt go away. It is not a ‘lifestyle choice’ – indeed for many it is not a ‘choice’ at all, other than in the sense the alternative was death.
- Getting it right: best practice in representing trans people and their lives
- Defining terms >
- A brief glossary >
- Derogatory, inappropriate or offensive terminology to avoid >
- Approaches to avoid >
- Why does any of this matter?
- Common misunderstandings
- Lifestyle choice
- It's just pretence >
- Mental illness >
- Small minority >
- Psycho babble >
- Taxpayers' money >
- Keira's Story >