Advocacy

I've been promising to add a section devoted to advocacy for over a year now and I figured I'd give it a go while I'm good and motivated. I have a lot to add to this page and hope to be able to finish it in the near future.

Advocacy has been something I have always had a strong desire to take part in. Long before I began my transition I had the desire to be an active voice for those who needed one. I have been active in the animal liberation movement, I have been and will continue to make my voice heard regarding equal rights for the GLBT's, and I have marched on behalf of the pro choice movement. I realize that many transmen and women live stealth so on this page I am going to do my best to include both public and discrete ways of being an active advocate for the GLBT community and specifically the trans community.

This list is going to include ways of making sure your voice is heard while maintaining your privacy.

1. Vote- Be active and vote for the candidate you feel best meets the criteria needed to help with the issues that affect you most. Be active by making your voice heard at the voting polls of all level of government from mayor to president.

2. If you get word that your state is voting on an issue concerning the GLBT community send a fax to their office encouraging them to vote in the way that best suits our community. Spread the word and encourage friends and allies to do the same exact thing.

If there is a vote taking place on a federal level contact your congressman and do the same.

3. Make a good impression. Whenever you are in situations where you are able/willing to disclose information related to your trans status try to do it in the most friendly way possible. A new doctors office may be a good example..Or let's say you are with a family member who has brought along a friend of theirs that doesn't know and the person makes an insensitive comment regarding transsexuals or any GLBT member.

If you find yourself wanting to address it, do so in the most friendly manner possible. Sometimes when people realize they are face to face with a GLBT member after making such comments they end up in an "Oh Shit, I'm sorry!" mode. I have found that people in such a situation people either get really defensive or really apologetic and if they end up apologetic they are going to be more willing to hear what you have to say and actually take it to heart.

Coming at them in anger mode will have far less influence over their feelings in the long run then approaching them in a friendly manner. Influencing one persons opinion can/will often result in them becoming an ally willing to help extinguish the hateful views about GLBT members when and where they can. Of course with people who make really strong statements its probably not a good idea to address it even though you really just want to rip their head off. Verbal sparring won't make you feel any better and it's possible you end up more upset. It's not worth the time and energy with those kind of people. Save that energy for someone who is more willing and able to hear you out.

4. When making donations do your research. Sometimes without knowing it we end up financially supporting businesses and non profit organizations that are opposed to equal rights for GLBT members. Do what you can to keep your money working for us and not against us. Encouraging friends, family and allies to do the same thing is a great idea. I will add links for GLBT friendly companies, nonprofit organazations as well as a list of known Anti-GLBT organizations to the "Trans Related Links" page that will help us all be able to be a little more knowledgible when it comes to who we give our hard earned money to.

This list will include ways of being an active advocate when maintaining anonymity isn't required.

1. Public marches and protests. If you are one of the "loud and proud" types and wish to make your voice heard in a public environment this may be a good way of achieving it. Always remember the potential dangers involved and refrain from taking part in violence or other threatening behavior.

To be continued...Prolly another 2 years down the road because I so suck at this adding new content stuff..lol

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