Everyone (and Every Thing) Transitions—Some Just Choose the Path
Human beings are constantly in flux—not just changing, but evolving.
Evolving is just another word for transforming. And for someone who feels that they are living in the wrong body, they may choose to physically transition.
Nothing in this world remains static or fixed.
People are born, live, and die. So do animals, plants, and insects. The weather is constantly changing, minute by minute. Everything we see in the world is a constant transition from one living moment to the next. Nothing is the same as the very last word you just read in this article. But because transitions appear slow on the surface, those who are not willing or open-minded enough to pay attention don’t notice—or decide not to notice—the evolution of all things.
As leadership researchers Bree Fram and Liz Cavallaro write in their book Forging Queer Leaders: How the LGBTQIA+ Community Creates Impact from Adversity (2024),
“As different as transgender experiences may seem from cisgender perspectives, transitions are fundamental human experiences. The changes and evolutions we move through are often the most important and impactful developmental catalysts for who we become as adults, as members of society, and as leaders. The stark, visible, and visceral nature of transition for transgender leaders illuminates those developmental impacts and can be examined for insights relevant to all leaders.” (1)
It’s worth repeating: Transitions are fundamental human experiences.
Transitioning only stops when any living creature takes its final breath.
And yet, despite this universal truth, some people think that transgender people are wrong and immoral. The people who think that are not only wrong, they are not seeing the fundamental truth of existence. Instead, they have been taught not to question the fictional narratives of how things are supposed to be, trapped on a perpetual merry-go-round of false ideologies and dogma.
They are so afraid of change—so afraid of evolving and having to face their difference—that they need to attack the very visible manifestation of trans people demonstrating the sovereignty for their choices in life.
But laws against transgender people will not diminish the need for humans to evolve and take control of their destiny. Exerting extreme control over that which cannot be controlled only shines more light on the experience, truth, and struggle of those who only want to live their lives freely and authentically.
If those who oppose trans lives would only examine their own, they would see they too have undergone transitions.
Show an anti-trans person a picture of themselves as a child.
Did they not transition from child to adult over 20+ years? Did they choose their profession, area of study, or job? Have they changed jobs, left a relationship, started a new one, had children, got a tattoo, haircut, had plastic surgery, or created anything of artistic value?
Every one of those choices is a transitioning experience.
There is no need to justify why someone feels in every fibre of their being that they need to transition—however that looks for them.
This truth is not unique to transgender experience. It is embedded in all queer lives.
As members of the gay and lesbian communities, we have all transitioned from being in the closet to coming out. We have evolved from being afraid and unsure to (hopefully) becoming self-accepting and loved adults.
The “T” for trans has always been an evolutionary part of our broader community of difference and queerness. For those of us who still have rights in the queer community, we MUST NOT be complacent. Things are going to get worse—much worse—before they get better.
And if you haven’t been paying attention, gay and lesbian rights to marry in the United States are now next to be challenged: Kim Davis seeks Supreme Court review of same-sex marriage case.
Which brings us full circle: to live is to transition, and to transition is to be alive and fully human.
Evolution is a fundamental living experience of all life on this planet, including the planet itself.
Those who resist, challenge, or laugh at transitions are simply not part of evolution.
Thinking critically, taking a stand for what’s right, and unapologetically challenging conventions and social norms is an essential and transformational aspect of queer leadership.
Member discussion