Activism

Activism is a very important part of my life. I know a lot of people who are really into political activism - talking to our representatives in government, canvassing (going out into the street putting up posters and handing out flyers and so on), organising protests, etc. That's not something that I have much energy for, so I leave it to more capable and willing people.

My brand of activism, which I feel strongly is just as important - no more, no less - as political activism, is social justice activism: activism done in a social context, during casual conversations, etc. I do speaking gigs in schools and wherever else I'm invited, doing Trans 101 for people and putting a human face and personal story on issues that many of them had no previous experience with or understanding of. I put myself out there all over the internet, all in the name of education.

I think it's really important, and seldom discussed, that activism doesn't have to mean marching with a sign or going to meet with government officials. Sometimes activism is speaking up when someone says something offensive - or if it comes up generally - and helping them understand why it's offensive. Sometimes it's explaining a new term or concept to a friend. Sometimes it's signing a petition or clicking a link (see below for some links you can click to make a difference!) or calling a phone number and pressing a key when the automated answering system asks you to vote for something.

So - be an activist! Find a cause - or several - that you feel strongly about, and do what you can for it. It doesn't have to take up all your time, but a little effort here or there really can make a huge impact in the long run.

I sponsor a child through Children International! I've been sponsoring her since 2001. It costs $22 a month, which is about 73 cents a day, and my sponsored child receives medical and dental care, an education, clothing, school supplies, and healthy food as necessary. The benefits are amazing. See here for more information, and please consider sponsoring a child yourself.