User:Horizon Chaser 18/sandbox

Introduction

The selected article for this assignment is [Transitioning], via Wikipedia. It was chosen due to its topic matter, as well as its lack of general maintenance in comparison with other Wikipedia articles regarding marginalized groups.

Transgender Pride flag

Gender Transitioning

Gender Transitioning (sometimes shortened to "transitioning") refers to the process in which an individual undergoes treatments of varying natures to divert their gender identity toward the one they more closely identify with .

Gender-affirming treatments can range in complexity. Less invasive treatments include facial hair removal or grafting and genital tucking, while hormonal and surgical operations are considered to be more invasive . Regardless of nature, each procedure is designed to help the individual's body in functioning or appearing more as their preferred gender.

Transitioning (as discussed in The Wachowski Sisters’ Wikipedia article)

Wachowskis, Fantastic Fest, Cloud Atlas

In relation to this group’s past Wikipedia project centering on [Wachowskis], gender transitioning plays a key role. Specifically, their entire page has been reworked to adhere to their current pronouns (she/her/hers) from their birth ones (he/him/his).

Additionally, the [Lives] section of their page focuses heavily on their gender transitions. Lana (then Larry) transitioned first, followed by Lilly (then Andy), and each transition is addressed separately.

In collaborating on this page, Wikipedia users found it most relevant to keep the page to one that addresses both sisters, rather than two separate pages for each. This was decided upon to keep from redundant information.

Another point of contention was that of the sisters’ dead names. Users were especially uncertain how to cover Lana’s marriage when she identified as Andy, as they did not want to misrepresent her wife as having originally married a woman. The legal record did not reflect that and concern over accuracy was had. It was eventually decided that the dead names would be removed, only being addressed when answering the question of the sisters’ birth names. This was seen as most respectful and therefore neutral, adhering to Wikipedia’s rules as best as possible.

For this project, the focus remains similar. Transitioning, dead name usage, and collaboration points as well as sources relating to transphobia in Hollywood will be examined.

Quality of Information

Sample of Sources from Wikipedia article’s References section

Taken from Gender Transitioning's [[1]] section, this sample is provided to ascertain the quality of source material the Wikipedia page draws from, as well as how it used it in its own article. Multiple links included were found to be problematic in certain forms, which comes from a lack of article maintenance. This was evidenced by the article's [transitioning|Talk] page, which has not been used since September, 2020.

The page has seen two redirects in its history, both the result of renaming the article. The Talk pages claims this was done in order to maintain sensitivity and respect toward the subject matter. The page's last move also came in September of 2020.

Social Transition, as a source

TransWhat?'s Social Transition is used to define the term “social transition.” The website lacks the professional expertise to define and be accepted as an acceptable source. TransWhat? was created by a teenage and its sources for the information provided were not cited.

Wikipedia’s Gender Transitioning page uses TransWhat?’s source to address the term of “social transition”. It is the only place in which the term is mentioned. Due to the nature of the website and its lack of credibility, this source would require further support and does not function as its own source. Further, tonal aspects of the website portray the subject matter with personal bias. Though the bias remains in the interest of promoting trans awareness, it remains clear that the teenage author did so through a personal lense.

Gender Neutral Choice in Legal Documents, as a source

Sourced via loveisarainbow.com, Gender Neutral Choice in Legal Documents, appears as a dead link. The link can be accessed on its host website only if users register an account with the site. Wikipedia has [in place] to address dead links, including how to find the source on the same webpage, use of internet archives, and complete replacement of the link with a new one.

Once the document can be examined, it may be considered a credible source. Statements are based in fact and the tone remains professional. However, due to initial inaccessibility, it could be considered unusable. Therefore, a more accessible version should be made available for sourcing. Until a complete link replacement occurs, it should not be considered credible.

Within the context of the Wikipedia article it sourced, Gender Neutral Choice in Legal Documents serves as a secondary source regarding the legality of name and pronoun changes. This section, titled [Aspects], includes a separate, primary source that is usable and credible. Alone, this source does not prove sustainable.

Transgender Transitioning and Change of Self-Reported Sexual Orientation, as a source

Transgender Transitioning and Change of Self-Reported Sexual Orientation is part of a compilation within the PLOS One Medical Journal. As a source, it is officially recognized by the PubMed database, with accompanying PMID number. In addition, the journal contains multiple vetted sources, case study results, and definitions from trusted encyclopedias. This journal is used to further define a gender transition, explaining the difference between individuals that choose sex reassignment surgery (SRS) and those that do not.

The journal does not feature personal bias, referencing instead from scholarly and encyclopedic sources.

Standards of Care for the Transsexual, Transgender, and Gender Nonconforming People, as a source

Volume 7 of Standards of Care for the Transsexual, Transgender, and Gender Nonconforming People is a handbook used to explain the term, “going full time”. This refers to the individual referring to their preferred gender identity in everyday life, rather than selectively. Wikipedia’s Gender Transitioning page also uses this source to explain where going full time fits within the timeline of one’s transition, including if they opt for surgical procedures.

As a source, the handbook stands credible. In addition to employing technical writers and over a dozen contributors, the book contains twenty three pages of cited references, all from academic sources. Again, no personal bias appears throughout the handbook, taking the medical and academic approach to content. Metaphorically, it reads as an employee handbook might, remaining factual without assumptions.

Additional Resource Research

The Representation of Trans Women in Film and Televison, as a source

The Representation of Trans Women in Film and Television is an article published by Grand Valley State University as part of their Film and Media Studies Commons Project. Authored by student Nikki Reitz, its stated purpose highlights discussions of trans people’s portrayal in film and television. Specifically, the article focuses on how trans characters are often depicted as villainous or otherwise immoral.

From a credibility standpoint, the article was vetted by scholarly editing sources before publishing. In addition, Reitz references academic sources, such as GLAAD and the Advocate, as well as a number of news outlets, including Time Magazine and ABC News. These sources are known and easily accessible.

Though sources from Time, ABC and other news organizations have inherent bias, Reitz and her editor carefully contextualize them with quotations, where necessary. Other sources are trusted and allow the topic to be addressed in a sensitive and tactful manner. The article itself does have some bias, taking the stance that Hollywood has incorrectly or wrongfully represented this marginalized group.

Sex, Gender and Gender Identity: A Re-Evaluation of the Evidence, as a source

Sex, Gender and Gender Identity: A Re-Evaluation of the Evidence classifies itself as a special academic article, using other academic works as sources. Although it cites information dating as far back as 1994, the majority of its citations are recent (within three to five years). Topics include definitions of sex and gender identity, conversion therapy, suicide and self-harm rates and prevention and clinical implications.

Using infographics, case study graphs and a total of fifty-nine references, the article can be considered credible. Context remains neutral, only showing bias in a specific section dedicated to bias and controversies surrounding different perspectives. The authors did not evidence personal bias or comment on the matter, instead choosing to address what these differing perspectives are and how they affect the topic.

Agency and Social Forces in the Life Course, as a source

Agency and Social Forces in the Life Course: The Case of Gender Transitions in Later Life and Gender, Stage of Transition and Situational Avoidance: A UK Study of Trans People's Experiences is a compilation of academic articles that addresses issues around being a trans person. Issues discussed remain focused on gender transition, though specifically address the medical, social, political, and personal challenges and considerations of doing so at an older age. Generally, subjects referred in the study are considered middle-aged and above, most at or nearing retirement age.

These articles were written by researchers in fields including medicine and social work, with an emphasis on LGBTQ+ psychology and gender identity. In addition to their combined experience, each author’s contribution was vetted and approved by their respective academic and medical institutions.

The articles cite various sources, also vetted from academic sources. It stands as credible, and no personal or political bias was found throughout.

Wikipedia Sources vs. Additional Sources Comparison

Barring the aforementioned and problematic links from the Wikipedia Sample Sources, the sources hold up to the standard the Additional Sources set. Both compilations maintain academic integrity, a sensitivity and respect to the subject matter, and minimal personal bias throughout.

The Additional Sources compilation was found to have more academic, encyclopedic, medical and scholarly sources cited in total. However, the majority of Wikipedia Sample Sources included references of equal credibility, only lesser in number.

In comparing the sources to the GLAAD Media Reference Guide, statements made and references cited in both compilations aligned with Guide rules and recommendations. Only the sources from TransWhat? And loveisarainbow.com were found to be out of accordance with GLAAD.

The GLAAD Media Reference Guide, when pertaining to the marginalized group of trans people and gender identity, defines correct and incorrect use of preferred pronouns. Though not referenced in the Wikipedia article’s Talk page, the conversation surrounding gender transitioning was found to have still complied with the guidelines. Though few edits were discussed, Wikipedia users did collaborate on necessary name changes that kept the article current according to GLAAD standards.

Additional Sources also held to GLAAD standards closely, with some referencing GLAAD as one of their sources. With one exception, each Additional Source is current within five or fewer years to 2021. The one exception, Standards of Care for the Transsexual, Transgender, and Gender Nonconforming People Vol 7, was published in 2012, though also remains in compliance with GLAAD standards.

Examination of Bias

In Language

Language sourced from the Wikipedia article and its external sources remain to the point and professional. As they take their information from evidence-based studies, bias sticks to general Wikipedia rules of remaining neutral. When bias is present, it remains within the context of discussing opposing views to gender transitioning, rather than inserting a contributor’s own personal bias on the matter.

The only sample source that fails this is the TransWhat? website and its content. Though it is sensitive and respectful toward the subject of gender transitioning, clear personal bias exists within its narrative. Many statements are factual, but common knowledge or otherwise not cited. Therefore, the existing personal bias is not backed by credible sourcing. This may cause the reader to consume the content from an assumption standpoint, which can be misleading.

All sources cited throughout the Additional Sources remain scientific in nature. That is, the sources are speaking from findings of scientific studies rather than from personal opinions. When personal opinion is allowed and offered, it is done via quotes with context about the initial conversation.

In the interest of remaining neutral, all sources (minus TransWhat?) used both from the sample Wikipedia articles and the additional sources remained respectful of their subjects’ preferred pronouns.

Among Wikipedia Editors

“Critics may rightly say that by relying on secondary sources, Wikipedia just reflects the biases found in them. However, editors are expected to write in their own words ‘while substantially retaining the meaning of the source materials and thus, the differences found in terms of language are caused explicitly by them.” Potential for Personal/External Biases. “Bias can propagate from secondary sources that editors draw from in accordance with Wikipedia’s “no original research” policy…[and] bias on Wikipedia may reflect broader societal biases.” “Our empirical results uncover significant gender differences at various levels that cannot only be attributed to the fact that Wikipedia is mirroring the off-line world and its biases.” == Credibility ==

Collaborative Writing

“A few informed clicks on any Wikipedia article can reveal the lengthy discussions that shape a published narrative. According to interviews with Wikipedians around the world, those digital back rooms are where harassment often begins. A spirited debate over a detail in an article can spiral into one user spewing personal attacks against another.”

Professional Writing

Each source from Additional Sources cited were careful to cite their own sources, both peer-reviewed and credible as scholarly. In some cases, these sources contained findings from their own controlled studies. Each source addressed is carefully stated, remains respectful to the content and context and takes lengths not to imply any bias that does not exist.

With that, it can be stated that the professionalism of all selected sources are sound. With each study read, there were few tonal shifts; each remained factual and to the point in making statements, addressing problems, and backing claims with medical and academic truth.

Opposing Views and Anti-Transgender Legislation

   I. According to the Human Rights campaign, 2021 was the worst year for LGBT State Legislative attacks. There have been a record breaking number of anti-lgbt bills attempting to become law, and seventeen were enacted, breaking the previous record of fifteen. Among these are bills and laws specifically targeted at transgender individuals, including attempts to ban transgender youth from playing sports on teams corresponding with their gender, and attempts to ban trans youth from receiving gender affirming healthcare.  Outside of the U.S, there are at least nine different countries which have laws restricting or banning non-cisgender identity expression, including Brunei, Kuwait, Malawi, Malaysia, Oman, Saudi Arabia, South Sudan, Tonga, and United Arab Emirates. 

Anti-Transgender Social Movements I. One heavily anti-trans social movement is Trans Exclusive Radical Feminism or TERF. This movement, led primarily by white cisgendered women attacks trans women, painting them as dangerous and a threat to cisgender women’s safety and identity. They work to exclude trans women from places such as bathrooms, changing rooms, shelters, sports, and women’s spaces in the name of “protecting” cisgendered women and preserving their very specific ideas about womanhood.