This document summarizes research on the challenges faced by transgender individuals, specifically MTF (male-to-female) and FTM (female-to-male) individuals, in gaining acceptance. Interviews with three transgender individuals - Julie, Colleen, and Jill - revealed discrimination within society and families, more acceptance within the LGBTQ community and healthcare challenges. Colleen faced discrimination at work due to military rules. Jill and Julie cited negative media portrayals. Colleen was physically assaulted after leaving a bar. The conclusion is that more research is needed, especially including more FTM voices, to better understand the challenges faced and promote acceptance.

1. Challenges of Acceptance for MTFs and FTMs Candie Kohler Soc 235 Gender Roles: Diversity-9066-SU10 Erica Dixon 08/17/2010

3. Their stories raised a curiosity and need to learn how to help them along in their journey.

6. About one-quarter of MTFs had genital surgery whereas none of the FTMs in the study underwent this procedure.

8. General (work, family and public life)

9. LGBTQ community

10. Media Portrayal

11. Healthcare

12. Events of discrimination they wanted to share.

13. Sent off to Transgendered friends and community support groups online and by email

15. Jill New to her transitioning. At the time of this survey she was at day 50 of living fully as a woman. She has yet to go to work as a woman but work is aware of what changes she is making or continued making over the summer.

17. For Julie work was accepting and even hired a transgender specialist to make the environment comfortable for everyone involved.

18. For Colleen due to Military rules, work is not accepting.

20. Colleen states that there is the same cliques and drama you can find most places.

21. Jill has had a lot of support from Lesbian friends.

23. Jill and Julie both mentioned a movie called Angry Trannies with Knives, that they feel do not show their culture in a good light.

25. Jill has found a provider to help her journey but her medical insurance doesn’t cover treatment, she is trying to get her union to help her get things changed.

28. Factor, Rhonda J. and Esther Rothblum. “Exploring Gender Identity and Community Among Three

29. Groups of Transgender Individuals in the United States: MTFs, FTMs and genderqueers.” Health Sociology Review 17.3 (2008): 235-253. Academic Search Comple. EBSCO. Web. 26 July 2010.