Introduction
Transgender studies offer a holistic examination of how society views people by covering special topics such as discrimination, gender identity, and media presentation. Levi Hord’s video on the radical truths of transgender people, the Frontline documentary Growing Up Trans, Leo Sapir’s episode 88 on gender philosophy and institutions, and a conversation with Helen Joyce are four videos that elaborate on the concepts of transgender people. Different arguments have been presented to show that transgender people have equal rights to coexist in society without discrimination.
Arguments Made by Each Side
Levi Hord argues that the transgender debate is an activism and political issue because of the shift in identity politics. She further argues that transgender people are discriminated against and require activism and identity politics to improve their lives (Hord, 2018). The Frontline documentary Growing Up Trans highlights the significance of family support in protecting transgender individuals (Frontline, 2021).
The 88th episode of Gender Institutions and Philosophy, by Dr. Leo, analyzes different discrimination cases and how various institutions and the Bill of Rights protect transgender individuals. He argues that people must institutionalize and legalize the exercise of their rights. On the other hand, Helen Joyce, on the transgender debate, argues that calling out for the rights of transgender people is similar to fighting for minorities because of the negative societal view (IEA London, 2023). Transgender individuals can overcome discrimination in society by advocating for their rights.
Assumptions for Each Perspective
Each perspective presented in the video is based on different assumptions. Levi’s video assumes that people do not view gender as a binary element, giving them the chance to be whatever they want in life. The frontline documentary relies on the assumption of intersectionality, believing that multiple factors shape gender and must be understood for better outcomes.
The 88th episode of Dr. Leo assumes that all people understand and support transgender people and that multiple people will support the establishment of institutions. Ultimately, Helen Joyce’s premise is that gender is a social construct and that people must be adaptable in pursuing their happiness.
Appreciation
Each of the given perspectives has important parameters that can be appreciated. Levi can be appreciated by the introduction of activism, which encourages people to fight for their political identity in pursuit of happiness. The major source of appreciation in the Frontline documentary is the importance of societal support for transgender individuals, because when they are appreciated, they are likely to lead healthier lives.
The 88th episode is appreciated because it brings discrimination to the forefront and openly advocates for support, particularly for transgender individuals (Sapir, 2022). Finally, Helen Joyce’s argument is appreciated because she creates an analogy between transgender individuals and the minority in society and encourages them to fight for their rights.
Critique and Argument’s Challenge to Personal Assumptions
Each of the arguments presented in the videos may be challenged by examining the personal underlying assumptions. The primary critique of Levi’s video is that it challenges the natural order and may lead to the extinction of the human species. Further, the frontline documentary may be criticized because not all people support the concept of transgender, and societal support is not guaranteed, jeopardizing the main argument.
Dr. Leo’s video may be criticized because of the bias presented in the courts and the lack of legal foundations in supporting transgender institutions. Helen Joyce’s critique is based on the fact that the analogy of the transgender and the minority gives the sense of an inferiority complex, which may jeopardize the fight for equality.
Conclusion
The transgender debate is an emerging trend in the contemporary world as people fight for their rights to make sexual decisions. Although society resists embracing transgender people, it is important to understand the causes of this resistance. Therefore, it is important to engage in the politics of identity to ensure that transgender people are accepted and supported in society. The main criticism is that transgender people do not attract full social support and require lobbying for more buy-ins and support.
References
Frontline PBS. (2021). Growing Up Trans (full documentary) [Video]. YouTube. Web.
Hord, L. (2018). The Radical Truths of Transgender Studies | Levi Hord | TEDxWesternU [Video]. YouTube. Web.
IEA London (2023). The Trans Debate: In Conversation with Helen Joyce. [Video]. YouTube. Web.
Sapir, L. (2022). EPISODE 88 – Gender: Philosophy, Institutions, and Policy. [Video]. YouTube. Web.