Member-only story
A progressive trans woman in North Carolina
Like any subversive abroad, I find myself both curious and concerned by North Carolina. Getting the flight over from London via Philly to Raleigh was one filled with Southern hospitality and charm that seems to be part of this world, yet it was also one of ESTA mess ups, border police stops, and last minute getting through check-ins. Travel feels much more complicated than when I was in the US four years ago. Doubly so when trans issues are the hot button issue of our times. I am finding I need to balance the desire to be open with the knowledge that being myself could lead to social issues beyond my control.
Coming to the US South as a trans woman at this point in history is interesting because I am a complete outsider to the politics in the States. I am here for a symposium at UNC Chapel Hill giving a talk on trans rights and disinformation, a touchy subject if ever there were any in the South. I am finding myself holding back, especially about my personal identity. Yes, I was misgendered by boarder police, though we laughed it off as they corrected themselves, diffusing a tense situation. It left me feeling that no matter how friendly folks are, there is always the underlying edge that could surface at any time.
Which makes all the charm and courtesy seem fragile. I tend to take people at face value, seeing them as they wish to be seen, yet…
