Inappropriate talk

Trans-Iceland has made a video, in cooperation with the anonymous curious public, where trans people answer questions which they usually hate being asked.

Alexander Björn Gunnarsson is one of the individuals appearing in the video, and as if he hadn’t had enough of questions already, he agreed to answer some more from us on GayIceland.

“The video is based on questions people sent in via social media,” says Alexander Björn Gunnarsson. Trans-Iceland will premiere the video at Reykjavík City Hall, today, Friday, November 20th, between 17-18PM, in relation to the Transgender Day of Remembrance. The day is an international day that is held across the world to remember trans people that have been murdered for their gender identity. Photo/Halla Þórlaug Óskarsdóttir.
“The video is based on questions people sent in via social media,” says Alexander Björn Gunnarsson. Trans-Iceland will premiere the video at Reykjavík City Hall, today, Friday, November 20th, between 17-18PM, in relation to the Transgender Day of Remembrance. The day is an international day that is held across the world to remember trans people who have been murdered for their gender identity. Photo/Halla Þórlaug Óskarsdóttir.

“We’re basically imitating a British version where inappropriate questions are addressed and answered,” says Alexander, when asked why Trans-Iceland decided to make the video. “We wanted to give the Icelandic public a chance to ask those questions – which we hate – and have them answered, for once and for all. The point is: There’s a time and a place for everything. We don’t like getting those questions from random people in the streets.”

In the video you actually answer those inappropriate questions?
“Yes. We made an anonymous online platform for people to post questions to, and then we used those questions in the video. So we basically got a lot of help from random, curious people, asking questions like: “What sort of sex do you have?” or “Does the operation hurt?” Everyone seems to assume that there’s just this one operation that all trans individuals go through. And questions about sex… I mean, if we’re not planning on having sex, it’s none of your business.”

So it’s basically a wide scale of questions related to physical technicalities and psychological issues, as well?
“Yes.”

Could you give us an example of that sort of questions?
“How did you tell your parents? What kind of prejudice do you meet on daily basis?”

“I get annoyed when people ask questions like: “Are you undergoing the operation?” or “When will the operation take place?”

Do you feel that all the questions you received are inappropriate?
“Most of them were, yes, rather inappropriate. Well, at least not questions you ask strangers in the grocery store.
Don’t get me wrong, we don’t want to discourage people to be curious and ask questions, but I guess what we’re trying to say is that there’s a time and a place for everything.”

Have the people in the video all experienced this; being questioned inappropriately from strangers regarding their gender?
“Yes, I think we have all been through that. People seem to feel that they have a right to know whatever about your personal life as a trans person.
For example Ugla, who is a bit known in the society, she probably has heard all those questions from random strangers.”

Ugla
Ugla Stefanía Kristjönudóttir Jónsdóttir, vice chair of Trans-Iceland. Photo/Móa Hjartardóttir

People assume that she’s a professional on trans issues?
“Exactly.”

What annoys you the most?
“I guess what mostly gets on my nerves is that people constantly refer to some standard procedure that supposedly applies to all trans individuals, a procedure which ends with “The Operartion”.
I get annoyed when people ask questions like: “Are you undergoing the operation?” or “When will the operation take place?”
Not everyone chooses to undergo an operation. Each procedure is personal.”

Do you feel that society still has a lot of misunderstanding in regards to trans issues?
“Yes. Especially when it comes to phrasing and word usage. Words can really hurt. For example when journalists write articles with outdated vocabulary, it can be hurtful.”

Do you feel that it should be the journalists’ responsibility to seek out the politically correct words before publishing an article?
“No, I guess that’s a demand we can’t make. Journalists don’t work as CIVIL RIGHT FIGHTERS , so we can’t request for them to dig deep into every issue and always know the right words to use.
But at the same time it is annoying having to contact the same medium over and over again to point out badly phrased articles – I feel that it should find its way eventually.”

Do you find it strange that the public is not better educated in trans-issues?
“Not really. The movement is quite younger than the gay rights movement, so it’s not strange that people are still getting used to the terms.”

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“We are trying to educate people.” Photo/Móa Hjartardóttir.

Do you feel a difference in society since you came out as trans?
“I came out just over a year ago, and yes, I do. But perhaps that’s partly because I started paying attention to these matters. But since I mentioned the gay rights movements, I do think that the work there has cleared the path for other groups, such as trans-people, to follow and fight for their rights. People are definitely more open for new things.”

Where can people find information about transgender issues?
“We have a webpage, www.transisland.is, where we have a lot of information. We also have an educational group that can be hired for educational events. Samtökin ’78, the National Queer Association, can also provide information. And then, just, you know… Google is your friend.”

Do you think it’s important to make this video to reach out to people who would not seek information about transgender issues otherwise?
“Yes, definitely. We’re trying to subtly educate people who just want to laugh and have a good time.”

For more details on the program taking place in Reykjavík City Hall today in relation to the Transgender Day of Remembrance, click here.

Below: A sneak at the video. The full length version will be available soon.

Á. Óskarsson
Á. Óskarsson

Á. Óskarsson offers a variety of products and services to sports centers, swimming pools, schools, kindergartens, and the general public. The company specializes in sport-related products, activity-focused games, and a wide range of solutions for sports facilities.

Á. Óskarsson has been involved in numerous big projects related to building sports facilities and has made it their benchmark to offer good quality products and equipment since the company was founded.

See links to social media in the upper left-hand corner

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Á. Óskarsson selur fjölbreytt vöruúrval fyrir íþróttahús, sundlaugar, skóla og leikskóla og einnig ýmsar vörur til einkaafnota. Fyrirtækið selur vörur til íþróttaiðkunnar og leikja ásamt því að bjóða upp á ýmsar lausnir fyrir íþróttamannvirki.

Á. Óskarsson hefur komið að fjölda stórra verkefna við byggingu íþróttamannvirkja og hefur frá stofnun kappkostað að bjóða vandaðar og endingargóðar vörur.

Tenglar á samfélagsmiðla eru í efra horninu vinstra megin.

Webpage/vefsetur

Blush

    Blush was founded in 2011 when it started selling high quality sex products. The goal from the beginning was to change the market and take the discussion about sex products to a higher level. Today Blush provides professional services in a pleasant environment that fulfills different needs, both for individuals and couples. Blush respects diversity and wants to set a good example in all of its messaging to target audiences. Sexual health and equality in sex is important and Blush wants to focus on those issues through education and open discussion. Blush works in a socially responsible manner for society, their customers and the environment.

    Check out Blush’s website: https://blush.is/

    Omnom Chocolate
    - award-winning chocolate maker

      Omnom Chocolate is an Icelandic craft chocolate company based in Reykjavík. We produce handcrafted chocolate from organic cacao beans sourced ethically and sustainably. We’ve developed direct relationships to create premium chocolate with fine flavor cacao beans.

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      In only a few short years, we’ve grown from our 50 sq. m. petrol station space and become an award-winning chocolate maker. Now, with our headquarters in 101 Reykjavík, our chocolate is sent out around Iceland and all over the world.

      At the end of the day, our goal is to make chocolate.

       

      Nasdaq

         

        Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ) is a global technology company serving the capital markets and other industries. Our diverse offering of data, analytics, software and services enables clients to optimize and execute their business vision with confidence.

        With over 4,300 employees in 39 offices around the world, at Nasdaq we all contribute to the success of the company and its culture, and each one of us has the ability to make a difference. When it comes to our core mission and values, we embrace the role of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (DIB) as a fundamental driver of our corporate growth, workplace culture and market development. We strive to create a culture that embraces the power of different perspectives—a culture where people’s unique backgrounds and different experiences helps us fuel innovation and support our clients around the world.

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        Blue Lagoon
        - One of the 25 Wonders of the World

        Named by National Geographic as one of the 25 Wonders of the World, the Blue Lagoon is a shimmering expanse of warmth, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Its unique geothermal seawater
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        Achieving harmony with the volcanic landscape, the lagoon and its surrounding architecture embody the unification of the man-made and the natural, and adhere to the highest principles of sustainability.

        The Blue Lagoon. A wonder of the world. A world of wonder.

        Landsbankinn
        - leading financial institution
        Landsbankinn

        Landsbankinn is a leading Icelandic financial institution. It offers a full range of financial services and is the market leader in the Icelandic financial service sector with the largest branch network.

        The present bank was established on 7 October 2008 but the history of its predecessor dates back to 1886. The bank is owned by the National Treasury of Iceland, which holds 98.2% of its share capital, and other shareholders who own 1.8%.

        Landsbankinn’s strategy is to provide comprehensive financial services that meet customer’s needs. It emphasizes providing exemplary service to customers, developing e-banking for their convenience, increasing the efficiency of support functions, modernizing its technology and ensuring effective utilization of its balance sheet.

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        Landsbankinn wishes to lead the development of a sustainable society in Iceland by integrating economic, social and environmental concerns in its operations. The Bank aims to ensure that both its owners and society at large benefit from its activities.

        It intends to achieve this aim by building solid infrastructure and a strong team of 1.100 employees, by listening to its customers and by respecting and encouraging its employees to actively participate in their community. Landsbankinn was a founding member of Festa, a Centre for Corporate Social Responsibility, and is a member of the UN Global Compact.

        Landsbankinn has been a proud sponsor of the Reykjavik Pride since it was first celebrated in Iceland.

        Dohop
        - get inspired
        Dohop

        Dohop allows people to find the cheapest flights available with just one click. Founded in Reykjavik in 2004, it is the only Icelandic company of its kind and quickly became the go-to tool for finding cheap flights among the locals. Dohop finds the best deals among hundreds of different airlines and online travel agencies, to make sure that the user is getting the cheapest price. Dohop also offers hotel and car rental search engines, so users can make all of their travel bookings from a single website.

        Dohop‘s specialty is finding so-called “self-connect” flight options, which can save travelers money by booking a ticket through two or more different airlines. The ability to look for these self-connect option is what sets Dohop apart from its competition, as it can save people hundreds of dollars on certain routes.

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        VSÓ Ráðgjöf

           

          VSÓ Ráðgjöf er alhliða ráðgjafar- og verkfræðifyrirtæki sem leggur áherslu á trausta og faglega þjónustu sem tryggir viðskiptavinum hagkvæmustu lausnir hverju sinni, skilar raunverulegum árangri og stuðlar að samkeppnisforskoti.  Á skrifstofum VSÓ í Reykjavík og í Noregi starfar yfir 80 manna samhentur hópur verkfræðinga og annarra tæknimenntaðra starfsmanna.

          Macland
          - for all your Apple needs
          Macland

          From starting out as a proper startup with only a good idea and the need to change things, to becoming an established company with 6 employees. Starting from scratch and expanding organically has allowed us to love our expansion and take our customers on the ride with us.

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          Ísey skyr
          - once tasted never forgotten

          Our Story
          Once upon a time, 1,100 years ago in fact, Nordic settlers began arriving in Iceland. They brought with them the skills and knowledge for producing skyr. As time passed, the know-how and recipe for this nutritious food slowly faded out elsewhere in the Nordic region. Luckily, the Icelandic skyr-making tradition continued.

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          You can read more about Ísey skyr on our website.

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