For the second part of our episode on Trans Feminism, Sarah and Leigh interview transgender friends in the community to talk about coming out in the south. We hear transwomen’s perspectives on living with gender dysphoria, what coming out to their families has been like, how the church has influenced their transitioning, and what they think about passing within the socially constructed gender spectrum. We hear from a mother who is having to advocate for her child in the face of unsupportive family members and trying to build her own support system with close friends.

These interviews reveal just how important supportive family and friends are to the mental well being of trans gender and nonconforming individuals. This may seem intuitive for most of us, but discrimination is still rampant and creates barriers to self-esteem, proper mental healthcare and other essential human rights.

We are working to build awareness and support in our community by starting a Prism chapter in Fairhope and by talking more openly about trans issues. If you are interested in supporting LGBTQ+ youth in our area, reach out to Sarah Rutledge Fisher @https://www.facebook.com/PrismFairhopeAL/

Let us know what you think, and get into the conversation by joining our online FB Bookclub Group @FemmSouth Bookclub.