Ryan Scout_FTM

A new campaign is being launched by the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition on Feb 18th titled, “I AM: Trans People Speak COMMUNITY”. MTPC states the goal of this campaign is to, “create an empowering space on the web for transgender people and their allies from around the country in which they can share their experiences through their own stories in order to educate the public and give hope to transgender youth and adults just starting to come out.” This campaign is going to breakdown the lack of representation of the trans community through popular mass media and provide a new stage for stories and voices to be heard and shared. I am excited to see this launch because I feel it will be a great tool for individual empowerment and famiiles.

With the use and access of multimedia exploding, I encourage people to join this campaign and follow what MTPC is trying to cultivate. I see a lot of positive changes, connections and voices being shared, but if you decide to put yourself out there, one thing to remember is that there are bullies and angry people that use words typed on a keyboard to attack. These attacks can affect individual moral and one’s sense of being accepted or belonging in any community. If you experience this type of harassment, there are a few options.

• One thing I have learned to do over the years when I’ve felt attacked or misunderstood online is to take a step away from the conversation and no longer fuel the fire.
• Another option is if someone leaves a nasty comment, I encourage you to delete it and then if you have the power to block them, do it. I use this approach on YouTube.

I see the stories we share and the sites we use to do so, as part of our home, and I don’t know about other people, but my home is the one place where respect is mandatory. 

-Ryan