The heatwave is dangerous for gender non-conforming people
A trans person has highlighted how the heat can bring challenges to them and can cause a heightened risk of abuse on the street.
Writer and activist Travis Alabanza wrote in the Metro about their experiences during the UK heatwave and how showing more skin can cause “punishment” for them.
Alabanza said: “My attempt to keep cool in the heat is met with shouts of ‘f*gg*t’ and ‘freak’. Stares on the tube are directed at me for my outfit choices.”
Travis Alabanza wrote in the Metro about their experiences during the UK heatwave and how showing more skin can cause “punishment” for them. (Credit: PinkNews)
The article continued: “I watch a group of grown men take a photo of me whilst asking why I’m wearing such ‘gay shorts’ and I wonder how masculinity and gender became such a fragile concept that it cannot handle a pair of H&M shorts cut at a certain length?”
Alabanza posted the article on their Twitter account and received comments supporting their argument.
Catherine (handle @themarchg1rl) replied to the tweet and said: “Thank you for this.This year I’m finally able to go outside without the compulsive need to wear a cardigan! Baby steps.”
Alabanza told PinkNews they had been laughed at on public transport (PinkNews)
Alabanza said Winter was a more comfortable month for them because they could use layers or a long winter coat or a jumper.
“‘Covering up’ is a tactic I was taught by trans elders that came before me; they would sit me down in the colder months and say, ‘sure, wear this, but put this on top until you get off the streets.,’” they wrote in the Metro.
“The world labels me as ‘male’ yet sees me in short shorts, a crop top and sunglasses, and punishes me for it on the street,” they added.
(Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
The article comes as the UK is facing a severe heatwave which will last into the weekend, according to the BBC.
On Monday the highest temperature of 30.1C (86.2F) was recorded at Hampton waterworks in west London.
The Met Office has issued a yellow health warning for heatwave conditions from Tuesday until Thursday evening.
