Trans

TLDR:

• Updating state documents and IDs
• Maintaining a supply of medication
• Changing your social security office gender marker
• Consider moving now, if you want to
• Make decisions around staying or going “stealth.”
• Relying on local community allies

And older talk, but regrettably still very relevant to us, especially given recent events.

A friend shared this in our group chat, I thought I'd share in case anyone here would find it helpful and or people want to donate

I socially transitioned before I started hormones, and when I went out in public wearing women's clothes, people would look at me frequently, and some people would stare at me. It was obvious I didn't pass from these kinds of responses, but I also got somewhat used to that treatment.

Over time, with hormone therapy, I get fewer and fewer instances of this. I haven't been stared at in a long time, and I think people look at me less.

At one point I would describe my experience as being a "woman shaped object" - in people's peripheral vision I looked like a normal woman, but if someone interacted with me they could tell I was trans.

I went out yesterday and got my nails done, went shopping, went out for dinner, etc. and interactions with people made me think they couldn't tell I was trans, but I just don't know whether they can actually tell or not.

While waiting in line to buy some clothes, a woman wanted to chat about how long the line was taking, and she interacted with me as though I were a normal woman - there wasn't a hint of stigma, curiosity, etc.

Anyway - this just makes me wonder: what are others' experiences with passing and not-passing, what are little clues that you aren't passing or when you are?

I assume you just can't actually tell when people are being polite vs not knowing, but maybe there are little hints.

Thanks!

If you are thinking about harming yourself — get immediate crisis support. Connect to a crisis counselor 24/7, 365 days a year, from anywhere in the U.S via text, chat, or phone. The Trevor Project is 100% confidential and 100% free.

https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/

Template for anyone who wants to use it:

Satirical rant incoming:

We all know that transphobic trolls are pretending to be trans in order to make trans people look bad and take away their rights. Therefore, as trans allies, it is our duty to restrict the rights of trans people so that trolls can't use it.

Trans people deserve to identify as whatever gender they so choose. Lately, transphobic trolls have been abusing that right, by pretending to have nonsense genders that make no sense. In order to safeguard our community from trolls and protect the rights of trans people, we must therefore treat any supposedly "trans" person with a nonsense gender with suspicion, in case they're a troll.

Oh, and pronouns? Pronouns are vitally important! Any trans person absolutely deserves to be referred to with whatever pronouns make them feel comfortable. That's why it's essential for us to immediately ban the use of neopronouns, which transphobic trolls have been using to make us realise that we hate neopronoun users.

Remember: We're oppressing trans people because we're allies!

/non-sarcastic: What the hell is up with people who say this kind of thing?

I imagine most of you might know at least the basics of keeping your privacy and preventing tracking, since you're on here instead of Reddit.

But I thought it would be sure to expand on it a bit just in case after the US elections. These are easier to use solutions for people who don't know or can't for whatever reason run their own home server, email, etc.

1. don't use Google products (at least, unaltered ones). Don't use Chrome, don't use Search, don't use Android*. The government will use Google to buy profiles of their enemies and possibly do even worse. Use a Fairphone with /e/is or install /e/ on a Samsung, or get a *Pixel and install GrapheneOS. /e/ does at least have an easy to use installer for certain phones (https://doc.e.foundation/easy-installer).

For email, Proton is easy to sign up for and outside of the USA. For messaging, I recommend going with something that won't use a phone number, like encrypted XMPP (removed Matrix from recommendation due to possible encryption issues). For keeping social networks I recommend taking a look at this as well (https://circles-project.github.io/). You can also keep apps updated easily using something like Obtanium. For browser, I'd avoid Firefox too if possible and maybe go with something a bit more hardened, like Librewolf or Mullvad. Also use a VPN. Proton has one, and so does AdGuard for phones, both being easy to install and use.

I'd avoid Apple phones because they can still be tracked easily, but it's still better than an unaltered Android phone.

2. don't use Windows. Use any Linux distro, but not Windows. If you absolutely must use Windows, look into using Rufus to stop the telemetry, and using a non-consumer version of Windows (massgrave.dev/windows_ltsc_links) or look into ReactOS (although in Alpha, apparently still runs many popular Windows applications).

3. turn off any smart features your TV has, and don't use Netflix etc. Eventually they'll target media habits as well if they can. Although I sell a device that uses Plasma Bigscreen to legitimately run things that use DRM in Europe, I'm making a package that'll run on an Odroid C4 that instead includes programs like Lidarr, Radarr, etc and release the package publicly so people can install it easily themselves.

4. block trackers on the router level. Easiest way of doing this for someone not too technology inclined is to just get a Gl.inet router and activate/install the AdGuard Home plugin on it.

These are just some basic quick tips. Stay safe. You still have some months to prepare at least.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.nz/post/16110319

This video was cute so im sharing it

Right now, you're able to select the appropriate gender marker on your passport without a note from a medical professional (and a passport can be used in the vast majority of situations you'd use a birth certificate) but because the self select gender marker was done by executive action, it's extremely likely to be reversed when Trump takes office.

Also, having one might be a good idea in general.

I submitted the paperwork a while ago but it seems there's a pretty big delay

I read something somewhere that said that we're likely to enter another stonewall era. What exactly does this mean? I'm aware of the events at the Stonewall inn but don't understand the era part of it.

I was dumb and was hoping he couldn't win. I want to get a passport. I have an old one I could renew, but it has my dead name and old gender marker. Has anyone renewed their passport after a name change gender marker? Or should I just apply for a new one in person?

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.blahaj.zone/post/18287301

If you want to attend, they ask that you RSVP through the Google form on this page.

I'm thinking of switching from gel to injections. If anyone here has experience with that, how is your experience?

As election day nears in the United States it can be a stressfull, scary and anxious time for everyone. As such, the moderators and I felt it important to say a few words.

Remember that your voice is essential. Every vote counts, and showing up to the polls empowers our community and influences the change we deserve. If you have not yet voted, please ensure you have a plan.

The National Center for Transgender Equality offers an excellent checklist aimed specifically at trans voters. It contains instructions for what to do on voting day, as well as information to show to poll workers that advocates for your rights. Please print and carry the document with you.

Stay Safe While Voting

For those of you voting in person, prioritze your safety. Bring a friend if possible, stay aware of your surroundings, and remember it’s okay to leave and return another time if you feel unsafe. If you ever feel threatened, don’t hesitate to contact local authorities or seek a safe space nearby.

Crisis Support

If you or someone you know needs immediate support, here are some US-based resources (from GLAAD):

• The Trevor Project‘s 24/7/365 Lifeline at 866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386) or TrevorChat, their online instant messaging option, or TrevorText, a text-based support option. If you are looking for peer support, you can visit TrevorSpace from anywhere in the world.
• Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860

We do not consider the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline a safe resource for the trans community due to their history of involving local law enforcement without the caller's consent, which can result in indefinite detainment.

Mutual Aid and Support

Reach out for support or mutual aid if you need it. This community is available to all who need to discuss issues, get something off their chest, or find support. We allow mutual aid requests with prior approval from the moderation team, so reach out to us. In addition, the following communities and resources are available for mutual aid or support:

• Blahaj has a community Matrix free for anyone to join.
• The Trans Housing Network Chat helps connect unhoused people, or people in unsafe housing, to those able to provide temporary shelter. Contact [email protected] to join.
• Mutual Aid Hub has a list of mutual aid resources across the United States
• The aforementioned TrevorSpace offers peer support globally
• If there are any other resources we've missed, please direct message me on Matrix @emily:mtrx.nz or leave a comment

The best mutual aid and support is local. We encourage everyone to research trans advocacy groups around them, local queer facebook pages, and keep connected with their community.

A Personal Note from Emily

As someone watching from Australia, I want you to know that you are not alone in this. The international community is watching this election closely, and most of us feel a deep anger that your rights can be and are on the ballot.

This specific trans community and each member is extremely important to me. You make the world a better place. I care deeply about your safety, your voice, and your wellbeing. No matter how things seem right now, know that there’s a global community standing in solidarity with you, holding hope, and offering support in every way we can.

Please stay safe, take care of yourself, and reach out for support when its necessary.

If you are thinking about harming yourself — get immediate crisis support. Connect to a crisis counselor 24/7, 365 days a year, from anywhere in the U.S via text, chat, or phone. The Trevor Project is 100% confidential and 100% free.

https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/

If you are thinking about harming yourself — get immediate crisis support. Connect to a crisis counselor 24/7, 365 days a year, from anywhere in the U.S via text, chat, or phone. The Trevor Project is 100% confidential and 100% free.

https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/