Gender Identity Wrap Up

The objective of this Gender Identity Controversy blog was to bring awareness to the issues those in the LGBTQ community face. Many people feel uncomfortable discussing these topics because they are likely to lead to public disagreement. It is important to bring attention to this topic so that everyone is informed. We believe that people in the LBGT community should be welcomed in any situation. Transgender people should have the same rights as those who identify with the gender they were assigned at birth.  We believe that transgender people deserve equality in schools, the workplace and religion. We also think that the Federal Government should control laws regarding gender identity because then they will be the same everywhere, as opposed to being different based off what state you reside in.

Throughout our research, we have found some scholars who disagree with our views. These scholars have often held conservative beliefs such as government members of the Republican party and church officials.  However, in our evolving society is important that all individuals are given the same rights and freedoms, even if the individual is a part of the LGBT community. No one should be discriminated against based on their gender identity. At the end of the day, people are people. Someone’s gender identity or sexual preference should not influence how they are treated by society.

We also interacted with the public regarding gender identity through our Twitter account. We created a handle and followed numerous other accounts that spoke about LGBT rights. Engaging with other users on Twitter helped us to learn what the public opinion was on our issue. It also let us see what people on both sides of the spectrum thought about gender identity.

We hope that by reading our blog you were able to learn about gender identity as an issue. If you or anyone you know is questioning their identity or need help coming out to friends and family, direct them here for guidance.

Transgender Murders In El Salvador

Many transgender people in El Salvador are living in fear of murder. According to the article below, three transgender people were killed this past February. There is speculation that these killings have come as a result of the country’s Roman Catholic Church that does not believe in the legitimacy of the LGBTQ community.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/el-salvador-transgender-murders_us_58dac266e4b01ca7b4278e8a

We think that it is absolutely awful that Salvadorans are living in fear. In order for Salvadorans to make progress towards LGBTQ equality, we believe that they need to separate the idea of gender identity and sexual orientation from the Church. Regardless of religious beliefs, we are all humans at the end of the day.

 

LGBTQ Discrimination in Arkansas

Arkansas is just one of the many states that does not have any laws that protect against gender identity discrimination. In fact, the state government continues to try to pass bills that are anti-LGBTQ.

The link below contains a video clip from an interview with Arkansas state Representative Mickey Gates on March 17, 2017. On the topic of gender identity, he argues that although people can identify however they want to and nobody can stop them, the state does not need to acknowledge them or their feelings.

http://www.thv11.com/news/local/legislator-says-state-isnt-obligated-to-recognize-gender-identity-of-transgender-arkansans/423216338

 

Out & Equal Workplace Advocates

Out & Equal Workplace Advocates is a nonprofit organization dedicated to achieving workplace equality for all sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions. Out & Equal strives for equality through its partnerships with large corporations including Dell, PepsiCo, IBM, Bank of America, and many others. Each year, the organization hosts a Workplace Summit, bringing together over 4,000 LGBT employees and executives from around the world. Attached is a clip of highlights from last year’s summit: https://youtu.be/RVIjkxcY4Hg

Through the organization’s events and workplace training, we believe society is moving in the direction of equality and acceptance for all in the workplace.