Continuing the conversation
Additional materials and resources related to 'A Transparent Musical'
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Gender Inclusivity and Language in A Transparent Musical
Prepared by the Trans/GNC members of A Transparent Musical.
- The T in LGBTQIA+ stands for Transgender and is inclusive of Transgender, Non-Binary, and Gender Expansive (or Gender Non-Conforming) identities.
- Common shorthand in referring to transgender, non-binary, and gender expansive folks include Trans/GNC, TGNC, Trans+, Trans and Queer, or other variations. Preferred shorthand is ever evolving and still discussed within the community. Transgender (trans) means you identify with a gender outside of the gender you were assigned at birth.
- Cisgender (cis) means you identify with the gender you were assigned at birth.
- Non-Binary is a term for gender identities that live outside of the binary of “man” and “woman.” A non-binary gender experience could be a mix of “man” and “woman,” somewhere between “man” and “woman,” outside of “man” and “woman” or another experience entirely.
- Gender Expansive (GE) or Gender Non-Conforming (GNC) are common umbrella terms for folks who do not identify within the gender binary (“woman” and “man”). Non-Binary and other gender identities (such as Genderqueer, Demiboy, Demigirl, Genderfluid, Bigender etc.) can be included in these umbrella terms or exist on their own. Gender Non-Conforming is also sometimes used to describe someone’s gender expression rather than their identity.
- Some Non-Binary and Gender Expansive/Gender Non-Conforming folks identify as Transgender and some do not.
- Gender identity is how you identify and feel on the inside.
- Gender expression is how you express your gender on the outside.
- Gender identity and gender expression are not necessarily correlated.
- Transgender is a descriptor of a gender identity and is not connected to someone’s sexual orientation.
- Sexual Orientation is who I go to bed with, Gender Identity is who I go to bed as.
A note on language in A Transparent Musical from Director Tina Landau
To honor the truth of our story and its characters, A Transparent Musical contains language that might be offensive and triggering to a variety of communities—most prominently language that is transphobic or anti-Semitic. The views implicit in this language reflect those of the character within the story and not those of the creators or company. For gender-related terms in addition to the definitions offered below, including terms to avoid, please visit GLAAD Media Reference Guide at www.glaad.org/reference.
We recognize that concepts around pronouns and gender expansiveness might be new to some of our audiences and so we offer this glossary of some of the most common words you may hear in our show or our culture:
Gender is a set of socially constructed behaviors and attributes that a society considers appropriate, usually in relation to the categories of male, female, or nonbinary. Your gender is different than your sex assigned at birth.
Gender identity is how you identify and feel on the inside. Gender expression is how you express your gender on the outside. Gender identity and gender expression are not necessarily correlated.
Cisgender (cis) means you identify with the gender you were assigned at birth.
Transgender (trans) means you identify with a gender outside of the gender you were assigned at birth. Transgender is a descriptor of a gender identity and is not connected to someone’s sexual orientation. ‘Sexual orientation is who you go to bed with, gender Identity is who I go to bed as’.
Nonbinary is a term for gender identities that live outside of the binary of “man” and “woman.” A non-binary gender experience could be a mix of “man” and “woman,” somewhere between “man” and “woman,” outside of “man” and “woman” or another experience entirely.
Queer means something a little different to everyone who uses it and identifies with it. It’s most often an inclusive umbrella term for people who identify with sexual orientations and gender identities outside the mainstream of heterosexual or cisgender norms. The word was previously used as a slur, but has been reclaimed by many parts of the LGBTQIA+ movement. Queer is also often used to describe things other than individual identity—for some, queer is a community, queer is liberation, queer is style, queer means inclusivity or flexibility.
Pronouns The words we use to talk about people aside from using their names (ex: he/his, she/hers, they/them, and many more.) Sometimes pronouns correlate with a person’s gender identity, sometimes they don’t.
LGBT stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender, the T being inclusive of Transgender, Non-Binary, and Gender Expansive (or Gender Non-Conforming) identities. Many variants or extensions of the acronym exist, including the common LGBTQ which adds the letter Q for those who identify as queer or are questioning their sexual or gender identity.
For more information on terminology and best practices, please visit: www.glaad.org/reference
For more information on past and present events and their impact on the lives of transgender, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming individuals, please visit:
aclu.org/legislative-attackson-lgbtq-rights
A Transparent Musical primarily takes place at the Cecile J. Janowitz JCC in the heart of Los Angeles, 2023–a space where Jewish and queer (and many other) communities meet. Here are some terms you may hear throughout the show. “There’s no better time to be Jewish and Queer!”
Hadassah Also known as “The Women’s Zionist Organization of America,” Jewish women’s organization focused on philanthropy and women’s leadership.
JCC Acronym that stands for Jewish Community Center, a gathering place for Jewish communities in most major cities with events and activities for all ages.
Purim A Jewish holiday commemorating how ancient Jews were spared from massacre during the Persian Empire, and during which the Book of Esther is read aloud or reenacted and costumes and revelry are encouraged.
Partner Organizations
Center Theatre Group is proud to partner with these organizations for this production of A Transparent Musical:
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
The ACLU has been at the center of nearly every major civil liberties battle in the U.S. for over 100 years. This vital work depends on the support of ACLU members in all 50 states and beyond.
Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD)
As a dynamic media force, GLAAD ensures fair, accurate, and inclusive representation that rewrites the script for LGBTQ acceptance. GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change. GLAAD protects all that has been accomplished and envisions a world with 100% LGBTQ acceptance.
GLSEN’S mission since 1990 is to ensure that every member of every school community is valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
Established in 2004, JQ is the premiere LGBTQ+ Jewish organization in Los Angeles. JQ celebrates the lives of LGBTQ+ Jews and their allies by transforming Jewish communities and ensuring inclusion through community building, educational programs, and support and wellness services, promoting the healthy integration of LGBTQ+ and Jewish identities.
Since 1969 the Los Angeles LGBT Center has cared for, championed, and celebrated LGBT individuals and families in Los Angeles and beyond.
Lambda Legal represents LGBTQ+ people and everyone living with HIV—in the court of law and in the court of public opinion.
Founded in 1973, PFLAG is the first and largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and their families.
Trans Can Work (TCW)
Trans Can Work (TCW) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles, California and is committed to advancing workplace inclusion through innovative training strategies and workforce development.
America's first Trans Chorus, embracing all members of the trans, non-binary and intersex communities. Sharing our LGBTQIA+ spirit through awareness and song.
Trans* Lounge is the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s groundbreaking empowerment program for social connection and support, serving the TGI/ENBY+ (Trans, Gender Non-Conforming, Intersex, Non-Binary, Gender Expansive) communities!
The mission of Westside JCC is to build community based on Jewish values by creating opportunities for gathering and learning. We reach out to all Jews and the greater community by offering stimulating and innovative educational, social, cultural, recreational and communal programs and activities and fostering a strong connection to Israel.
Nefesh is an open-hearted spiritual community welcoming all of the identities that make up who we are and who we love. Born in the multicultural beauty of L.A.’s east side neighborhoods, Nefesh cultivates empathy, love, and justice. Nefesh is a doorway to the wisdom, ritual, and melodies of the Jewish tradition–a place to find and be found.
We make meaning and change the world.