Mx. Harris Eddie Hill (they/them) is host of the Transection Podcast. A seasoned LGBTQ+ advocate, Harris is an incredible resource for learning how to support transgender and nonbinary loved ones.
If someone comes out to you as trans or nonbinary, you’ll want to be prepared so you don’t risk damaging your relationship or contribute to their mental health challenges.
Before Harris knew they were transgender, something felt wrong. They would ask themselves, “am I a boy?” They never knew they could be queer.
We talked about what it’s like to be trans in the UK vs. the US. The UK has laws that say you can’t discriminate against people. The NHS pays for transition services. In the US, many trans people have to save money to pay for transition surgery. Janet Mock had to do sex work to pay for her surgery.
Even after you have your hormones, transitioning can take 2 to 5 years depending on what you need. But Harris finds that too much of the conversation is about what’s difficult. "We should be focusing more on what feels good and how we can support each other.”
It’s imperative that parents and other adults try to understand. “Just having one supportive parent or adult...can minimize the risk of suicide by 90 percent.”
I asked Harris what to do if you goof up on pronouns. They advise apologizing, correcting yourself, and moving on. Getting pronouns right shows you are an ally.
2020 has been the deadliest year in history for trans people in the U.S., especially Black trans women. We talked about Laverne Cox and her documentary “Disclosure." Just 10 days ago, Cox and a friend were attacked while out on a walk.
People often forget that trans people have reproductive health, and they shouldn’t have to misgender themselves to discuss it or get treatment.
On Harris' Transection Podcast, topics range from nonbinary and trans 101, euphoria and dysphoria, trauma and PTSD, spirituality, sex, intersectional movies, and empowering Black women.
That led us to trans-inclusive and transphobic films and J.K. Rowling. It’s disappointing someone who wrote amazing stories about oppression and prejudice could become a TERF.
Harris has created the incredible Trans+Gender Identity: A Guide for Beginners. The free guide offers a glossary, five things to know when someone comes out, three key questions to ask, and dos and don'ts.
Harris finds joy when they are able to help others find clarity or comfort. It’s gratifying to hear they are actually making a difference.
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