First Nations/Pre-Contact Era & Two-Spirited

Unless you have taken a course in school or have been directly involved with someone who is two-spirited, you may not be aware of the term "two-spirit". But even if people have heard the term before it doesn't mean that they understand what the word actually means. From my knowledge on first nation people and those who are two spirited means that, two-spirit people have two spirits within them. Within these two spirits, one spirit being more masculine and the other being more feminine. Studies show that "information about sexual orientation and transgender issues for Aboriginal cultures date back to 1555" (Napoleon, 2002, p. 153). If this information dates so far back, why we are once again going through a stage where being LGBT is not acceptable. Why have people worked so hard to be accepted, just to have to revert back to not being accepted. It is very challenging for me to be able to accept that this can even happen. It shows that this is not something that is new, and that people have been struggling with for generations and generations.

During the pre-contact times, the Aboriginal communities were very open and tolerated issues regarding sexual orientation. Firstly, it was seen that "sexual freedom and opposite-sex marriage was accepted, and one did not have to be a special healer or shaman to be accepted as gay" (Napoleon, 2002). Secondly, "sexuality was seen as a gift from the spirit world and restriction of sexual behaviour was not an accepted societal function" (Napoleon, 2002). Although in some Aboriginal communities, being two-spirited was not always looked at as acceptable or the norm. However the "preservation of ceremonial and social cultures by American Indians provides the basis for which to make arguments against the acceptance of LGBT Native lifestyles" (Gilley, 2010, p. 48). According to Gilley (2010) the diverse separation and changed thoughts on sexuality began during the European contact time. During this time many "Indians began to convert to Christianity and they accepted the idea that same-sex relationships were sinful" (Gilley, 2010, p. 52). After this large change that happened with the Aboriginal peoples, their ceremonial and social practices that included two-spirited people were not expected and had largely declined. Just because a person is involved in a same-sex relationship should not mean that their ceremonial and social practices should taken less lightly and or even taken away.

After the European contact happened is when the homophobia and discrimination begins. When people were comfortable with whom they are and were accepted by their friends, family and community, outsiders come in with different beliefs and views and promote their beliefs to the first nation people. An extremely high number of Aboriginal gay men, lesbian and transgender people end up leaving the community they know, and moving to large urban centers where they can feel safe, attain acceptance and anonymity. For aboriginal peoples to have to leave where they have grown up and have established their life just so they can be safe and feel acceptance is very sad. Overtime many tribes lost their ceremonies and practices. When looking at ceremonies potentially coming to an end "A Lakota elder and ceremonial leader said that we can't let these ways die over hate for gay people" (Gilley, 2010, p. 56). To me this is a very powerful statement. Why would you ruin sacred ceremonies that people have been part of for many years all because someone has a sexual orientation that someone may not be comfortable with? If people were able to be accepting and have open minds, not only could the communities come together, but these ceremonies and practices can be saved and continued throughout generations. These ceremonies have been a tradition for generations within family, and due to someone’s sexual orientation they are at risk to be extinct.

It is hard and sad to believe that something that was once looked at so accepted in the pre-contact era could change so drastically during the European contact. "As long as Aboriginal nations do not undertake to end discrimination against gay men, lesbians, and transgendered people, they accept homophobia and the continued loss of citizens who must seek safety and acceptance far away from home" (Napoleon, 2002, p. 171). Not only will communities lose people, they will also lose social and ceremonial practices. Not only will this affect the individual but it will also affect the families, as well as the communities involved. These people are packing up and leaving everything that they know, so that they can feel safe and accepted. I feel that, that in itself is a huge issue. People should not have to leave their lives, families and communities just so that they can be who they are.

Ultimately, I feel that people should be accepted for who they are as a person, and not for their sexual orientation. If people didn’t care about sexual orientation more people could work together for the greater good. I believe that with education and awareness that people can learn to have open minds and positive change can be made. I will continue to be an ally, and advocate for the LGBT community, and help reduce stigma and prejudice.  

Alysha
　

References

Gilley, B.J. (2010). Native Sexual Inequalities: American Indian Cultural Conservative Homophobia and the Problem of Tradition. Sexualities. Sage Journals, 13 (1) 47-68. http://sex.sagepub.com/content/13/1/47.abstract


Napoleon, V. (2002). Raven's Garden: A Discussion about Aboriginal Sexual Orientation and Transgender Issues. Canadian Journal of Law, 17 (2) 149-171. http://forms.msvu.ca/atlantis/vol/292pdf/292napol.PDF

Music Video about Same Sex Love

Just wanted to share a video with everyone! It's an amazing song, Same Love - MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS FEAT. MARY LAMBERT

http://youtu.be/hlVBg7_08n0

- Elysha

My Reflection

Throughout this course I have learned a lot about the LGBT community and a lot about myself.  I came into the course advocating for the LGBT community.  My Child and Youth Worker class at Sault College put on an event that raised money for a much needed LGBT youth group in Sault Ste. Marie.  After creating this group and going through the struggles of getting donations and community supports I felt I could really empathize and truly understand some of the struggles that the LGBT community go through.  I have learned through this course with the blogs and mainly the presentation that I am very far off from truly knowing.

The youth group that we help raise money for is run by HARP (HIV AIDS Resource Program).  My class raised over $6000.00 for the group.  Although this was not easy, there were several people who usually would have supported that no longer did and we got several doors closed in our faces.  Some people flat out told us that they would not support the cause, while others (regular supporters) just never called back.  This just made my class want to try harder and proved how necessary this group is to help these young people.

After struggling through getting donations and acceptance I felt as if I understand some of what the LGBT community goes through.  I was rudely awakened when I was writing these blogs and through my presentation.  People who identify as LGBT have far more struggles then I could have imagined, struggles that I would have never thought about, struggles that I had not had to think about.  Small things to me that I would never have to question, like acceptance from my family can be a struggle of someone from the LGBT community. Blood donation is another how on earth can someone say no to blood, it could save lives!  Being discriminated against in boy scouts is another, I could have never dreamed about being told no if I were in girl guides because of my sexual orientation. These are things that I have never had to worry about and I have become more grateful for that.  I have become more aware, but will never call myself an expert.

I do not consider myself part of the LGBT community; I do consider myself an ally.  This is something that I should have disclosed at the beginning of my presentation.  I should have made it aware that I am still learning and this is what I had learned so far.  I have also learned that when speaking about this sensitive topic there needs to be caution used around the language.   One slip of the tongue could offend many people even if it was not intentional.  I have learned so much about the rights of the LGBT community and how we need to keep fighting for them.  As a Social Worker it is important to learn from the mistakes you have made and understand yourself before you can attempt to help someone else.  I feel I have achieved this throughout this course, although I am not done learning, I have learned so much in order to advocate for the LGBT community.

-Britney

What I learned from this course

     I have learned a lot in these past few months. This is the longest that I have been away from my small town where I have lived since I was seven. The town that I am from, Georgetown, is a very small close knit town. The population is mainly Caucasians, which has kept me from experiencing and interacting with people of different cultures. Once I moved up to the Sault I was given the opportunity to interact with different people, with different backgrounds, from different places. Being in the social work program in the north has especially helped me out with broadening my horizons and opening my mind to new people and things.
     The one thing that I felt was the best learning tool were these blogs. Having to blog about different social issues really allowed me to take the time to research more about what is going on in our world today, especially behind closed doors. Being in the LGBTTQ group really taught me a lot because I learned about so many issues facing this community that I never even knew existed. Not only did I learn about this community but I learned about other communities and their issues in society today. Having to comment on other blogs forced me to read about the issues facing other communities which taught me a lot that I never knew was going on.
     Being in this program in the north has given me so many more opportunities then I would have had in a program at a school back South. I have been able to learn much more about the First Nations communities then I would back home. I am excited to further my learning about these communities in the next few months.
     I want to thank my classmates for informing me on such much that I did not know through these blogs and group presentations. I also want to thank Professor Straka for teaching us through lectures about the history of social work and the history of the First Nations communities. Not only did she teach us about that but she taught us other skills that would be useful in our lives, like how to research and find good scholarly resources. It was all very beneficial and I am happy and so much more knowledgeable then I was a few months ago.

Alexandra

Learning Through the Course - Bonus Blog

Bonus Blog

Through this course I have managed to learn many new and interesting things.  Aside from course material, one thing I learned that I didn't know before was that Algoma University used to be a Residential School.  Learning this was a shock to me, but most importantly it showed me how much more there is that I need to learn. 

I see this course as a great starting point to what I need to have further learning on.  Everything that we learned will help us in our careers as Social Workers, however I know that learning continues all throughout our life.  It is important for us to be understanding of social welfare before and after European contact.  We need to have an understanding of how social welfare was developed in Canada, and what services are available to what people.  As Social Workers in the north, it is important to have an understanding of the history of Anishnaabe peoples as well.  We need to know about the Indian Act and what affects Residential Schools had and continue to have on these people and their families.  I will admit that I was unaware of most of this, and am interested in learning more.

As a class we split into groups. Each group got to focus on an oppressed group of people, learn about this group, and present their findings to the class as a whole.  This was a great way of researching, and getting information learned out to the class.  The groups focused on issues such as class, race, gender, culture, age, sexuality, and ability.  The group I decided to be in was the LGBT group.  Although I do not identify as LGBT, I consider myself to be an ally to this group of people.  Having family members and friends who identify as LGBT really opens my eyes to some of the discrimination this group faces on a daily basis, and how important it is to have supportive and nonjudgmental people in your life. 

Through this experience of group work, I have learned a few things.  I have learned that language is very important.  It is important to be aware of your language and the language that is appropriate for the work that you are presenting.  Along with language, it is important to be self aware, and in some cases self identifying yourself to the group in which you are presenting to is essential.  It is helpful to let your audience know that you are in most cases not an expert in what you are doing, and are only presenting facts from your research. I also learned the importance of all group members being on the same level with what is being presented, and that practicing the presentation a few times before the presentation may be helpful.  Through this group I was able to learn many things that will help me to grow as a person, and with my future career as a Social Worker.

Overall I enjoyed this class, and the material that we learned.  As mentioned previously, I know this is just a starting point for me, that there is a lot more for me to learn, and that learning is continuous...


MEAGAN 

Gay Men and Blood Donation (December Update)

Previously stated on the blog,  men who have any sexual relations with the same sex are prohibited from donating blood. This regulation is seen as discriminatory against the LGBT community. But the Canadian Blood Services' is making a change, and not much better. They proposed that men who have sexual relations with anyone of the same sex should be banned for a period of 5 - 10 years. 

Susan Cress director of the AIDS awareness organization of Calgary stated "So if they take somebody’s blood, screen that blood and conduct an HIV test on that blood, and it’s negative, then they should be able to move forward and use that donor supply and have these individuals become part of building a stronger blood supply in Canada.”

Dr. Graham Sher, the CEO of the Canadian Blood Services points out that gay men still make up 48.5% of the HIV community. He stated that "that's why Canadian Blood Services hasn't completely repealed the ban." But what about the other 51.5% of people who have HIV? Are they discriminated against in any way or is it just the gay community?

Although every bag of blood donated has to go through proper protocol testing making sure that the blood is healthy enough for donation, the Canadian Blood Services' continues to deny the gay community the right to donate.

Susan Cress also stated “If Canadian Blood Services is following those protocols and screening all of their blood for HIV, for hepatitis C and for other blood-borne pathogens, then there shouldn’t be an issue at all in letting this population be a part of the community and be a part of saving lives.” 

It is only fair that everyone is given the equal chance to donate if they don't have any of the deadly and dangerous blood diseases such as HIV or AIDS. They should not be discriminated against because of their sexual orientation.


- Elysha


Stark, Erika, and Calgary Herald. "Ban may be eased for gay male blood donors." Calgary Herald − Breaking news, business, sports, video and classifieds. N.p., 5 Dec. 2012. Web. 9 Dec. 2012. <http://www.calgaryherald.com/health/eased+male+blood+donors/7651583/story.html>.

Self Reflection of being part of the LGBT group!


I chose to be part of the LGBT group because I took an LGBT course at Sault College in my Child and Youth Worker Program that was developed and taught by one of my professors and have become extremely interested in gaining further knowledge. I came into the program with some education of the LGBT community, but was eager to learn more. Throughout this semester in SWRK1006 I have gained more knowledge about the LGBT community. During the course I have definitely become more educated and more aware of the LGBT community. Some of the things I was able to get the opportunity to learn new about, was their struggles, and the issues they currently face on a day to day basis, as well as laws and regulations.
　
My group was presenting our PowerPoint and as it played out, I was aware of a few things that should have been done differently to make the class a safer place. After the presentation was over I began self-reflecting not only about how the presentation went, but if the information I presented was appropriate and non-offending to everyone. I went into this thinking more about what information was best to put in my presentation, rather then also thinking about how I should present my presentation. One thing I made sure of was that the use of language was professional and very appropriate, but there were other things I should have been more aware of, but wasn’t. There would be many things that I would change if I were able to present this again.

First off, I should have stated right off the bat that I am a straight ally, and that in itself is challenging. I would have stated that I am also learning about the LGBT community and I am in no way educated in that area. And I also would have stated that I do not mean to offend or hurt anyone. I should have presented the questionnaire we designed in a different way as well. It was a Heterosexual questionnaire that we presented to the class and that we presented it in a way that we assumed we were a class of only heterosexual persons. I should have stated that I am not being presumptuous that anyone does or does not identify as gay or straight but just to realize that people who don’t identity as straight are faced with these questions on a daily basis and to see how awkward and uncomfortable it can make you feel. People who identify as straight aren’t bombarded with these questions. It was just supposed to open up the mind and allow you to look outside of the male and female.

Overall, this has been a very positive learning experience for me. I was self-aware. I knew that I needed to self-reflect about this situation, because I would never want to hurt someone, when I am really trying to be an advocate for them. It will also make me think outside of the box when preparing for any kind of presentation and making sure that I am making the room a safe place for everyone. I will continue to make sure that I am presenting statements at the beginning letting everyone know where I stand, my knowledge and my intentions, so that boundaries aren’t crossed. I have also learned so much from my group, our combined learning, our different views, and coming together on this presentation. From my group I have learned about Gay Marriage, sex-reassignment surgery, Blood donations and gay men, as well as the bathroom bill and much more. I was able to learn new information from their posts, and hope that they have learned new information from mine.

I enjoyed the opportunity to also read the blogs that my classmates have done. It gave me a chance to get to know them as well as learn about what they are passionate about. I also learned alot of new information from reading each of the other groups blogs and have learned things I would not have known about otherwise. I really liked how it was a different way of learning; it gave us a chance to also express ourselves in a way we may not always get to. I enjoyed that we finished the class off with all of the group presentations; I really feel that this is where all the class information, learning, and teachings came together. The presentation portion of the course is where I actually learned the most valuable lessons in the class.

Bonus Blog

Alysha

　
Transgender People are Completely Banned From Boarding Airplanes in Canada!!!

　

“The offending section of the regulations reads:
5.2 (1) An air carrier shall not transport a passenger if …
(c) the passenger does not appear to be of the gender indicated on the identification he or she presents;” (Milloy, 2012).
　
Although this obviously discriminatory regulation did not come to significant public attention until very recently, it came into effect on July 27th, 2011, that Transport Canada added a new regulation to the Aeronautics Act by adding an amendment to the Identity Screening Regulations. These changes that happened within Canada‘s airline screening regulations that took affect have angered members that live within the transgender community. The members of the transgender community are asking questions about how these new rules in place could prevent them from boarding planes, let alone flying to a destination of their choice. “The controversial line is one that states an air carrier shall not transport a passenger who does not appear to be of the gender indicated on the identification he or she presents”(Gollom & Engelhardt, 2012). I found it very interesting to read that this regulatory adjustment happened immediately following the federal election in 2011. This regulation was part of a larger set of rules put into place by the Minister of Transportation, Denis Lebel, who happens to be a conservative. He required no approval from the Canadian parliament to implement them, which explains why no one was aware this was even a problem until recently.

　In order to change the ‘sex’ designation on a Canadian Passport, the federal government requires proof that surgery has already taken place or that it will take place within one year. So for non-operative transgender persons, for gender nonconforming (genderqueer) persons, and for the vast majority of pre-operative transsexual persons, it is literally impossible to obtain proper travel documentation marked with the sex designation which “matches” the gender identity in which they live. (Milloy, 2012)

The concern here is that transgender people who live their daily lives as another sex than the one that is stated on their passport, or on any of their other pieced of identification will be banned from boarding flights. This is discrimination to the transgender community by the Canadian airlines. I can see that there are both pro’s and con’s to this controversial issue that is now being made reality for the transgender community. The pro’s give fugitives a harder time to get on the planes, as well as fake passports can possibly be noticed more. As well as terrorists may have a harder time getting on the plane which will then prevent attacks from happening. But on the other hand there are many con’s, such as oppressing the transgender community even more. They are being singled out because they are not identifying as the typical male or female sexual orientation that is expected which then continues the stigmas and judgements against them. The Canadian government would never ban someone from flying because they were born in, lets say a third world country, a country embedded in violence, a country surrounded by terrorism, yet immigrated here for a better chance at life. So why ban a human being, a citizen or not, whom is attempting to live a better life for themselves.

　When taking a look through a liberal lens you will see that liberalism is focused on human rights and equality. Liberals believe that equality is very important. They believe that all people should be able to have the same opportunities as anyone else. Liberal equality will always be part of society, and the major inequalities such as power, status and income will always exist. But the Idea of equality is to be able to regulate all of these inequalities so that everyone can have a fair chance, and so everyone has as least the ability to attain the same status, income or power. “People's ability to be who they are, in terms of their sexual orientation, is shaped by freedom and rights on the one hand, and by the construction of heterosexist discourses in society on the other”
(Cocker, C., Hafford-Letchfield, T, 2009). Despite the range of opinions and assumptions about the LGBT community and the liberal ideology and the idea that we just need to get over it, you see that many LGBT men and woman continue to experience a high degree of exclusion and segregation, and stigmas in many different areas of society. The LGBT community continues to have low expectation of the services available and also of the quality of them due to people having stigmas, people who have been taught other beliefs, religion, as well as personal prejudice. As potential social workers we need to advocate for these clients and provided them with the services that they need, and help raise awareness and reduce stigmas that they still face on a day to day basis.

　

Ultimately we are taking the rights away of the transgender community because of their sexual orientation when otherwise they would have been allowed to fly. When are people going to realize that these are people too and just because of their orientation they are being segregated and discriminated against. What if these people flew regularly due to business, now they will be forced to find another transportation like car or bus, or may even have to find a new job due to the circumstances. I feel that a person who is genetically male but identifies herself as female should be allowed to designate herself as such on her passport. Then there would be no discrimination. That’s where the law really needs to be changed.

Not everyone falls into a gender or sex binary. What about biologically female people who identify as female, and have ovarian cysts or other conditions that cause them to grow facial hair? No airport personnel should be looking at someone and deciding they look “too male” or “too female.” If their face matches, their face matches. The end.

　Baker, J. (2006).” Equality“. Social Policyin Ireland : principles, practice and problems, 2nd ed. Oak Tree Press. Web. 22 Dec. 2012. <
http://researchrepository.ucd.ie/bitstream/handle/10197/2039/Baker%20%282006%29%20Equality%20%28pre-print%29.pdf?sequence=1>.

　

Cocker, C., Hafford-Letchfield, T. (2009). Out and Proud? Social Work’s Relationship with Lesbian and Gay Equality. British Journal of Social Work, 40, (6) 1996-2008. http://bjsw.oxfordjournals.org.libproxy.auc.ca/content/40/6/1996.full

　

Gollom, M, & Englehardt, J. “Are transgender Canadians being banned from boarding flights“. CBCnews. 2, Feb. 2012. Web. 4 Nov. 2012.<http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2012/02/02/transgender-airline-screening.html>.

　

Milloy, C. (2012, January 30). “Transgender People are Completely Banned From Boarding Airplanes in Canada“. N.p., 30, Jan. 2012. Web. 4 Nov. 2012<http://chrismilloy.ca/2012/01/transgender-people-are-completely-banned-from-boarding-airplanes-in-canada/>.

　

Alysha

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　


　
　

　

Experiences of LGBT Social Work Students

In February 2012 a study was done about the experiences of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) students who were in Social Work programs.  This study was conducted to see if LGB students were satisfied with their experiences within in the program, and what further needs are necessary to make the education and the institution more inclusive.

Through this study it was shown that "while students did not feel that they had been disadvantaged in terms of progression on their programs, some experienced overt experiences of discrimination" (Fairtlough et all, 2012, p.16).  In my opinion discrimination of this population should not be acceptable, and more education on LGB people should be given at this level of education, if not earlier.  Not only should students be further educated, I also believe that many educators need further education as well. 

As humans we have "Rights".  Some of the "Rights" that fall under "Civil Rights" include; inclusion of all people, and end to discrimination.  Through the learning of a Social Democratic view, we have learned that equlaity of all people is important.  Hick (2007) says that people also need freedom - having their voice be heard, and having rights (p.60).  With this being said, LBG students should be able to be themselves in the classroom and should not have fears of being judged or being discriminated against - especially being in the Social Work program.  This type of situation could also be looked at through a Feminist lense - not taking rights away from anyone, and making things equal for everyone (voice, education, no discrimination, etc).  The study above mentioned that "despite the growing literature on sexuality and social work, there is a dearth of research about lesbian, gay, and bisexual social work students, although there are indications that students experience homophobia and heterosexist assumptions on their training" (Fairtlough et all, 2012, p.2).   

As Social Workers we are trained to be supportive of others, empathetic, non-judgemental and know ways to promote positive well-being and resilience in our clients.  Most importantly we must be aware of our own thoughts, beliefs, values, etc.  If there is ever a person, or group of people who we do not feel comfortable working with - we must be aware of this.  Not knowing our own thoughts, values, and beliefs about certain groups of people may not always be therapeutic in the professional, supportive and resilient working relationship. It is also very important to be aware of language as a Social Worker - what is appropriate, what is not appropriate? 

Creating a supportive and safe space in the classroom is also a very important factor to learning.  If students have a fear of being judged, particiation in class activities and learning will be very difficult.  I believe that people should be able to be themselves without being judged, however this is not the case - this world and some people in it can be very harsh.  I think as Social Worker students we can work together to create a safe and supportive space within our classroom, and most importantly be allies for those around us.

10 Ways to Be an Ally & a Friend

1. Be a listener.
2. Be open-minded.
3. Be willing to talk.
4. Be inclusive and invite LGBT friends to hang out with your friends and family.
5. Don't assume that all your friends and co-workers are straight. Someone close to you could be looking for support in their coming-out process. Not making assumptions will give them the space they need.
6. Homophobic comments and jokes are harmful. Let your friends, family and co-workers know that you find them offensive.
7. Confront your own prejudices and homophobia, even if it is uncomfortable to do so.
8. Defend your LGBT friends against discrimination.
9. Believe that all people, regardless of gender identity and sexual orientation, should be treated with dignity and respect.
10. If you see LGBT people being misrepresented in the media, contact us at glaad.org

(10 Ways to Be an Ally & a Friend taken from: http://www.glaad.org/resources/ally/2)


References

Fairtlough, A., Bernard, C., Fletcher, J., & Ahmet, A. (2012). Experiences of lesbian, gay and bisexual students on social work programmes: developing a framework for educational practice. British Journal of Social Work, 1-19.

Hick, S. (2007). Social welfare in canada understanding income security. Toronto, ON: Thompson Educational Publishing, Inc.

MEAGAN












 

Gender on your Birth Certificate-revised

Transgender individuals have struggled to fight for their rights just as the rest of the LGBT community.  One of the main struggles for transgender people has been what their “legal” sex is (Currah & Minter, 2000).  This in itself seems strange to me, why does the government have the need to label male or female?  When we look into the first nations capitalized culture people with diverse gender identities were seen as unique and not attempted to change who they are as they are special contributors (Brotman & Levi, 2008). However, in the society we live in today this is what is happening. 

 Ontario has moved forward from their previous efforts to label gender.  Ontario’s previous policy to be able to change your sex on your birth certificate was that the person needed to undergo “transsexual surgery” (Houston, 2012).  This seems a little unrealistic for those who have a great fear of the surgery itself or the risks associated with surgery as well as lack of funds to be able to get the surgery or the ability to afford the time off of work.  According to Currah and Minter (2000) transgendered people have been discriminated against in many issues because they are seen as not good enough to be protected and in some aspects not human.  

This is why I think that the new policy is extremely important.  Ontario is now enforcing new requirements to legally change a person’s sex on their birth certificate other than having to undergo surgery (Houston, 2012).  Ideas such as having a guarantor confirming that that person is living as a particular gender have been thought of (Houston, 2012).  Having this in place would put less emotion strain on the transgender community.  I am hoping this has a trickledown effect and Ontario will not be the only one changing the policy.  This allows for one step at a time for equal rights of people no matter race, sex or any other label that is given.  Equal rights are a belief of the liberal perspective (Habermas, 1995).  Liberalism is meant to look at everyone equally no matter their differences and to allow for equal opportunities for everyone (Habermas, 1995).  There is advocacy in liberalism for ones individuality (Habermas, 1995).   This is a perfect example for the transgender community in order to let everyone be who they are.

-Britney

Brotman, S., & Levi, J. (2008). Intersections: Cultures, Sexualités Et Genres. Quebec: Presses de l’Universite du Quebec.

Currah, p., & Minter, S. (2000). Unprincipled Exclusions: The Struggle to Achieve Judicial and Legislative Equality for Transgender People.  William and Mary Journal of Women and the Law. 7 (1), 37-66.

Habermas, J. (1995).  Multiculturalism and the Liberal State.  Stanford Law Review, 47, 849-853

Houston, A. (2012). Ontario Trans Rights Decision Makes Canadian History.  Canada’s Gay and Lesbian News.  Retrieved from http://www.xtra.ca/public/National/Ontario_trans_rights_decision_makes_Canadian_history-11845.aspx

Morman Church and the LGBT Community

     Different religions have had big problems with the LGBT community for quite some time now, and it does not look like it is going to change any time soon. One church in particular though is taking one step in the right direction at least. "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today launched a new website aimed at providing “greater sensitivity and better understanding” among Latter-day Saints with regards to same-sex attraction" (Walker, 2012). The site, mormonsandgays.org, reads “Love One Another: A Discussion on Same-Sex Attraction” on it's home page.

     The main focus of the website is to make people aware that it is not a sin to be attracted to someone of the same sex but it is a sin to act on it. The morman community wants the LGBT morman community to know that although they have these attractions if they do not act on them the church still wants them to be a part of their community. There have been many people diagnosed with depression and many people that have committed suicide and so this website was created to try and help them feel more comfortable with being open with their church community. "Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the church’s Quorum of the Twelve Apostles says in a video on the site. “I think that’s what God is saying: stay with me. And I think that’s what we want to say in the church: Stay with us, and let’s work together in friendship and commonality and brotherhood and sisterhood"" (Ring, 2012). The website states that "[t]he site offers a place where the people whose lives are impacted by attraction to the same sex can find inspiration to work through difficult challenges while remaining faithful to Church teachings" (mormonsandgays.org, 2012).
     The website; talks about where the church stands on the topic, has numerous videos talking about the topic encouraging people that it is okay to have these attractions in hopes "to bridge the gap in human understanding, respect and acceptance of differences" (Ring, 2012). There are also numerous videos of people sharing their personal stories and experiences with the mormon community and being attracted to the same sex. The website seems to be very encouraging and informative not only for the LGBT community within the Mormon community but the LGBT community outside of it and for the straight community.
      Although this a step in the right direction not everyone in the Mormon church feels the same way, and not everyone in the LGBT community feels the same way either. Many gay Mormon's still feel shunned for what they feel (Sinor, 2011). Although they are being told that what they are feeling is ok, they are being told not to act on it and to basically just live a life alone because their happiness should come second to doing as God would want. I do not believe that this is an ok way to make someone live.
     Some people have to go through extensive therapy because of all the trauma they have gone through trying to be accepted in the mormon community. Members of the LGBT community face much abuse, including religious abuse. Whether the abuse is intentional or not it is still considered abuse (Super, 2011). Making someone feel bad about how they are is wrong.
      In my opinion neither having feelings for the opposite sex or acting on it should be considered a sin. If someone chooses to act on their feelings, as long as it is not physically or mentally hurting another human being, then it should not be anyone's business to tell them what they can or cannot do. Although there are good intentions in the creation of this website there is still that gap between religion and the LGBT community.


Works Cited

Ring, T. (2012, December 6). Mormon Church Launches Website Aimed at Gays. Advocate.com. Retrieved January 2, 2013, from http://www.advocate.com/politics/religion/2012/12/06/mormon-church-launches-website-aimed-gays

Sinor, J. (2011). Out in the West: The Mormon Church is going mainstream—and leaving its gay members behind.American Scholar, 80(4), 76-87.

Super, J. T., & Jacobson, L. (2011). Religious Abuse: Implications for Counseling Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Individuals. Journal Of LGBT Issues In Counseling, 5(3/4), 180-196. doi:10.1080/15538605.2011.632739

Walker, J. (2012, December 6). 'Stay with us,' new LDS website urges gay Mormons. Deseret News. Retrieved January 2, 2013, from http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865568211/Stay-with-us-new-LDS-website-urges-gay-Mormons.html

- Alexandra B