Session 7(October 2013)

The abstract summarizes a 49-minute recording of a session titled "Beyond Conference" held on October 12, 2013, at Wellington High School, focusing on trans representation in the media. The key speakers at the event include Cherise Witehira, Kelly Ellis, and Sandra Dickson. The session addresses the challenges and inaccuracies of media portrayals of transgender individuals during the 2010s decade. The panelists seek to unpack how such representations can be offensive and damaging, highlighting the need for more accurate and diverse media coverage.

The discussion begins with an individual recounting a social experiment conducted on a dating website where profiles were created with the same photo but identifying differently in terms of sexual orientation and gender. The startling difference in types of messages received—sexual in nature when the profile was listed as transgender versus standard invitations for coffee for other profiles—demonstrates society's hypersexualization of trans individuals.

Further points raised include the tendency of the media to sensationalize stories of transgender people, especially focusing on negative stereotypes, like the depiction of trans individuals as sex workers or drug users. This shapes public perception and contributes to an overarching narrative that fails to represent the full reality of transgender lives.

Another speaker addresses the personal experience of evading media attention as a transgender individual within a high-profile profession, emphasizing the significance of representation in routine, unremarkable activities as a means of positively altering public imagery of the trans community. Building influence rather than seeking fame is championed as a key strategy in reshaping societal attitudes.

The panelists discuss the desire for a diverse and respectful media representation that extends beyond stereotypical images and contentious topics such as genital surgeries or exaggerated portrayals in drag performances. They critique how the trans community has, at times, perpetuated these problematic conversations by tolerating undue curiosity about their bodies. Asserting control over one's narrative when interacting with the media is proposed as a route for fostering respect and accurate depiction.

The session also touches on the important topic of media ethics, particularly the ramifications of exposing the identities of young transgender individuals, potentially infringing on their right to privacy and laying bare to a lifetime of public scrutiny.

It concludes with a reflection on the role of the transgender community in media engagement. Cautious participation with careful disclosure is advised in order to ensure that the media's portrayal is in alignment with the dignity and accurate representation of transgender people.

This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.

Cherise Witehira Kelly Ellis Sandra Dickson

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