Yesterday I was honored to sit on two gender panels at COS. I participated in one and was the moderator for the other. I can’t tell you how much I gained from the discussions and stories. I laughed, I cried, I learned. Most importantly, I realized just how difficult life is for Transgender individuals. I want to publicly thank Jane, Jordan & Jess from Trans-E-Motion for making the trip down and educating all of us by allowing us a glimpse into your lives. To the entire panel; thank you for opening up and sharing your stories, feelings and views. I don’t think there was a student who wasn’t moved or didn’t walk out of that class without empathy and compassion. We can only hope they take that into the world and help make it a better place.
We sometimes get so caught up in our equality and political struggles to remember that every day people struggle just to feel comfortable with who they are. They struggle to become who they want to be with acceptance and understanding. That Transgender people lack so many more rights and protections than us. They really are a minority within our larger minority. Did you know that 80% of people who identify as transgender are bullied/discriminated against in schools and 90% in the workplace? An even more alarming statistic is over 40% attempt suicide prior to their transition and about 25% complete it.
This experience and story is a great time to remind you all of National Transgender Day of Remembrance happening on Sunday, November 20th. 25 Transgender individuals were murdered in the past year. Please help remember and honor them by attending the only local event being hosted by Trans-E-motion at:
Ted C. Wills Center
770 N. San Pablo Ave. Fresno
Dinner tickets are only $10 and available at the door, which opens at 6:00.
There will also be services and entertainment that are free.
If you or someone you know is struggling with identity or gender please contact Trans-E-Motion for support and resources. Email: [email protected] or call them at 559-646-5806. You can also join them on facebook.com/transemotion.
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