#waystoraise

[lgbtqwriting]

Hi, I'm a huge fan of your blog!

In a novel that I plan to write, a significant character of mine is a trans woman named Heather. She is a morally good character, who tells fortunes very poorly for a living and enjoys classical music. She is of Indian/Puerto Rican descent and is dark-skinned.

Overall, I consider her a well-developed character with a supportive family, friends and boyfriend. However, I am unsure how to describe her appearance in a way that respects her personhood as a trans woman.

Do you have any tips for describing the appearance of trans characters?

Hey there! I can give you an example, but first, here are a couple posts that might help you out:

Implicit Writing - @waystoraise-blog

Gender in a fantasy setting

Avoiding transmisogynistic stereotypes

So, first and foremost, it's important to remember that physical traits we typically associate with binary cisgender people are not inherently gendered. Some cis men have gynaecomastia, some cis women (most likely those with excess androgens in their bodies) experience bottom growth.

If Heather happens to be pre-HRT (or doesn't plan on/isn't able to go on HRT anytime in the near future), you can describe her as having a flat chest and/or masculine-sounding voice without being disrespectful to her identity. Personally I would advise shying away from describing her genitalia, but as long as you are respectful, there should be no issue with stating whether she has or has not had bottom surgery. You can even talk about her insecurities or dysphoria, assuming she has either--but as someone who isn't transfem yourself, you may want to err on the side of vagueness when it comes to exactly what she's insecure about and why.

A lot of cis people assume that gender dysphoria = despair at not feeling "manly/womanly" enough, and that we want our inner dysphoric voice validated--what kind of trans person would be happy with their pre-HRT body? why else would we transition, if not because we've "failed" at being the gender we claim we really are?

Good luck with your story! Please feel free to ask any more questions you have <3

#writing trans women #lgbtq+ representation #writing transfem characters #queer writing advice #answered

[transgenderteensurvivalguide]

Your last post was really interesting and inspiring! Would you mind give me some tips about writing genderfuid characters?

Kii says:

We didn’t write that, @waystoraise did! For writing tips, you can check our #writing tag.

#kii says #Anonymous

[transgenderadvice]

I'm writing a book about a trans girl, but i'm ftm, how would her dysphoria generally manifest? bc i'm not mtf myself i dont want to get it wrong

Antoine says:Check out @waystoraise's writing-trans post!

[thedeadflag]

thank you so much for responding so soon! I have re-read your tags on writing, and also discovered waystoraise through your blog, so you're already being great help. I think what I'm looking for here are essentially courage to write a girl like myself who is battling dysphoria without bodily changes, and sometimes the other perspective seems coded as "common" which is discouraging. but I'm finding comfort in the resources above ❤️ it feels natural to write from experience, so that's good too.

I’m glad that’s been able to help!

And yeah, trans girls like you are 100% valid! Always try to keep in mind that you don’t have to fit the rules on writing trans women that people who aren't trans women are subjected to. If you want to write something reflecting your personal experience, you’re not going to hurt anyone by doing so. It doesn’t matter how much some of it might reflect common harmful tropes, if it’s your truth, if it’s something you need to get out there, then go ahead.

Rules on writing trans women are generally for people who aren't trans women, because they shit the bed 99% of the time and need have their hands held and walked through the process slowly, and even then, they tend to fuck up. 

We get to write our truths, whatever they are. People who aren’t us are subject to conditions where they need to avoid reproducing harmful media tropes and misinformation and cissexist transmisogynistic bullshit. If one of us is spouting blatantly cissexist, transmisogynistic bullshit, then sure, that’s horrible and bad, but otherwise, it’s kinda live and let live. Best to be mindful of what harmful ways trans women get represented and coded in media, absolutely, but past obtaining that knowledge, we write what we write.

#trans representation #writing trans #cleereyes

[chinon]

i’m trans, i’m visible, and i really need a haircut 😩 get your own “gender is a social construct” shirt from @waystoraise here! he/him

#tdov #trans day of visibility #nonbinary #agender #ftm #transgender #qpoc #me #theres no better day to wear this shirt tbh

[unwanted-animal]

I was the anon with the trans question. I really didn't mean offense. I do want to know more so I'm no longer ignorant on the subject. I AM trans, but even so, my experiences aren't the same as yours, so I still have no right to assume your own.

I can provide some good links if you need them! I’m a bit of a grump, lol. 

@phoenixcollective, @waystoraise (often discusses trans identity, how to write trans characters if you’re cis, personal stories, etc), @transgender, @fuckyeahtranspride (a lot of selfies but also personal stories), http://www.glaad.org/transgender/transfaq, http://www.glaad.org/transgender/allies, @pop-punk-pidgeot often shares really, REALLY good information about our community, as does @breastforce, and that often includes discussions of intersectionality, being trans and in fandom and how that colors Tumblr experiences, ridiculous things TERFs say, and more.

#Anon

[ambiguitguys]

Theo talks about @waystoraise and their awesome giveaway !!!

#ways to raise #waystoraise #supportchase #black trans lives matter #BTLM #theo #ambiguit guys #soz i was so unenthusiastic i swear i was really happy i just cant smile lol

[transgenderadvice]

Hi, do you have any advice for writing Trans people? I want to be able the stay away from harmful stereotypes.

there’s a blog called @waystoraise and they have some good writing advice 

–Antoine

#antoine dit