So I've never experienced this but I've heard experiences from people who have. It has had me thinking lately since that discussion we had in class about transgendered people.
First let me clarify that I don't judge people. I don't see color, I don't stereotype, or do any other negative things toward people. However I do question a few things, and May be uncomfortable about certain situations when I'm confused. Like what i am about to say. But before I go there, my main question is, "am I wrong or mean for feeling the way I do right now?"
Here's the example story:
EXAMPLE #1:
I am in a locker room at a local gym, when I notice a "man" walking in. Keep in mind that I am changing my clothes like I would normally do in a locker room. Anyways, as he approaches I can tell that he has female features and it dawns on me that he is a transgender. Now when he first walked in, I am startled and jump for my towel. I feel invaded, just like I would if any man whom I didn't allow, saw me undressing.
EXAMPLE #2:
I am in a locker room at a local gym and a MAN, who considers himself a woman, walks in. He looks like a woman however he has clear manly features. Im changing just like in the last example, however I'm not as startled because I'm more confused.
Now I would NEVER say rude comments or even my feelings about it to that person if I were in those situations but I would ask someone I know how I am supposed to feel. So I would like to ask you all. Is it rude of me to be startled or feel uncomfortable? Am I a negative person? I'm just confused about these situations and how I would truly feel.
How would you all react? Would you continue dressing?
Honestly No,I wouldn't have continued dressing and I feel I would have had the same thoughts. It doesn't make you a bad person. I think we are educated about the LGBTQ community through our class conversations yet when experiencing real life situations you are caught off guard and react. I think I spoke about this in class before,while taking my daughter to a restroom one time; I stopped short to check the sign because I saw a male figure in the restroom but the employee of the McDonald's stated "I am a girl" then I proceeded pull my daughter into the restroom. I had thoughts as to why if she wanted to be treated and seen as a man then why wasn't she using the men's restroom. I then began to think about the harm that could come to her if she did and the utilization of men restroom stales. Conversations and exposure to people who are in the LGBTQ community are two different things. I feel as society progresses we will have an understanding of what our reactions should be.
ReplyDeleteI really don't think you should feel like you are negative person because it happens with almost everyone. I think like everything that is your first reaction and you are confused how to react to situations like this. If i was in your place, i would probably as awkward, but later on think about it and realize that every person have the freedom to make their own choices and we shouldn't judge them for the choices they make.
ReplyDelete