Everyone

Hu·man (hyoo'men) -n. A person.
The American Heritage Dictionary

The first hang-up many people encounter when trying to understand transgender people is the distinction that sex and gender are two different things, and are not related to sexual orientation. A person can express a gender that differs from their biological sex. Sexual orientation is also different from sex or gender. A person who is intersexed, transgendered or transsexual is not gay or lesbian because of their gender variance.

Harsh Realities

Intersexed and transgendered people face, in daily life, ignorance, sexual harassment, hatred, and oppression from all sides. Many are disowned by their families, denied jobs, estranged by their peers, face domestic violence and police brutality, medical mismanagement, and are forced to survive in a culture that is completely oppressive. This "lifestyle" is not a "choice", and it is not an attempt at "deviance" or an attempt to "undermine society". Many intersex and transgender people want nothing more than to be accepted, to have a normal life, and to not have to constantly be afraid and fight for their right to live. As a result of oppression, many intersex and transgender people live "in the closet" and even experience severe agoraphobia.

History

Intersex and transgender people have existed since time immemorial in all cultures around the world. Different cultures have treated intersex and transgender people differently. The ancient Greeks viewed intersex people, or hermaphrodites, as the utmost of human potential, the perfect synthesis of male and female. The Native Americans respect "two-spirit" persons as shamans. Some African cultures provide neither penalty nor exaltation for intersex or transgender status. In the United States the reality that intersex and transgender people exist is often denied or hidden, and is often a taboo penalized with violence or discrimination.

Education

As more people become educated about intersexuality and transgenderism the situation will improve, however the road is long and slow. One way of helping is to distribute free literature in public places. Read the Manual for Care for suggestions on how to make your workplace, school, or community center safe for intersexed and transgendered people. Take a survey and read others' responses to find out what people have to say about intersexuality and transgenderism. Feel free to e-mail if you need advice or someone to talk to.
Sometimes people are uncertain how to approach people of ambiguous gender. The answer is to treat intersex and transgender people as people. Transgender people work hard to achieve the outward appearance of their gender and to feel comfortable in their skin and soul. Using pronouns contrary to what a transgender person presents can be extremely hurtful. If you are uncertain what gender a person is presenting refer to that person by name or politely ask what gender they want to be referred to as. If you see someone being hassled or abused because of their gender identity act as you would in the presence of any abuse.