Jean-Sébastien Bourré
In November 2017, I published an informational essay, « TRANSition: Evolution of Trans Movement and its Claims ». Through this book, I wanted to send a strong message about the need to respect the condition of trans people. When we know that the suicide rate is around 40% for the « T » of the acronym « LGBT + », meaning « trans », it is important to mobilize so that as many people as possible are better in their skin and take the their place in our society.
For me, there are no « them » and « us »; we all belong to one world. I constantly strive to see beyond the invisible boundaries of labels. Too often, we categorize and judge by appearance without even considering the human being hiding below.
A year later, my book continues to find its audience, in addition to convincing many cisgender people to become allies to the cause. In one year, I made very beautiful meetings. The good and good people who evolve in all spheres of society: admiring academics of my work, like Michel Dorais, whose critics I dreaded, people directly concerned by reality and others who do not know trans people but wish to learn. According to testimonials received from cisgender readers, I refined their sensitivity to the human condition and helped them understand what trans people are experiencing. Their conception of respect was somewhat shaken when they understood the mistakes made in their past interactions. From now on, it is with a new look that they will learn to know others.
Also, I had the chance to give a conference to different audiences in Quebec and New Brunswick. With this conference, entitled « Transition to a better world », I wanted to inform people about transidentities and encourage them to respect all the human differences that exist, and this, for one purpose: to ensure the happiness of the greatest number individuals. By breaking down prejudices, we ensure our transition – collectively, it goes without saying – to a better world.
A fair, equitable and loving world. This world is better when hope triumphs over darkness and collective well-being triumphs over hatred. My best gift: new friendships. Isaak, her family, Gabrielle and many others are now part of my life and allow me to see what I wrote in « TRANSition »: a trans person is not just a person in transition. We must stop confining her to this stage of her life since she is not ALL of her life.
If TRANSition was not a testimonial book, I wanted to learn more about the everyday lives of trans people, what led them to understand that they had to make a transition to be happy. Thus, « TRANSition: A Quest for Self (Testimonials) », will be in bookstores next February. It is by diving into the heart of the human being that we best understand the diversity that shapes our world. It is an immense wealth for our world.
I invite you to make this transition with me for a better world. #TransitionVersUnMondeMeilleur