Читать книгу Trans Teen Survival Guide - Fox Fisher - Страница 11

While a lot of trans people are now living openly as trans, there are also trans people who do not specifically want to tell everyone around them that they are trans. Obviously, you will need to tell your closest friends and family, but some people wish to remain stealth (living in society without telling people or people knowing that you are trans) to other people.

There are various reasons why some people choose to be stealth. It might be because where they live isn’t very safe to be out and openly trans, and they fear discrimination, stigma or negative reactions. Some people feel as if it’s simply something personal that they do not wish to share with those who aren’t close to them. Whatever the reason might be, anyone who wishes to live stealth has the right to do so and it’s important to respect that.

Telling other people someone is trans without their consent is never okay, especially not if they are stealth. Being stealth allows people to move through the world in a different way and escape being treated differently. It’s also important to realise the positive impact being out and open can have, if you feel safe to do so. In a society where trans people are being more and more accepted, visibility and being open and proud about who we are is incredibly important. Trans people should not have to hide themselves or who they are and this is how change is made.

So do whatever is best for you, based on your personal preference and if it is safe for you to be out. If you have good support from friends and family and live in a place that is generally accepting of LGBTQIA+ people, it certainly makes it a lot easier to be out and proud about who you are. Just being yourself and being proud about it can inspire others and give them the courage to be themselves as well.