Myth: Transgender people are actually gay people who want to change their gender so they can be straight.

Fact: Gender identity and sexual orientation are independent characteristics that do not necessarily have an impact on each other. Transgender people can be of any sexual orientation.

Myth: People identify as transgender just to get attention.

Fact: Identifying as transgender is a big step and has many challenging effects, often including discrimination. People identify as transgender because that is simply who they are.

Myth: You can tell someone is transgender by looking at them.

Fact: Many people go through their daily life without anyone knowing they are transgender. It is very probable there is someone in your life you interact with who is transgender and you do not know.

Myth: Transgender people do not actually get fired or face discrimination in the workplace.
Fact: 26% of transgender people have been fired and 97% have been harassed in the workplace because of their gender identity.

Myth: Transgender people do not actually face housing discrimination.

Fact: 19% of transgender people have been refused a home or apartment and 11% have been evicted from their home because of their gender identity.

Myth: Transgender people do not actually face discrimination in public accommodations.

Fact: 53% of transgender people have been verbally harassed or disrespected in a place of public accommodation. 22% of transgender people have been denied equal treatment by a government agency or official and 29% have been harassed or disrespected by police.

Myth: Allowing transgender people to use the appropriate bathroom will mean allowing criminal conduct in bathrooms.
Fact: Allowing transgender people to use the appropriate bathroom will not change any criminal laws already on the books. Illegal bathroom activity will still be illegal. Transgender people simply want to use the bathroom that matches their gender; everyone deserves a safe and appropriate place to go to the restroom.

Myth: All transgender people choose to have surgery as part of their transition.
Fact: Not all transgender people feel a need to alter their physical body to express their gender. There are many steps in a transition process and every persons journey is different. There are many different things that people may choose to do as part of their transition, including, but not limited to: hormone therapy, changing the way they dress, changing hairstyle, changing their name, or having surgery.

Information gathered from: GLAD, MTPC, NCTE, University of Texas Gender and Sexuality Center Compiled by: PROMO