
The new Snapchat filter allows users to alter images of themselves to make them look like a different gender – and the transgender community are divided about it.
Results from the filter have swept across the internet, as people post light-hearted Instagram, Facebook and Twitter pictures, as well as jokes about what happens when they try the filter.
However, whilst some in the trans community are enjoying the filter, others find that it perpetuates gender stereotypes about what it means to be a man and a woman.
Cat Graffam, an artist and trans woman told Time that she had fun playing around with the filter.
My first initial thought was, ‘Oh my gosh, this is going to make so many people realise they’re trans!’” Graffam says. “I actually had someone reach out to me… and tell me it was like a catalyst for realizing they needed to transition, because you’re able to see yourself in a way you didn’t think was possible.
Others echoed her sentiments online
Most people using new snapchat filter: "hahaha memes" Me seeing the new snapchat filter: "Fuck this looks awesome… https://t.co/iMAeJ3Gmy8— Toru 🇦🇺 (@Toru 🇦🇺) 1557650076
And some trans people were happy that they could feel validated
I 100% get the problems that people have with the new faceapp/Snapchat filter. But it made me feel pretty and vali… https://t.co/yX2yGW6HAs— 🐰 TheSnugglyOne - Anya Sedai 💙 (@🐰 TheSnugglyOne - Anya Sedai 💙) 1557616947
- a social circle full of people willing to validate us or bat away our feelings of dysphoria at the drop of a hat.… https://t.co/Vboc0ZtaUq— 🐰 TheSnugglyOne - Anya Sedai 💙 (@🐰 TheSnugglyOne - Anya Sedai 💙) 1557617092
On the other hand, some people think it makes a mockery of the trans struggle
This snapchat filter trend is disgusting, as a trans woman. Ive seen so many cis people pawn it off as a 'big lol l… https://t.co/ugZRkkyl6u— Estel Hoshihana 💜 Hiatus Arc (@Estel Hoshihana 💜 Hiatus Arc) 1557526550
There’s a special place in hell for cisgender folks who won’t be friends with a trans person; but will lay around… https://t.co/5PspeoIMfm— Ashlee Marie Preston (@Ashlee Marie Preston) 1557628284
And think the filter is damaging to transgender people who do not prescribe to the stereotypes attributed to gender
Everyone using the new gender bending Snapchat filter or whatever: lol what a fun novelty Me, a trans: https://t.co/FKfgS7AmsY— Robyn MJ McConnell (@Robyn MJ McConnell) 1557579168
A few trans folks I know have made a really good point about the gender switch filter on Snapchat... it can be real… https://t.co/uZZhEoOuUS— el el bean (@el el bean) 1557687247
Some argue it is damaging for trans people who do not pass, and is "dysphoria-inducing af'
Good lord that shitty snapchat filter is going to end up doing a whole shitton of harm to transgender people :\ I s… https://t.co/3z6qLKl1td— Super Jentendo (@Super Jentendo) 1557684821
The filter is being called transphobic by some
And think it encourages damaging stereotypes about trans men and women
The filter can be confusing
Jeff Ingold, Head of Media Engagement at Stonewall said: “While it’s great people are enjoying the opportunity to explore their gender expression, we must be mindful of the damage that can be caused by stereotypical representations of ‘masculinity’ and ‘femininity’."
The reaction to the Snapchat’s new filter shows just how much demand there is for more understanding and better representation of people with diverse gender identities. We can all support trans people by learning more about their experiences and challenges they face, and calling out transphobia.
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