This is my first post in a series about writing about diverse characters. Up next I'll be doing it on asexuals. Please post any tips or comments.
You want to write/create a fictional trans* character? By that I hope you mean positively, because we don't need any more damn transphobia. Here are some tips:
1. Do Your Damn Research. It's not too hard, read some information on the internet, a few real life stories, get to know the people you're writing about. Remember that you'll need to keep updated on the trans* community, read some blogs (like this one), keep updated with websites you can trust (like The Advocate).
2. Don't Do Stereotypes Unless You Want To Break Them, No Reinforcements. I have seen some very funny break downs of trans* stereotypes, but I have seen terrifying reinforcements. Don't make your trans* character a sexual predator unless you break that stereotype or if for some fucking reason you're writing about a trans* serial rapist, so have other redeeming trans* characters. Really, why anyone would make a novel about a trans* serial rapist is beyond me.
3. If You Want To Be Funny, Fine, But No Making Your Trans* Character Solely A Joke. I love funny characters, but if you do make a funny trans* character, don't turn them into a joke. Trans* people are more than jokes, and shouldn't be pure comedy unless every fucking person in your fictional work is also a walking joke.
4. Trans* People Are Not A Special People. They're pretty damn normal, not zoo animals.
5. Make Your Character Real. Make them more than just a trans* person. Let's say your MTF is a fabulous girl, practically a drag queen, and that's pretty much all they are. That just doesn't work. Give them flaws, interests, relationships, make them be a well rounded person like you hopefully are.
6. If They're On TV, Have A Trans* Actor Play The Character. Yes, trans* characters are nice, but please don't have a cis woman play a trans* person, denying a trans* actor a job and more recognition. Also, if you have a transvestite/cross-dressing character (because transvestites/cross-dressers fall under the trans* umbrella), have an actor who is comfortable with cross-dressing, and can be considered a transvestite/cross-dresser. For example, in the film Bent, Mick Jagger cross dressed as a woman. Jagger has personally stated he cross dresses at home. But make sure to never confuse an actual drag king/queen with a transgender person. Example:
These are drag kings who look like they're from The Godfather or Mafia games.
This is a transgender man who plays women's basketball. There is a difference. Always make sure they are seen as completely different.7. Don't Be Afraid To Break A Few Boundaries, Tear Some People Out Of Their Boxes. Don't allow people to be comfortable, tear them from their comfort zone and make them realize how transphobic and gender-policing the world is.
8. Don't Be A Transphobe.
I hope this explained a few things.
9. Don't Make This Piece Of Hateful Trash:
Also, please see this video:
That's all I have to say unless you want to get more personal, then contact me.What's my experience in this? I've written a few trans* characters before, always trying to get it right, because that's what I should do.
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