Coming Out and Trans Men in the Media with Jackson Bird
This week, Hannah is joined by YouTuber and author Jackson Bird. Jackson talks about his experience coming out as a trans man at age 25, and what his experience of transitioning publicly was like. They also chat about how trans men and women are portrayed in the mainstream media, and the differences in this representation. Jackson opens up about his previous misconceptions around gender identity and sexuality, with him and Hannah discussing cancel culture. Finally, Jackson shares about the dysphoria some trans men experience, and where he found his trans representation.
Read the episode transcript here!
SHOW NOTES
What we chat about…
Jackson’s memoir ‘sorted’ and the meaning of the title
Being a Harry Potter fan and the Harry Potter Alliance
Jackson coming out at 25
Missing out on LGBTQ+ education, and where Jackson found his trans representation
LGBTQ+ representation in Downtown Abbey
Jackson’s experience of transitioning publicly
Jackson producing LGBTQ+ education content on YouTube prior to coming out
The difference in coming out at a point in time where trans people were more visible
Why Jackson didn’t use to think you could be trans and queer, and other misconceptions Jackson had around gender identity and sexuality
Jackson’s life growing up in Texas
Cancel culture - how do we talk about growth?
Mainstream media representation of trans men
The differences in how the media talks about trans men and trans women
Differences in treatment for gay men and women
Records of queer history, and how it typically focuses on criminality
Dysphoria for some trans men around being shorter and looking younger
Why we need positive coming out stories
USEFUL LINKS
Jackson Bird’s book ‘sorted’*: https://amzn.to/2CghPV0
The Harry Potter Alliance: https://www.thehpalliance.org/
Caitlyn Jenner’s interview with Diane Sawyer: https://abcnews.go.com/2020/video/bruce-jenner-interview-diane-sawyer-woman-part-30572231
Trans people mentioned in the episode:
Chella Man, who was recently cast as a DC superhero: https://www.out.com/television/2019/3/19/trans-deaf-artist-chella-man-cast-superhero-dcs-titans
Brain Michael, who will be in The L Word: https://shadowandact.com/queen-sugar-actor-brian-michael-cast-in-upcoming-sequel-series-to-showtimes-the-l-word
Writer Thomas Page McBee: https://www.thomaspagemcbee.com/
Munroe Bergdorf: https://twitter.com/MunroeBergdorf
Alex Myers novel ‘Revolutionary’ on Deborah Sampson*: https://amzn.to/2qlfFAS
MORE ABOUT JACKSON BIRD
Jackson is a YouTuber and writer, working to demystify the transgender experience by sharing his and others' stories online. He also hosts a podcast called Transmission, and is also a TED Resident and Speaker.
Find out more about Jackson on his website, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram.
Photo credit for the image used in graphic: Sloane Taylor
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*affiliate links