Introduction
One of the most commonly experienced difficulties transgender people face at work is Aimee Stephens, a Michigan resident of Harris Funeral Homes who was forced to leave after talking bluntly about her desire to embark on the gender confirmation program and presenting herself as a woman (Carpenter et al., 2022). The plight of transgender people, discussed in court verdicts, journals, and media articles, raises more significant structural concerns facing them in achieving American Dream freedom. Nonetheless, the transgender group in America is constrained by numerous obstacles in the egalitarian field, like widespread homophobia, economic inequality, and social despicability, among others. These barriers block social acceptance, good healthcare, and job opportunities, which continue this vicious cycle, depriving them of the opportunity to earn a stable income and move upward. For a transgender person to live their life to the fullest and give to society through their contributions, the issues mentioned above should be identified and resolved.
Economic Challenges
Significant monetary inequalities commonly restrict transgender individuals’ efforts toward the quintessential American dream expression. Discrimination in the job market is considered an egregious circumstance for this ordeal. Carpenter et al. (2022) provide a detailed description of a real-life case that Aimee Stephens presented. That is a situation when a person is fired because of their gender identity. Empirical studies determine whether to rent or buy a house, so employers might reject or even not promote transgender people because of discrimination, which is instrumental in forming their employment opportunities (Carpenter et al., 2022). Furthermore, this kind of bias on the job market slows professional skills development. It makes financial issues even harder to solve, as transgender people may struggle to find a steady occupation and a steady income.
Additionally, the United Nations recognized that transgender people often experience homelessness, psychological hardships, and breakdowns in their educational process at higher rates (UN, 2022). These stresses caused by discrimination and prejudice are going to cause more trouble for trans people from a financial perspective, which will make it even harder for them to try for their very American dream. For instance, homelessness and mental health problems can produce barriers to job searching and affect productivity because of poverty, which leads to a universe of economic instability around these issues. It is parallel to the fact that the suspension of studies withdrew credentials and capacities, thus causing a disaster regarding how to get jobs and the inescapable circle of poverty (UN, 2022). Eventually, transgender individuals sell their souls to the margins because this is the only way to save themselves from a social barrier that bars them from moving up the social ladder and realizing their dreams. It is vital to eliminate the barriers standing in the way of economic prosperity and create inclusive working environments, giving room for achieving this American Dream, both individual and communal.
Social Stigma and Discrimination
The American Dream being dreamt of by the transgender population is put to a complete standstill by poverty, social stigma, and discrimination, which are challenging obstacles to jump over. The disposition of transgender people toward society’s discriminatory beliefs and practices contributes to the narrowing of their social and economic possibilities. Abreu et al. (2021) discuss the different aspects of discrimination against transgender immigrants in the Latinx community and raise the fact that when societal violence and prejudice prevail, fewer opportunities emerge for the affected group. As a result, some are pushed away from the traditional society and are bound to live as extremely marginalized members (Abreu et al., 2021). Stigma from society numbs, though, and this makes the conditions unfair for transgender individuals. Thus, they do not get any opportunities to maintain work, good health care, and good education—all of which are necessary for acquiring the American Dream.
Thus, not only do institutional and legal obstacles mean that transgender people do not enjoy equal rights, but these barriers also make their discrimination accepted. Transgender communities are frequently without identity recognition or protections under the law, thus exposing them to excessive violence, partiality, and denial of fundamental rights, among other inequalities (UN, 2022). Transgender individuals would also be barred from accessing affordable and fair housing opportunities, employment, and healthcare until lawmakers take steps to guarantee that they, too, are protected and are not being discriminated against. As there are no legal provisions, leniency is given to intolerance against people, and maintaining the institutional barriers is the last word for transgender people. Moreover, therefore, introducing institutional and legal reforms is the solution to the problem, requiring the absence of barriers to be set up and a welcoming atmosphere as a result, leaving transgender people to realize the American dream.
Intersectionality and Cumulative Disadvantages
Understanding the complex issues that affect transgender people, primarily those who are part of disparate communities like immigrants, people of color, or members of marginalized communities, is made possible by understanding the concept of intersectionality (Carpenter et al., 2022). Crossing transgender identities is associated with the amplification of prejudice and marginalization. This is confirmed by the scientific findings of Abreu et al. (2021) and Carpenter et al. (2022). The sheer stubbornness of systematic inequality and discrimination against these marginalized groups—the transgender, the migrants, and the persons of color—are the fundamental causes of their being unable to get health facilities, employment, and education. For this reason, the more barriers set aside, the more likely this dream could be alive only as a wish. Rummler (2021) states that it is imperative to cease obstacles for transgender people by combating fundamental institutions and promoting social justice. Intersectional approaches must be deployed in anti-discrimination campaigns to generate more opportunities because this approach recognizes the specific problems that transgender people face (Rummler, 2021). Communities could consider creating such environments that offer opportunities and make it possible for all people to achieve the dream of America, no matter what gender or additional identity anyone is born with, by working towards social justice and equality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, transgender Americans continue to have an uphill battle in the pursuit of the American Dream, of which the attitudes of discrimination, economic exclusion, and social stigma are well known. The economic problems and transphobic practices that hinder transgender individuals from securing jobs in the labor market further contribute to social marginalization, leading to their lack of support from necessary resources, which is a limiting factor for their growth. To overcome these hurdles, there must be intersectional approaches as well as institutional and legislative reforms to help deconstruct the systemic inequalities and create communities with equal opportunities and inclusivity in which transgender individuals also have the chance to get the American Dream. Society can bring about a more just and equitable society that celebrates and fosters the freedom and rights of trans people for opportunities to access and realize their dreams by fighting for social justice, equality, and systemic transformation. It has to be acknowledged that the chains of discrimination and obstacles that oppress disenfranchised communities, transgender people, and other groups need to be broken in order to ensure equal rights, opportunities, and self-respect for them.
References
Abreu, R. L., Gonzalez, K. A., Capielo Rosario, C., Lindley, L., & Lockett, G. M. (2021). “What American dream is this?”: The effect of Trump’s presidency on immigrant Latinx transgender people. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 68(6), 657.https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2021-60923-001
Carpenter, C. S., Lee, M. J., & Nettuno , L. (2022). Transgender people face significant economic challenges. Wol.iza.org. https://wol.iza.org/opinions/transgender-people-face-significant-economic-challenges
United Nations. (2022). The struggle of trans and gender-diverse persons. OHCHR. https://www.ohchr.org/en/special-procedures/ie-sexual-orientation-and-gender-identity/struggle-trans-and-gender-diverse-persons
Rummler, O. (2021, December 29). The 19th Explains How trans people can get help in times of poverty or crisis. The 19th. https://19thnews.org/2021/12/19th-explains-trans-poverty-crisis/
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