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LEXIE CANNES STATE OF TRANS — Many of us wished for a third option when it came to checking one of the typically two gender boxes when signing up for social media accounts. At times, leaving both boxes blank may not be an option — the registration process will not proceed further.

Facebook however, recently granted users not just a third option, but a very generous 51 of them (or 54, depending on how one counts or who is counting). For many of us long time social media users, having all these options suddenly drop on our laps found us taking time out to really explore them all.

The important thing to remember is that you don’t have to make a change. If, for instance, you’re a trans man and you want to keep your Facebook gender selection as male, that is perfectly acceptable — one does not have to show their ‘trans’ status if one doesn’t want to. Likewise, for the many of you that do wish to identify as trans, choices abounds.

Below are links to glossaries of the gender choices Facebook offers. Pick something you’re most comfortable with. If you’re still unsure, trans is good.

Facebook gender option glossary terms from The Washington Post: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/style-blog/wp/2014/02/14/confused-by-facebooks-new-gender-options-heres-what-they-mean/?tid=pm_lifestyle_pop

Daily Beast: http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/02/15/the-complete-glossary-of-facebook-s-51-gender-options.html

(To make the change, click on Facebook page upper right side (your FB) username>about>basic information>gender (edit). These options are only available for those who previously selected US English. UK English at this writing does not offer it.)

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I decide to go with Two Spirit. Prior to the arrival of Europeans in North America, Native Americans held transgender members of their tribes in high regard. Since they believed every thing that exists came from a spirit world, a trans person is considered doubly blessed — having two spirits made them more gifted than other tribe members.

Europeans, of course, used Christianity to thump Two Spirit people out of prominence within their tribes. Thanks to efforts made during the past two decades, Two Spirit people are being restored to their rightful place of honor.

Since I easily relate to being doubly blessed, this was great choice for me, especially since it fuels activism.

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Two Spirit Danielle Brewster’s story (girl in photo): http://www.co.shasta.ca.us/index/hhsa_index/mental_wellness/stand_against_stigma/brave-faces-portrait-gallery/Danielle-Brewster.aspx

More on Two Spirit people: http://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/oct/11/two-spirit-people-north-america

Thanks to Mo D’oh.

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See Lexie Cannes in the transgender feature film “Lexie Cannes”. Get it here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0963781332

LEXIE CANNES STATE OF TRANS is associated with Wipe Out Transphobia: http://www.wipeouttransphobia.com/ Read Lexie Cannes in The Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/courtney-odonnell/

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Categories: Transgender, Transsexual, Trans