Response To Diversity

I lead my life according to the belief that, success is a measure of our perceived reality. We are what we think, and in many socially oppressed communities, barriers toward living a whole, productive, successful life is beyond the grasp for many. Social justice acts as voice for communities held back by systems of oppression, and works to dismantle systems, allowing disadvantaged groups the opportunity to reach their most successful life. Given the opportunity to be chosen to represent the transgender community means to me, being accountable to oppressed communities, the transgender community of Oregon, and beyond. In the words of Walidah Imarisha of Portland State University's Black Studies Department, Oregon State University's Women Gender Sexuality Studies Department ,“It means doing your work in …show more content…
Fear held me back from living as a whole person for many years, due to the unknowingness of future employment, healthcare, and housing. Additionally, I believe the top three fears holding me back from coming out for many years, also identify as the top three issues facing transgender people in my community of Corvallis, and within Oregon's community. Firstly, federal anti-discrimination laws protecting the rights of transgender employees in the workplace do not exist. Additionally, workplace inclusion training is needed to create a friendly, and trans affirming work environment once employment is held for transgender individuals. Secondly, the Federal Fair Housing Act does not include LGBT identifying individuals. Thirdly, inclusive transgender health care is essential to the health and well-being of the transgender community. Individuals living outside the gender binary need not be afraid to approach their health due to lack of transgender healthcare education the current medical community holds, and access to transgender affirming healthcare