Who Are Transgender People and Why Understanding Their Issues Matters

By LiberatingPurpleStar.org – Liberating Trans Kids with Support, Advocacy, and Healing-Centered Resources

We are living in a time of immense social change, yet the basic rights and dignity of transgender people, especially transgender children and youth, are still contested in many parts of the world. Despite visibility in media and increasing public discourse, transgender people face systemic discrimination, violence, and misunderstanding every single day.

This blog series, powered by Liberating Purple Star, aims to explore transgender issues in depth, beginning with this first post. Our goal is not only to inform but also to foster empathy, drive action, and offer solutions. At LiberatingPurpleStar.org, we are devoted to Liberating Trans Kids—providing them with support, advocacy, and healing-centered resources to thrive in a world that often misunderstands them.

Let’s begin by understanding who transgender people are and why their issues deserve urgent attention.

Who Are Transgender People?

A transgender person is someone whose gender identity—how they understand and experience themselves—differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. For instance, someone assigned male at birth may identify and live as a woman, or outside the gender binary altogether.

Trans people can be:

• Binary transgender people: Those who identify as male or female.

• Nonbinary or gender-expansive individuals: Those who don’t identify strictly as male or female (e.g., genderfluid, agender, bigender, etc.).

What binds them is not confusion, as many myths claim, but a deeply rooted, intrinsic understanding of who they are—often realized at a young age.

Why Transgender Issues Matter in 2025

Transgender people are part of every society, every culture, and every age group. Yet:

• They are disproportionately targeted for violence and hate crimes.

• Many face denial of basic healthcare and education.

• Trans youth are often rejected by their families, leading to higher rates of homelessness.

• In multiple U.S. states and countries globally, laws have been passed to restrict trans healthcare and rights, particularly targeting youth.

These are not isolated incidents—they are structural and ongoing. And while some progress has been made in awareness and visibility, true equity remains elusive.

The Real-World Impact of Transphobia

Trans people are not unsafe because of who they are. They are unsafe because of societal responses to who they are.

Some of the most pressing issues trans individuals face include:

1. Mental Health Crisis

According to The Trevor Project, more than 50% of transgender and nonbinary youth seriously considered suicide in the past year. These are not outcomes of being trans—they are outcomes of stigma, rejection, and violence.

2. Family Rejection

Many trans youth are kicked out of their homes after coming out. They’re forced into foster care, homelessness, or unsafe housing situations, where abuse and exploitation are rampant.

3. Legal Barriers

In many regions, trans people cannot change their legal documents, access gender-affirming healthcare, or participate in sports aligned with their gender.

4. Transgender Discrimination in Schools

Trans kids are bullied, denied access to bathrooms, and excluded from activities. Some are forced to leave school entirely, losing out on education and friendships.

5. Healthcare Inequity

Even in places where gender-affirming care is legal, trans individuals face discrimination from medical providers, long waitlists, or insurance that won’t cover essential services.

6. Media Misrepresentation

Though better than in the past, trans characters in film/TV are often misrepresented or stereotyped, contributing to ignorance and bigotry.

How We Can Support: The Role of Allies, Families, and Organizations

While the list of challenges may seem overwhelming, change is absolutely possible—but only when we work together.

Here’s how you, as a reader, parent, teacher, policymaker, or concerned citizen, can support trans people, especially trans kids:

1. Affirm Their Identity

Use their chosen name and pronouns. This simple act is life-saving. Studies show that when even one adult affirms a trans child, their suicide risk drops by nearly 40%.

2. Create Safe Spaces

At home, school, or work—trans people need spaces where they can exist without fear. This means zero-tolerance for misgendering, bullying, and exclusion.

3. Educate Yourself

Misunderstanding fuels harm. Read books, attend workshops, follow trans educators online. Don’t put the burden of educating you on trans people.

4. Advocate for Inclusive Policies

Push for gender-neutral bathrooms, inclusive curriculums, healthcare access, and anti-discrimination laws. Change starts at the local level.

5. Support Healing and Mental Health

Many trans youth carry deep trauma from years of rejection and abuse. Access to therapy, community, and creative outlets can be healing.

What We Do at Liberating Purple Star

At LiberatingPurpleStar.org, our mission is clear: Liberate Trans Kids. But what does that mean?

We believe trans children are not broken—they are brave, bright, and beautiful, deserving of joy and freedom like any other child.

Here’s how we offer transgender help:

1. Advocacy & Legal Support

We work with schools, legal systems, and lawmakers to protect the rights of trans children, ensuring they’re seen, heard, and respected.

2. Healing-Centered Resources

We offer trauma-informed resources for youth and families—support groups, therapy referrals, art programs, and mentorship to build self-worth and community.

3. Education & Training

We provide educational sessions for schools, parents, and youth organizations, helping create more informed and inclusive environments.

4. Family & Caregiver Support

Families often struggle when their child comes out as trans—not out of malice, but confusion. We help bridge that gap with resources that foster understanding and connection.

Why “Liberating” Is Our Word

We use the word liberating because trans kids don’t need fixing—they need freedom. Freedom from fear. Freedom from shame. Freedom to be.

They deserve a world where:

• Their pronouns aren’t questioned.

• Their bodies are respected.

• Their futures are full of possibility, not policies meant to erase them.

Final Thoughts: This Is a Human Rights Issue

Transgender rights are human rights. At its core, this conversation is not about politics or religion—it’s about protecting children. It’s about ensuring that every young person, no matter their gender identity, can grow up in a world where they are safe, seen, and supported.

As we continue transgender support, we invite you to:

• Follow us at LiberatingPurpleStar.org

• Share this blog to raise awareness

• Reflect on how you

• can become an active part of the solution

Let’s not look back a decade from now and ask why we didn’t do more. Let’s look forward—and liberate trans kids, together.