These 20 Psychologists Weigh In on Gender Identity
"It is unclear why people are so uncomfortable with transgender, gender-fluid, non-binary, and gender nonconforming folks."
Clinical and forensic psychologist Samantha Smithstein focuses on impulse control and self-awareness. She notes the conventional binary system for gender is easier for many people to understand and that, psychologically, humans cling to familiarity and shun things that fall outside the norm.
However, clinging to tradition has served to oppress individuals who are “different,” like the transgender category. This can be seen in children through the bullying of “feminine” boys or “masculine” girls at schools, and in adults through the physical and verbal abuse of transgender individuals. These close-minded adults then pass on their lack of acceptance to their children, and the cycle continues. It is a cycle that needs to break, Smithstein says, and although it won’t be easy, it is necessary if we are to continue to progress as human beings.
"It is unclear why people are so uncomfortable with transgender, gender-fluid, non-binary, and gender nonconforming folks. My guess is that, as with any type of change that involves psychological and emotional growth and expansion, the unfamiliar feels scary and strange." Samantha Smithstein Psy.D.
