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Concept
Passing (gender)
Summary
In the context of gender, passing is when someone is perceived as a gender they identify as or are attempting to be seen as, rather than their biological sex. Historically, this was common among women who served in occupations where women were prohibited, such as in combat roles in the military. For transgender people, it is when the person is perceived as cisgender instead of the sex they were assigned at birth. The person may, for example, be a transgender man who is perceived as a cisgender man.
The appropriateness of the term passing, and the desirability of blending into society, are both debated within the transgender community. A trans person who is perceived as cisgender may face less prejudice, harassment, and risk of violence, as well as better employment opportunities. This is sometimes termed passing privilege.
The term passing is widely used but also debated within the transgender community. Trans writer Janet Mock says that the term is "based on an assumption that trans people are passing as something that we are not" and that, in reality, a trans woman who is perceived as a woman "isn't passing; she is merely being". The GLAAD Media Guide advises that "it is not appropriate" for mainstream media to use the term passing "unless it's in a direct quote". GLAAD's preferred term is "not visibly transgender". Some dislike the use of the terms stealth and passing, based on the argument that these terms imply dishonesty or deception about one's gender identity.
Gender attribution is the process by which an observer decides which gender they believe another person to be. Once an observer makes an attribution of the person's gender, it can be difficult for the observer to change their mind and see the person as another gender. Gender attribution is used to make initial assumptions about a person to be able to infer other details or aspects about them. In most interactions, one cannot observe others' physical sex characteristics, such as their penis, vagina, or intersex genitals, so therefore must use other visual cues to be able to discern another's gender.
Official source
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