Whether you and your brand are an ally of the non-binary community or are personally in the process of discovering your gender identity, it helps to get familiar with the various LGBTQ+ terms and expressions. In this article, we focus on transmasc.
Key Takeaways:
- “Transmasc” is a term used to describe individuals who were assigned female at birth but identify as masculine or male.
- Understanding the transmasc demographic is crucial for marketers to ensure inclusivity and representation in their advertising and marketing campaigns.
- Marketers need to be sensitive to the experiences, needs, and preferences of transmasc individuals when creating marketing materials and messaging.
- By acknowledging and addressing the transmasc community in marketing efforts, brands can build trust, loyalty, and brand affinity among this demographic.
- Embracing diversity and inclusivity in marketing not only fosters a positive brand image but also reflects societal values and promotes social responsibility.
The LGBTQ+ community is diverse, and some of these communities are transmasc or transmasculine people. There is still much to learn about them and their gender identity and expression. So, if you support equality, inclusivity, and diversity, you must understand transmasculinity, the issues they are facing, and their contribution to the community as a whole.
Aside from that, a lot of brands are vocal in their support of the community, regardless of how their followers would react. So, if you are still debating whether Pride marketing suits your brand, let us help you decide through this article.
What Does Transmasc Mean?
Being a transmasc means being AFAB (AFAB meaning assigned female at birth) but identifying with a masculine identity or expression. Transmasc meaning is quite broad and includes various groups of people in the LGBTQ+ community.
We often hear the term transgender than transmasculine; however, the two have distinct definitions. The former is an umbrella term that includes any person who does not identify with the gender they were born in. Hence, transmasc people are transgenders.
Transmasculinity, on the other hand, involves affiliation with the masculine facet of the colorful gender spectrum. Simply put, somebody who identifies as one may not necessarily identify as a male. Transmen, non-binary, and gender-fluid individuals and any other AFAB that falls under the masculine range may identify as transmasculine.
How Does Society View Transmasculinity?
According to Kristen Martinez, an LGBTQ+ affirmative counselor at Pacific Northwell, transmasculine people are primarily overlooked in discourses on the trans experience for various reasons. It might be because society, in general, can be more tolerant of masculine expression than of feminine.
Plus, mainstream society’s binary view of gender can heavily affect its view of this identity and expression. For years, members of the LGBTQ+ community have been fighting to shatter the societal stigma on who they are as a person.
Moreover, another factor distorting the general view on this identity and the entire LGBTQ+ community is the misconception that gender identity or expression and sexual orientation are the same. There’s a whole different lengthy discourse that explains how one differs from the other.
Generally, society is still in the process of embracing the gender spectrum and acknowledging people for who they are. In the meantime, heroes of the cause are still fighting to raise the transmasc flag and end the stigma on gender identity, expression, and sexual orientation.
What Are Issues That Trans People Face?
Trans people face many issues, such as discrimination, hate crimes, violence, and rejection. Unfortunately, the challenges they face go beyond that.
Healthcare Access
Access to proper healthcare is one of the many issues transmasc people have to deal with. At the very core of their physical makeup, they still have the anatomical structure of a female unless they undergo surgery. Hence, they will still menstruate, continue having functional ovaries, and may need Pap smears, to name a few. As a result, it would be great for them to experience healthcare that tends to their needs without judgment.
Moreover, access to gender-affirming healthcare, like surgeries and hormone therapies, is costly and not covered by insurance. So, it can be disheartening.
Mental Health Risks
People that do not conform to the binary view of gender are at an increased risk of facing mental health issues. These issues include but are not limited to anxiety, depression, or suicidal tendencies. Several studies reveal that transmasc kids attempt suicide and that chest dysphoria is among the causes of their distress.
Because of society’s conduct toward trans people, they develop mental health issues that can be fatal when left ignored and untreated.
Legal Documentation Issues
Since only gender binary is accepted without questions, individuals outside this spectrum painfully deal with zero non-binary or third-gender options for gender on legal documents. Consequently, they often need to explain their pronouns should they want to be addressed and viewed validly.
Non-supporters may find this issue too much, but it means a lot to individuals who identify beyond the gender binary.
How Can You Show Support to The Transmasc Community?
If you are an ally, it is crucial to be vocal about your support to the whole non-binary and third-gender population. Becoming an ally is a great way to show love to people who identify as transmasculine.
If you need a guide on where to start showing support, love, and acceptance to the entire LGBTQ+, you may observe the following:
Educate Yourself
Educating yourself on the various identities of the gender spectrum can help in becoming more passionate in your stand as an ally. You can find numerous credible materials online that can broaden your knowledge and understanding of what gender identity and expression are.
Become A Voice
Many are scared to open up to defend themselves for fear of judgment and hate. So, even if you are not a member of the non-binary community, you can fight for them by becoming their voice. Instead of spreading hostility to people who have kept their hearts and minds close, you may be a beacon of light and show them that kindness is imperative for humanity to thrive.
Boost Their Stories
The stories of transmasc names and people need to be placed on a pedestal to be heard by others. In so doing, we validate the non-binary community, and healing will come speedily. Furthermore, boosting their stories results in a boost in their morale. Thus, diminishing the risks of mental health issues.
Lend An Ear
Give them space to talk, especially concerning their gender identity, but avoid coercing them into doing so. Avoid asking prying questions and respect their boundaries. Asking about their gender can be personal and confidential, and not everyone wants to talk about it. But when they do, exert the effort in lending your listening ears.
Maintain Confidentiality
The world is hostile and cruel, especially toward individuals who go beyond what we often perceive as typical. As much as possible, maintain confidentiality and avoid disclosing their gender without permission, as they might find it unsafe.
What Does This Mean for Brands?
Transmasc individuals are Pride community members, and brands have either shown support or capitalized on Pride Month. Every year, the number of brands that join the Pride bandwagon piles up. And they must exercise caution in using the Pride community for branding.
Here are some of the things to consider before placing that rainbow flag on your limited-edition product releases for June:
Collaborate with real-life LGTBQ+ members.
What other great way to incorporate Pride in your branding than collaborating with non-binary individuals? It’s helpful not to limit yourself to non-binary influencers, as you can collaborate with non-binary photographers, artists, and others. This effort doesn’t just show inclusivity but also emanates love and kindness among everyone.
But if you want to work with non-binary influencers, you may use influencer software to make influencer discovery seamless. You may head on to our Influenster review for further details.
Think Beyond The Rainbow
The rainbow flag is the official flag of the LGBTQ+ community. It’s no surprise that we automatically equate the rainbow logo with Pride. But the queer culture goes beyond that. Take it from Nike’s Be True marketing campaign that featured prominent Pride symbols other than the rainbow.
Brands have the platform to raise awareness on this matter. For people to get to know the non-binary community on a much deeper level, brands must take part in showcasing Pride above and beyond the rainbow.
Although incorporating the rainbow logo into your brand is a sign of support, doing something actionable is a preferred presentation of genuine support. Here are some ways you could incorporate Pride beyond the rainbow logo:
- Write blog posts that highlight prominent non-binary individuals in your industry.
- Lend your platform to non-binary community members.
- Donate to LGBTQ+ causes and nonprofit organizations.
- Draft company policies that ensure LGBTQ+ inclusivity and protection.
Inform The Viewers
Numerous big brands are getting more vocal in shifting their perceptions and informing the masses on relevant political, social, and environmental issues. The Pride Month celebration is the best time for brands to educate their viewers and fans about issues surrounding the LGBTQ+ community.
However, brands must ensure that their campaigns, while authentic, should still stand out and reflect their distinct personality.
Is Pride Month Marketing Right for Your Brand?
If you are still debating whether or not to dip your toes into the Pride Month marketing stints, take the time to assess if it is suitable for your business. You may consider asking yourself the following questions:
- Does Pride Month marketing align with your personal and brand values? As a brand, you must have a set of core values to help bring uniformity and vision to the company. If inclusivity and diversity are part of your brand values, Pride Month marketing may work for you.
- Is your brand an authentic supporter of the non-binary community year-round? If you do, you are a genuine ally and have no reason not to use your platform for their cause. However, if you are only a supporter during the Pride Month celebration, we suggest you drop it as you may likely face backlash.
- What will your commitment look like? Commitment to the community doesn’t just start and end with adding a few LGTBQ+ signages or changing your brand’s PFP and colors.
If you feel Pride Month marketing isn’t the best fit for your brand and its values, don’t pressure yourself into conforming just for increased brand awareness and revenue. Everybody is entitled to their own beliefs. Plus, using something for personal motives and benefits is morally wrong.
But if you come to the conclusion that you are a true-blue ally of the LGBTQ+ community, then, by all means, incorporate Pride Month into your marketing. It is one of the best things you can do to uplift and encourage transmasc individuals and the rest of LGTBQ+.
However, arm yourself against negative criticisms and backlash from your most loyal followers and consumers. Target and Bud Light are only two of the many companies that experienced boycotts and backlash due to their vocal stance on supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
You may collaborate with co-allies and non-binary influencers for your Pride Month influencer marketing campaign. To make it easy for your collaboration, you may seek the help of an influencer marketing agency like Mediakix. Head over to our Mediakix review for further information.
FAQ:
What does “transmasc” mean?
“Transmasc” is a term used to describe individuals who were assigned female at birth but identify as masculine or male.
Why is understanding the transmasc demographic important for marketers?
Understanding the transmasc demographic is important for marketers to ensure inclusivity and representation in their advertising and marketing campaigns.
How can marketers cater to the transmasc community in their campaigns?
Marketers can cater to the transmasc community by being sensitive to their experiences, needs, and preferences when creating marketing materials and messaging.
What are some examples of inclusive marketing practices for the transmasc demographic?
Examples of inclusive marketing practices for the transmasc demographic include featuring diverse gender identities in advertisements, using gender-neutral language, and partnering with LGBTQ+ organizations.
What are the potential benefits of including the transmasc community in marketing efforts?
Including the transmasc community in marketing efforts can build trust, loyalty, and brand affinity among this demographic, while also demonstrating a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and social responsibility.
Be Human and Show Kindness
Regardless of your beliefs and opinions, showing respect and kindness, even to those with opposing views, goes a long way. Transmasc individuals deserve to be loved and respected. Remember that the world is full of vile people, so being a good person with a kind heart is valuable.
Now that you know what a transmasc is, you might want to read about non-binary Hollywood star Demi Lovato in the article Nonbinary Star Demi Lovato Feels “Feminine” Again.
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