I get angry about things, then go on and work.
~Toni Morrison, African American Novelist (b.1931)
This quote can adequately sum up what we as transgender people feel. It also encourages us to go out and do something about it. There are many people who are out on the front lines fighting for transgender equality. Granted, not all of us can picket or become lobbyists but we all can do something. You can write letters to public officials. we can speak to our friends, schools and places of worship. Young people have created grass roots organizations in the wake of the Proposition 8 fiasco in California.
Anger can be channeled in a positive way to change our situation. It's our time now. We have a great opportunity to effect change where we can be treated as first class citizens.
Genevieve
Showing posts with label Prop 8. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Prop 8. Show all posts
Friday, March 20, 2009
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Obama Wins; Propositions Lose
I was riveted to the tv while I watched Barack Obama deliver his speech to an enthusiastic crowd of supporters in Chicago. My parents never had the chance to see this historic day. People want to see that they have a future in which THEY can help shape and create. Obama gives them that hope.
When I read my e-mails today I saw that the propositions in California, Arizona, Arkansas, and Florida had passed. This was a blow to gays and lesbians. It's true that Obama was opposed to gay marriage but he was against Prop 8 in California; something that was not brought out to those trying decide which way to vote. Looking ahead, I see how this could affect transgender people and their families. We catch enough hell as it is and this defeat demonstrates that there's still much work ahead.
Just as I encourage my GLB bretheren to stay the course, it behooves my transgender family to work unceasingly for the legislation that will affect us. ENDA is a start. Education is still needed in the black community and in the white community. What rattles around in my brain is did some of these people really understand what these propositions were about? Sadly, many rely on what others say about something rather than doing their own homework.
I applaud Equality California, Equality Arizona and Equality Florida for their efforts. I applaud the many volunteers who were out canvassing households to educate them. Don't feel discouraged; you no doubt have gained some allies. You have gained one in me.
When I read my e-mails today I saw that the propositions in California, Arizona, Arkansas, and Florida had passed. This was a blow to gays and lesbians. It's true that Obama was opposed to gay marriage but he was against Prop 8 in California; something that was not brought out to those trying decide which way to vote. Looking ahead, I see how this could affect transgender people and their families. We catch enough hell as it is and this defeat demonstrates that there's still much work ahead.
Just as I encourage my GLB bretheren to stay the course, it behooves my transgender family to work unceasingly for the legislation that will affect us. ENDA is a start. Education is still needed in the black community and in the white community. What rattles around in my brain is did some of these people really understand what these propositions were about? Sadly, many rely on what others say about something rather than doing their own homework.
I applaud Equality California, Equality Arizona and Equality Florida for their efforts. I applaud the many volunteers who were out canvassing households to educate them. Don't feel discouraged; you no doubt have gained some allies. You have gained one in me.
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