Transgender Awareness Week
During the week of November 13 - November 19, Transgender Awareness Week is celebrated to help raise awareness about transgender people and identify issues members of the transgender community face. This is done by transgender people and allies educating the general public, sharing stories, and advocating for the end of prejudice, discrimination, and violence that has a profound impact on the community.
A 2021 Gallup poll reported that 68% of Americans believe they have never met someone who is transgender. This indicates that most people are being educated on transgender people through a misrepresented media which influences public perceptions and policy towards the community. However, the same poll found that 50% of Americans younger than 30 years old know someone who is transgender. This is because in recent years younger people are more likely to have a friend or family member who identifies as transgender in addition to 20% of Gen Z reporting they are part of the LGBTQ community.
It’s vital for allies and the general public to see more transgender representation, stories, and accurate information to fight off the anti-transgender backlash that the country is facing. TV shows that share trans stories and/or have transgender actors include Pose, First Day, Veneno, Sense8, Supergirl, Billions, and The L Word: Generation Q. Movies that share trans stories and/or have transgender actors include The True Adventures of Wolfboy, The Craft: Legacy, Lingua Franca, Real Boy, The Trans List, Call Her Ganda, and Kumu Hina.
Although Transgender Awareness Week happens once a year, we at Perspectives Anew Therapy celebrate and advocate for the transgender community year round. Our owner, Stephanie Peyton, is certified in providing quality healthcare to the transgender community. Additionally, Anna Power is a Safe Space provider for the LGBTQIA+ community and Kimbri Johnson advocates for the LGBTQIA+ community. Lastly, Maryam Archer is a Safe Space provider for the community in addition to spearheading the first LGBTQIA+ peer support group for Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville.
Source: GLAAD