The vast landscape of the internet can be a double-edged sword. While it fosters connection and information sharing, it can also be a breeding ground for negativity and harassment. In the case of transgender people, this negativity manifests in the form of “transvestigating.”
This article will unpack what transvestigating is, who participates, why it’s harmful, and how we can work together to stop it.
What is Transvestigating?
Transvestigating is a portmanteau (a word that combines the sounds and meanings of two or more words) of “transgender” and “investigating,” but with a malicious twist. Instead of legitimate investigation, it’s the act of spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories about transgender people.
This misinformation often targets celebrities, with fabricated “evidence” used to claim they are secretly transgender. It’s a tactic rooted in transphobia, aiming to delegitimize transgender identities, spread fear, and ultimately, discredit anyone who doesn’t conform to rigid gender stereotypes.
Who are the Transvestigators?
Transvestigators come from various backgrounds, but they often share a common thread: a deep-seated prejudice against those who don’t adhere to traditional gender norms. This prejudice can stem from a lack of understanding, exposure to transphobic rhetoric online, or a desire to maintain rigid gender norms.
Anonymous internet forums, comment sections on social media platforms, and fringe websites are breeding grounds for transvestigating activities.
Why Transvestigating Needs to Stop
Here’s why transvestigating is harmful and needs to be stopped:
- Spreads Hate: Transvestigating isn’t harmless fun. It’s a form of online harassment that targets marginalized communities. The constant barrage of accusations and misinformation fuels prejudice and contributes to a hostile online environment for transgender people and anyone who doesn’t fit stereotypical gender expectations.
- Fuels Real-World Violence: The online environment doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Transvestigating rhetoric can embolden individuals to translate their hatred into real-world violence against transgender people and cis women who are wrongly accused. Both groups already face disproportionate rates of violence, and transvestigating normalizes the idea that they are somehow a threat.
- Undermines Legitimate Identities: By constantly questioning the validity of transgender identities and policing femininity, transvestigating undermines the lived experiences of transgender people and reinforces unrealistic beauty standards for cis women. It creates an atmosphere of doubt and suspicion, making it harder for everyone to be seen and accepted for who they are.
- Silences Trans Voices and Polices Cis Women: The constant barrage of negativity associated with transvestigating can have a chilling effect. Trans people and cis women who don’t fit the mold might be reluctant to speak up or share their stories for fear of coming under attack from transvestigators. This silences the voices that are most needed to combat misinformation and create a more inclusive society.
The Case of Cis Women:
A recent example of transvestigating involved Candace Owens accusing the president of France’s wife, Brigitte Macron, of being a biological male.
This incident highlights how transvestigating not only harms transgender people but also reinforces unrealistic beauty standards and creates a hostile environment for cis women who don’t conform to expectations. Cis women can be unfairly targeted and harassed simply for their appearance.
How Can We Stop Transvestigating?
Combating transvestigating requires a multi-pronged approach:
- Education is Key: The best defense against transphobia of any kind is education. By promoting understanding of transgender identities, experiences, and the spectrum of human bodies through resources like Trans Vitae, we can help people recognize transvestigating for the harmful tactic it is.
- Challenge Misinformation with Facts: When encountering transvestigating online, don’t engage in flame wars. Instead, calmly offer factual resources and counter false claims. However, prioritize your own safety and mental health, and don’t feel obligated to engage in every instance of transvestigating.
- Report and Block Abusers: Most social media platforms have reporting mechanisms for harassment and misinformation. Use these tools to report transvestigating accounts and have them removed. Block these accounts to avoid further harassment.
- Support Trans Voices and Celebrate Cis Women: Actively seek out and amplify the voices of transgender people and celebrate the diversity of cis women. Read their blogs, watch their videos, and follow them on social media. By supporting trans creators and celebrating all women, we can help create a more inclusive online landscape.
Looking Forward
Transvestigating is a serious issue with real-world consequences. By educating ourselves, challenging misinformation, and supporting both trans and cis voices, we can create a safer and more inclusive online space for everyone. Remember, Trans Vitae is a community that stands with you.
“Transvestigating” isn’t just about trans people. It spreads hate, fuels violence, and even targets cis women who don’t fit ‘perfect’ beauty standards. It’s time to stop this harmful trend.
