In the spoken word “What it feels like to be transgender” performed by Lee Mokobe, he speaks of the struggles growing up a transgender. Since a young age, Lee dressed tomboy making him “different” in other’s eyes. Lee’s family found that phase cute as a child, but when the phase never went away, his family started to get concerned. He was raised in a religious environment, where God doesn’t approve of transgender or gay. Lee states, “I asked Jesus to fix me”, as if being a transgender was wrong and sinful (Mokobe). Throughout the spoken word, he brings the church up many times showing that it was a significant part of his upcoming. He begs god to forgive him for his sins and fix him for doing wrong by being who he is. There is evidence that shows his mother was scared of him being transgender, stating, “ She fears that i’ll die without a whisper” (Mokobe). Three transgender names are mentioned, who have died because of their gender identity, and Lee’s mother is fearful the same will happen to him. Suicide is common among the LGBTQ community when children/adults aren’t accepted by their parents, peers, friends or the church. They may feel shame of who they are and why they don’t please anyone. Lee also brings awareness to the dangers of social media and “becoming another hashtag” (Mokobe). Even though he has gone through many bumps in the road, Lee finishes the spoken word off by stating, “maybe he just doesn’t care” which shows his growth in self acceptance (Mokobe). Being transgender can be challenging when you don’t feel you are accepted, especially when it’s the people closest to you are trying to change you. You might feel shameful, scared, and as if you are a freak show.

Work cited

Mokobe, Lee. What it feels like to be transgender. May 2015. March 2018. <https://www.ted.com/talks/lee_mokobe_a_powerful_poem_about_what_it_feels_like_to_be_transgender>.