An excerpt from Shane Ivan Nash’s new book “The Missing Piece: How Patriarchy Excludes Trans Men From Society”
BY SHANE IVAN NASH
Where are the trans men? This is a question I am asked far too often. Transgender individuals are a diverse group with a wide range of experiences, but trans men often face unique challenges that are often overlooked in conversations about gender identity. The lack of representation and visibility of trans men in media, politics, and society at large is a major factor in the erasure of their experiences and issues.
One reason for the lack of representation is the historical pathologizing of trans men’s identities. In the past, the medical establishment has viewed trans men as “confused” or “masculine women” rather than as people who have a different gender identity than the one, they were assigned at birth. This has led to a lack of research and understanding about trans men’s experiences, as well as a reluctance to acknowledge their existence.
Another factor contributing to the lack of visibility of trans men is the dominance of cisgender (non-transgender) narratives in media and culture. The few representations of trans men that do exist in popular culture often rely on stereotypical and reductive depictions, such as the “tomboy” or the “butch lesbian” instead of accurately reflecting the complexity of trans men’s experiences. As a result, trans men often feel invisible and isolated, with little support or recognition for their struggles.
The new representation of transmasculine individuals is disappointing to say the least, portrayed as young thin stereotypical effeminate males often childlike. This type of stereotyping has caused many individuals who do not fit those parameters to be erased from visibility.
As a transgender male, I have experienced the pressure of conforming to societal expectations regarding body size, both when I was expected to present as female and now as a transmasculine individual. This has led me to realize that the notion of having escaped the patriarchy is false. Instead, it has transformed into another form of oppression that silently affects transmasculine individuals. I recall being told by a Hollywood producer that I was too fat for a role, disregarding my acting skills. This experience, along with the overall cruelty transmasculine individuals face in the entertainment industry, highlights the presence of misogyny in a darker manner.
“By acknowledging and amplifying the voices of trans men, we can work to create a more inclusive and understanding society that values diversity and recognizes the unique experiences and challenges faced by all members of the transgender community.”
Simultaneously, men in general are often discouraged from openly expressing their emotions. It is disheartening that even our own community has ignored and exploited, denying us the opportunity to have accurate representation and advocacy for trans men.
We find ourselves trapped in a system where the patriarchy continues to persist but in a mutated form that renders our voices silenced. We are unfairly held accountable for the actions of cis men, while lacking proper representation and support for trans men’s unique struggles. This mirrors the historical oppression women have endured in society for years.
I have encountered individuals with substantial followings who have admitted to acting more effeminate because it increases their chances of success. Trans men challenge traditional notions of masculinity and serve as a testament that masculinity is not defined by physical size but rather by the energy it embodies.
It is important to address this lack of representation and visibility of trans men because their experiences and issues are unique and deserving of attention. Trans men often face specific challenges related to masculinity and identity that are different from those faced by trans women or non-binary individuals. They may struggle to find acceptance in traditionally male-dominated spaces, experience discrimination and harassment in the workplace or healthcare system, and face barriers in accessing medical care. These issues deserve to be recognized and addressed, and it is crucial that the voices of trans men be uplifted and amplified in conversations about gender identity and LGBTQ+ rights.
The lack of representation and visibility of trans men is a significant issue that needs to be addressed. By acknowledging and amplifying the voices of trans men, we can work to create a more inclusive and understanding society that values diversity and recognizes the unique experiences and challenges faced by all members of the transgender community.
Get the book here: www.shaneivannash.com
