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EM🏳️⚧️ Trans men: You can take up space and not contribute to harmful gender roles. You can speak your mind without holding up patriarchy. The more you show your vulnerability, wisdom, and complexity with others, the wider net we can cast for what being a man can look like in the world.
Trans men are men. However, we are not cis men. Never have been, never will be. That’s not us, and that’s not who we’re “trying to be.” We have a different way of being in the world, and we embody a masculinity that doesn’t rely on proving anything. We are men simply because we are.
The invisibility of trans men is real - we are often misunderstood, ignored, and not acknowledged in the wider community. But I find comfort in trans elders who remind us that we’ve always been here. And I also find responsibility in using my privilege - especially as a white cis-assumed trans man- to advocate for other people in the community who are at far greater risk of experiencing discrimination and harm.
Sharing also needs to balance listening: not every space is ours to take and not every issue is ours to speak on. But what I see more often is trans men disengaging than trans men taking over. Making room for everyone else but themselves. There is a way to embody manhood that is feminist, gentle, and steady. And there is room for you.
So to the trans guys out there: Let’s not contribute to our own self-erasure. Your words, space, energy, history, vibe, style, and story make you visible. You’re visible to me, and your voice matters.
#transmen #transgender #goodboys #masculinity
@emmett.the.educator
