In recent years, the topic of transgenderism and non-binary identity has been appearing more and more frequently in mainstream media in Poland. Instead of empowering the community, much of the coverage perpetuates harmful stereotypes that transgender people are “trapped in their own bodies,” using headlines about “gender reassignment” and outdated terminology. The organization Queer May, together with the community, analyzed anti-trans narratives and their impact on the lives and activism of gender-diverse people. The findings of the study can be found in the latest report, “Visible Amazement: Narratives Around Gender Diversity”.
Unsurprisingly, most transphobic content can be found online, on websites such as X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and Instagram. Respondents indicated that they often encounter it even when they are not looking for it. This can even lead to them giving up social media altogether.
“The same is true of mainstream media, news portals, and the press, which respondents accuse of incompetence and combating misinformation with other types of misinformation. We also see that some topics are often copied unthinkingly, e.g., from the UK or the US, as exemplified by the discussion around toilet accessibility” – says Toni Kania, Queer May.
Respondents with activist experience point out that they have less and less strength to fight hate and misinformation. They feel sadness, fear, trauma, as if it were an “exotic phenomenon,” irritation, and anger that people without adequate knowledge are commenting on their lives.
“We also know from the study that transgender people feel attacks from groups that declare themselves to be feminist more acutely than those from right-wing conservative groups” – comments Ali Kopacz. “This mainly concerns TERF radical feminist groups, which exclude transgender people from their demands for equal rights”. Over the past few years, we have seen many such examples, such as the statements by Urszula Kuczyńska and Izabela Palińska mentioned in the report” – she adds.
How is the topic of transgenderism presented in more favorable materials? Mainly through narratives about the tragedy of life in Poland and the discrimination experienced, as well as stories about the heroism of allies. Although these are very important from the point of view of systemic change, in order to show the fullness of transgender people’s lives, we should not forget about joy.
“We want to conclude our project with a campaign about joy. We want to show the positive experiences of transgender people, what they enjoy, what they are proud of. One of the people we spoke to said that “trans joy is being yourself and your identity without any ‘buts’ without shame, coercion, or explanations”. Soon, we will also share other definitions of what trans joy is. After all, it is a collective experience” – adds Miko Czerwiński, Queer May.
The aim of the project, led by Queer May, is not only to de-escalate the discussion and highlight transgender voices, but also to equip media professionals with the necessary knowledge and inclusive language to help them navigate the topics of transgenderism and non-binary identity.
“That’s why we share our knowledge and how to deal with anti-trans narratives, and activists educate during online webinars” – says Toni Kania, Queer May. “We especially invite those who want to learn how to speak and write about gender diversity in an ally-friendly way” – she concludes.
The next event will take place on Tuesday, April 23, at 7:00 p.m. on the organization’s Facebook profile. More events will follow in the coming days – we invite you to follow our social media.
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The project “Visible Amazement: Towards Acceptance of Gender Diversity” is financed by Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway from the EEA Funds and Norwegian Funds under the Active Citizens Program – Regional Fund.