Transgender Awareness Week – Why is it Important?
On byTransgender awareness week, usually observed the third week of September, is a week of events and activities surrounding transgender awareness. The theme is “Transgender Pride: A History in Crisis”. This theme is important because transgender issues are increasing in prominence, visibility, and importance. There will be some speakers about transgender sex change surgeries too. With many states mandating the public accommodations. That is afforded to transgender citizens.
Activists call on transgender communities to join in solidarity during Transgender Awareness Week
They do so to fight for our civil and human rights. “We cannot stand by while our sisters and brothers are harassed and spit on,”. She said transgender artist Laurynas Balmores of Santa Monica, California. Balmores is one of hundreds of transgender artists featured in “transgender community week” events held across the United States. He spoke at an event organized by the Gay and Lesbian Community Advocates (GALA). Urging transgender advocates to participate in the GALA’s Beyond Trans campaign, a three-day action planned between late August and early September.
Transgendered people are denied equal rights and access to employment, housing, health care, and insurance. According to GLBT Federal Rights Defense Act. Discrimination against transgender people is also widespread.
With repeated reports of landlords, cabins, businesses, schools. For now, states refusing to allow transgender individuals to use restrooms or locker rooms according to their gender identity. Transgender rights was the banner title of a May issue of the Transgender Research Index. A publication that tracks the state-by-state discrimination against transgender individuals.
News coverage of transgender awareness week
As reported in” transgender news” magazine, “. There are still very few transgender stories printed in major newspapers.”. The few stories written regarding transgender issues have often been written by prominent transgender personalities and organizations. Including Mara Keisling, transgender writer Judith Viorst, or transgender political commentator transgender Marloquet. In addition, very few transgender stories can be found on internet blogs, an informal network of transgender citizens.
A transgender awareness week is an opportunity to shine a light on the lives of transgender people. The visibility brought by transgender awareness week will hopefully encourage more transgender individuals to come out and be heard. The participation of transgender groups in local events. From sponsoring an event to passing out literature about transgender issues, encourages more members to participate and build a community. According to GLBT National.
An estimated 25% of transgender adults have tried to kill themselves or are hospitalized because of depression, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts. Transgender teens are also at high risk for abuse and bullying. A common example is the brutal sexual assault and death of transgender teen.
This is a wakeup call!
This tragedy should serve as a wake-up call for all Americans. Transgender and not, to become more informed about transgender issues. The media coverage of transgender awareness weeks usually highlight positive stories, portraying transgender persons in a more positive light. However, these stories are not often told by the media or the transgender community. Perhaps because the subject is still taboo or too controversial for the mainstream media to tackle. As stated before, transgender awareness week is the perfect opportunity to educate the general public about transgender issues.
