Food for Thought: Trans activism, organizations, erasure of Trans ppl and their struggles (Adrian Apollo)

 

Chapter 8 of Eaklor's Queer America, gave a lot more insight on the plight of trans people than we have read thus far. I feel that it was very appropriate to start the chapter off by reflecting on the work and life of Sylvia Rivera. Rivera was a very important person when it comes to trans history and the history of transgender activism. Rivera is a perfect example of how queer people affected the social design of American culture. Her and another trans activist, Marsha P Johnson, launched the STAR organization (Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries) in order to provide resources and support to homeless trans youth and gender nonconforming people. Along with fighting against homophobia and transphobia, they championed issues involving race and class distinctions. This was something very crucial, as not all trans people felt adequately represented within other organizations based upon their race or class. Trans people of color did not feel as if they were accounted for in spaces run by white trans or queer individuals. Rivera and Johnson created a space for those who felt this way to get the adequate help that they so badly needed. Rivera and Johnson were in the same position that many trans people at the time were also in; struggling with homelessness and addiction. They wanted to combat this and be the people they wish they had. In 2002, the Sylvia Rivera Law project was founded, and now trans people are able to address discrimination with the aid they need because of Rivera's work. 

I appreciate that this chapter discussed how trans people felt disregarded within settings of queer people. When queer coalitions were formed, it was easy for trans people to feel as if they were an after thought to the movement as a whole. This made me wonder how trans people were able to advocate and represent themselves in a way that worked truly for them. How did they combat this struggle and what means did they take up in order to do so? Hearing about the different organizations that were formed to account for and represent different groups of trans individuals based on race or class was really engaging for me. It really demonstrates how queer design was integrated within general American life. Things like the National Latina/o Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Organization (LLEGO) would not exist if the groups formed with intentions to aid trans people actually aided ALL trans people. This is upsetting, but in a way I think it is actually a very beneficial and beautiful thing. Everyone deserves to have a resource that connects them with likeminded people who will offer them support. Along with this, these likeminded people will know what is best for one another, and will be able to advocate for each other better than an outsider of their group could. 

Some other organizations that challenged American social design, were the American Educational Gender Information Service, The National Transgender Library and Archive in Atlanta, and the Transgenders Against Discrimination and Defamation (TADD). All of these examples provided spaces for trans people to access resources they needed, and find support for themselves.