Social Action Project Introduction

Transgender and Genderqueer Allies Project

With my Social Action Project (SAP for short), I wish to address the issues related to the LGBTQ community, specifically that revolving around the issue of being Genderqueer or Transgender. These are issues which are unknown and small. Over the past few weeks I have blogged about two things. Transgender and what it means and the example of a policy against it, that is anti-Trans and the use of the internet to disseminate information. In my post about the Military's Transgender policies, I agreed with them at the time but I feel wrong with doing so now. More specifically, I feel guilty and ashamed. Everyone ultimately has the right to fight for what they believe in and if they are healthy enough, that should mean they can join the Army.

Civilian side, there are also issues. In Ohio, for example,

"It is legal ... to be fired from your job, denied an apartment, or refused service at a movie theater, restaurant or hotel because of your sexual orientation or gender identity. In many cities and counties in Ohio and for many government employees, these practices are prohibited, but there are no statewide nondiscrimination protections that protect all Ohioans" (Equality Ohio).

There are currently 29 other states lacking these same laws, 29 other states not being equal in the distribution of rights to all citizens, 29 states that have taken these rights away without due process of law, 29 states that ultimately do not follow the 14th Amendment. The significance of this cause is that we must work to ensure ALL citizens are extended these rights and ALL citizens are treated equally. Currently there is a battle politically over the equality of women and men. Personally, this should be equality for ALL genders and sexes.

My SAP focuses on a simple information campaign using Social Media perhaps working with the Campus GSA, "Allies." Hanging posters or creating "Guerrilla Art" pieces themed around education and awareness, perhaps using the internet to help the issue get out into the world as well. There are a few speakers like Laverne Cox who will be coming to campus in the coming months, so the publication and support of that meeting could be emphasized.

Ultimately, it would simply be a campaign focused on education and awareness as to make it an issue among the student populace.

Equality Ohio's website actually states that "79% of Ohio registered voters believe that laws should be passed banning discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations based on both sexual orientation and gender identity" meaning that the project could actually evolve into a few of us writing to the Ohio representatives asking for a bill to be brought up to the Ohio Congress. 

A lot of LGBTQ events center around increasing the awareness of LGBTQ people and issues. Pride Days feature parades and party like atmospheres. People fly Rainbow flags to show support. The campus GSA held a Drag show last week to get some awareness of the issues. These tactics and strategies are actually very very common. It forms an appropriate response because ultimately only support is shown and no one actually has to come out of the closet, per se. It shows the regular, "normal" citizens support these issues and want to see them resolved and make sure that everyone gets what they deserve as citizens of the United States of America. Because we have ultimately nothing at stake, out voice may go farther because it means that the opinions of more than just those who fall under the umbrella of QUILTBAG are valid. Transgender and Genderqueer individuals ultimately are the miniorities, so they need the support of their allies to make their voice heard. Let's help them out.