A Light-Hearted and Heavy-Hearted
Short and Incomplete List of Common Traits
Shared by TransPeople
Like Myself
Based Mostly on Empirical Data
By Jennifer Angelina Petro
These are not in any particular order, and yes, of course, cisfolks can have some of these traits too, but who cares. This list is not meant to separate us or further stereotype us. It is meant as affirmation, celebration, and interesting information.
We like sci-fi.
We like video games—playing them, creating them.
We like memes and GIFS—creating them, posting them, reading them.
Many of us are often on the spectrum—the autism spectrum.
We are incredibly creative—artistically, musically…
We are often gifted writers.
We are kind, generous, and fiercely loyal.
We are activists, both by birth and by choice.
We have amazingly fabulous fashion sense.
We are survivors.
We are resilient.
We have fantastic taste in music.
Many of us are highly empathic to the point of being empaths.
Many of us like animation—anime, manga. Stephen Universe, etc.
We are extremely intelligent.
We can hold and cherish and protect the truth better than almost anyone.
We are often musicians.
Many of us love animals—cats, dogs, rats, hedgehogs, reptiles, etc.
Many of us know how to experience fear and keep going anyway. And those that don’t someday will.
Some of us belong to pagan, wiccan, or some other more “earthy” type of spiritual tradition.
Many of us have youtube channels intended to help, inspire, support, and educate trans and non-trans.
Many of us are asked invasive or inappropriate questions.
Many of us are made to feel like we need to prove and/or justify that we exist.
Many of us get stared at when we are out in public.
Some of us carry mace when going out alone.
Many of us have been threatened, harassed, assaulted, demonized, and rejected, and yet we still hold true to the truth of who we are.
Many of us experience severe anxiety and fear when out in public and have to use the bathroom.
Too many of us have been murdered for who we are, and by too many, I mean one is too many.
Too many of us take our own lives because of bullying, nonacceptance, stress, and fear, and by too many I mean one is too many.
Some of us struggle with deep dysphoria; some of us do not.
Some of us exist in hiding for years, decades, or even our entire lives.
Some of us struggle with loving our bodies, our voices, certain body parts., etc; some of us do not.
Some of us hate our lives and names before coming out; some of us do not.
Some of us LOVE wearing makeup, binders, etc.; some of us do not.
Many of us have at least one ally (and often more than one) in our corner.
Many of us have different hair colors than the common brown, black, or blond.
Many of us do not have access to healthcare.
Many of us have family members who reject us.
Many of us have at least one or two family members who accept us.
Many of us are unemployed and/or find it extremely difficult finding a job.
Many of us are living in poverty.
Some of us are forced to live on the streets.
Some of us choose to be sex workers for survival and to save money for surgeries (and yes, some choose to be sex workers because we like it).
Many of us seek various forms of surgeries or procedures to help make ourselves more comfortable in our true gender. Many do not. Most cannot due to finances and/or lack of healthcare.
Some of us have passing as one of our goals; some of us do not.
Most of us are utterly hilarious and have a great sense of humor (albeit sometimes, wry, dark, or jaded).
Many of us are “TransWhoVians”—transpeople who like Dr. Who.
All of us fucking rock.
All of us are amazing.
All of us are living lights.
All of us matter.
All of us are just plain human (except those from other planets).
All of us are brave even when we’re afraid.
All of us need to stick together.
All of us need to know there is no one way, or right way, or wrong way to be trans.
What traits can you add to this list?