Q of the day: How can we make the LGBT rights movement less racist, transphobic,

[Butterfly]

Q of the day: How can we make the LGBT rights movement less racist, transphobic, and ageist?
Pam's House Blend
by:  Pam Spaulding
Wed Jun 16, 2010 at 16:00:00 PM EDT


http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/16420/q-of-the-day-how-can-we-make-the-lgbt-rights-movement-less-racist-transphobic-and-ageist


I don't think the ultimate, long-term solution is giving a separate space to the disenfranchised; that only allows the lack of power-sharing to continue, and make those in power feel like they can pat themselves on the back as having done a good deed. But nothing changes when it comes to access to power or resources. You might gain what appears to be like a foot in the door, but decision-making power regarding the larger policy turns in the movement will remain MIA.

And as far as hostility between sub-communities, look no further than any topic involving trans folk. Look at ENDA. In a piece by Kerry Eleveld, the bottom line is leadership in our community has failed to do the necessary education (i.e., the "bathroom issue," something we knew full well the last time around) up on the Hill. No members of the trans community testified during the Senate hearing. And look at the excuse being rolled out again: