Introduction
Many people have a vague sense of what it means to be transgender. Perhaps they recently saw Chaz Bono perform on Dancing with the Stars, or they remember Christine Jorgensen. But transgender people come from all backgrounds, and no individual can convey the full diversity of the transgender community – either here in New Hampshire or across the country.
This project is meant to capture some of the many stories of transgender individuals and their loved ones living in New Hampshire. You will meet people like Megan, who overcame tremendous odds to become the person she is today; Drew, who is a happier person after coming to terms with his transgender identity; and Muriel, a mom who just wants her transgender son to be loved.
As you read these stories, one of the themes that emerges is the seriousness with which people have made the difficult decision to transition from their gender assigned at birth to their affirmed gender. Given the extreme, disproportionate discrimination and violence transgender people face, and the lack of legal protections in most of the country - including New Hampshire - in employment, housing, and public accommodations, the decision to change genders is not one any individual takes lightly. In fact, pervasive discrimination makes transgender individuals much more likely to experience poverty after transitioning, despite higher levels of education.
At the same time, many of these stories make clear that when given the opportunity to work, live and participate in society on the same basis as everyone else, transgender individuals are capable of extraordinary success and contribution to society.
In other words, when we protect each other, everyone benefits.
Unfortunately, it is still legal in New Hampshire to discriminate against, harass, or attack a person for being transgender. That is why it is so important that we support full legal protections for transgender individuals here in New Hampshire.
Our hope is that by reading these stories of real New Hampshire residents, you will better understand the full humanity of transgender people. They are your family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors, and they want nothing more, and nothing less, than to be treated with respect and dignity.