A couple weeks ago, Katie Couric interviewed a few high-profile transgender figures. Trans viewers were outraged when Couric asked one of the trans women about her physical transition, going so far to ask if she had had the surgery necessary to fully transition.

Just this past week, trans advocate Janet Mock turned the tables on Fusion’s Alicia Menendez to prove how inappropriate and invasive some of the questions are that trans continually endure.

Imagine being defined by the private parts you may or may not have and then having that exploited on national television. This is what happens for a lot of trans people. Rather than focusing on the good that they have done in becoming a high-profile figure and creating visibility for the trans community, too often are trans people publicly humiliated by deeply personal questions that would never be asked to any non-trans person.

The media must get over this obsession to define people based on what parts they have. Just because someone may not have had all of the surgery necessary to make one’s outward appearance be like the gender they are transitioning to doesn’t mean that this person is not trans. Pre-operation trans people are still trans because gender is an identity defined by oneself.

For many, this issue is about education. It’s about asking the appropriate questions and ensuring that you don’t intentionally or accidentally offend trans individuals. Transitioning is a very sensitive and highly emotional process for many, so it is best not to pry and be too forceful when asking questions.

Overall, understanding that being supportive and kind to those who are transitioning or thinking about transitioning is most important. As someone who has many trans friends, both post-operation and pre-operation, I know that it is best to let trans people open up about their experiences on their own terms. We are living in a world where trans visibility is increasing, so abiding by proper etiquette when curious about one’s transition is becoming even more necessary as we start to see more people that have the bravery to come out as transgender.

dhaynie@mavs.coloradomesa.edu