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Out of the shadows into the spotlight: A look at transgender students on campus |
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Thursday, 08 November 2007 |
by KATIE EASTER
Intern Lifestyles Reporter
Editor’s Note: This is part one of a two part series.
Gender.
For some, this term can be of utmost importance.
At some point, everyone battles with the expectations associated with their gender.
But a select group is in constant battle with the idea of gender as a whole.
These are the trans-individuals and their allies.
Trans is short for transgender.
According to a study by Sue Rankin and Genevieve Weber, research associate at Pennsylvania State
University and assistant professor of counselor education at Hofstra University respectively,
“transgender” is an umbrella term.
Transgender encompasses anyone who transgresses or blurs traditional gender categories. This
includes all variants including female-to-male transsexuals, male-to female transsexuals, cross
dressers, gender blenders, androgynous individuals, and other self identified gender non-conforming
people, according to Rankin and Weber.
Dr. Sheri L. Clark, staff psychologist at the Counseling and Psychological Services Center, said
transsexual refers to individuals who identify as members of the opposite sex and who have or are
planning to take steps in making their external body match internal representation.
Hormonal treatment and Sex Reassignment Surgery (SRS) are two ways that transsexuals attain
physical changes.
Clark said, “Gender-variant individuals tend to view gender as though it were on a continuum instead of
a dichotomous choice.”
Gender-variant individuals consider themselves somewhere in between masculine and feminine or male
and female.
Clark said she is aware of over 20 individuals at Appalachian State University who identify as
transgender.
She said this was an approximation because of personal preferences for names or labels.
Scott Turner Schofield, a female-to-male transsexual with a transgender identity, came to Appalachian
last October to perform “Debutante Balls.”
Schofield will return to Appalachian Friday night to perform “Underground Transit” - the story of his
coming out.
Schofield said he hopes his story will help students become more understanding and be able to accept
the trans community with respect rather than fear.
“Underground Transit” is designed to take place on a subway car with Schofield performing in the aisle.
Schofield said the performance has a lyrical, poetic style that is meant to be both thoughtful and
thought provoking.
“Underground Transit” will be held in Grandfather Mountain Ballroom in Plemmons Student Union Friday
at 7 p.m.
For further information, visit the Counseling and Psychological Services Center Web site at
www.counseling.appstate.edu or contact Clark by e-mail at
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