This scale has been developed as a tool to describe or understand how well a trans girl or woman blends, i.e. passes, or how visibly gender-variant she is.
Note: This is still a work in progress. Currently need to revise or redefine the levels 1 and 2. PLEASE send constructive criticism or ideas how to reorganize these ideas or improve the tool. Don't just tell me what's wrong. Suggest a better way of presenting or wording the information! :)
Passing Level |
In everyday life with the general public |
When somebody has been told she is trans, or is looking for it |
5 |
Is almost always read as female Is assumed to be non-trans girl or woman |
Very difficult to see that she is trans or tell apart from non-trans girl or woman |
4 |
Able to notice or find small cues that reveal she is or could be trans | |
3 |
Is read as female more often than trans Is read as female but with some male cues noticed |
|
2 |
Is read as both female or male equally Seen as rather androgynous Unsure if male or female |
|
1 |
Is read as trans, gender-variant or male more often than female Visibly gender-variant |
|
0 |
Is almost always read as male, e.g. untransitioned or not (yet) trying to present as female |
Big-Ass Disclaimer
This passing scale is only intended as a loose tool or guideline to measure "passing", for those who might find it helpful. It does not imply that passing is in any way "better" than being visibly gender variant, and it does not assume that every trans woman's goal is to "pass". It is a label system, and as such, can be used by those who find it helps them communicate or understand fuzzy concepts like the continuum between passing well and being visibly gender-variant. For example, a girl who feels she is at level 2, who has the long-term goal of passing well, could accept where she is right now and see what the next stage might be on her journey. Or a girl who is overcritical or unsure of her appearance could ask a neutral third person to give their honest, objective opinion of how she passes, if her goal is to understand how she is perceived by others. But like all labels, this scale can be abused in such a way to discriminate, elevate or lower people. The goal is not to hurt people or to give any authority to the superficial world of physical appearance. All trans women are women. If this passing scale tool is not helpful to you, then don't use it!