I learned an amazing amount from my attendance at the Association for Gender Research, Education, Academia & Action Trans*Studies conference. I, of course, went to present on Frances Kellor (1873 - 1952). California just passed bill SB48 which requires the inclusion of LGBT persons and ideas in public school curriculum. My talk, which can be read by clicking here, argued that Kellor should be the content of the LGBT inclusion.
The trans*gender conference taught me a lot. Sel J. Hwahng, Ph.D. taught us about the increased health risks faced by trans persons. Early death is especially prevalent among trans people of color. At one point I got uneasy. I thought he said that having been abused in childhood made one more likely to become transgender. No. He reassured me that it is the other way around. Trans youth are much more likely to be physically and sexually assaulted by their family members and peers.
The only trans judge in California Victoria Kolakowski discussed the struggles faced by trans people in the work place. So in addition to early abuse, trans people often have difficulty finding employment. This can lead to homelessness and sex work. And once in the penal system, trans people face even harsher physical and sexual abuse. We spoke of going beyond arguing for inclusion and ending discrimination against trans persons to celebrating trans people. But, overall, the conference taught me about trans persons' vulnerability.
The conference added urgency to my desire to get Kellor into the California curriculum. When Judge Kolakowski first attempted to take the bar, she was stopped due to being of "unsound mind." Many in society think trans people crazy and thus not valuable. We need role models which will show that trans people are as mentally stable and creative as any other group. In short they are fully human. Getting this message out is a matter of life and death.
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