Being Trans in Real Life
for TransgenderFirst
Growing up on the internet is a very skewed way to perceive humanity. It's much easier to find accepting circles and to contribute to whatever semblance of society exists there. But eventually, either by someone else's will or your own, you're thrust into this strange world called reality. It comes with its own set of rules, its own struggles, and some of its own merits. As an neurodivergent transgender woman, those rules and that system aren't necessarily in my favor.
On many occasions I have been rejected by employers, unable to resonate with peers in the art industry, and failed to grow a significant audience on social media for my works. Mentally maturing the way that I did lead to me being asocial, weary of others, and overall unequipped to function in society as it exists today. People think lesser of me and look at me differently because I am trans. They look at me and think that I'm some ungodly abomination and as such I can never interact with them on the same level as another cis person would. I face discrimination but I also face internal turmoil as I constantly find myself unable to perform "normal" tasks such as holding(or even acquiring)a full-time job or networking with clients. Because I have Asperger's, it is really difficult to establish connections with peers and enter the industry as is. As a result of my neurodiversity I am fighting an uphill battle in a war where other people simply have it easier.
I have had 4 jobs in the 3 years since I got my Associate's, none of which have anything to do with my passion for art. I lived in an abusive household for a year and incidentally lost all my coursework from when I was in school. Because I have virtually no portfolio and no momentum I cannot get into the industry as is. I have been trying to save up money for it but I've never had enough and presumably won't have enough for another decade. My parents are unwilling to help me financially and I'm really just stuck where I'm at. Having the support to move forward would allow me to finally pursue what I'm passionate about even though the odds are against me.
