Jaden is one of the most compassionate young men we have had the pleasure of knowing and we are beyond excited for all the amazingness his future holds. In this episode, Jaden and Jaden's beautiful mama, Anita, share with us some of the challenges and triumphs of Jaden's trans journey thus far.
One request Jaden had when graciously agreeing to do this episode was for us to share information about an amazing non profit organization, Camp Brave Trails.
Camp Brave Trails is a leadership focused, overnight summer camp for LGBTQ+ youth, ages 12-18. Jaden has had the privilege of attending Camp Brave Trails for a couple of years now and wants to help them raise funds for scholarships and to ensure they can continue the beautiful work they’re doing so more people can benefit from this transformative experience and community.
5 Things You Should Know About Trans People:
1. Not all trans people identify as male or female. Trans people have all sorts of different identities outside the gender binary.
2. Trans folks actually have many different sexual orientations. Gender identity and sexual orientation are separate spectra. Learn more at www.transstudent.org/gender.
3. Trans people led the Stonewall Riots. Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson were two among many trans women of color who were on the front lines.
4. Not all trans people want surgery and even fewer get surgery.
5. The word transgender was popularized by activist virginia prince in 1969. She first published the word in the december 1969 issue of “Transvestia”.
Why is transgender equality important?
Transgender people face staggering levels of poverty, discrimination, and violence. In 2016, 27 transgender people were killed. Since January 1, 2017, eight transgender women of color have been murdered.
According to the "2015 U.S. Trans Survey," a report by the National Center for Transgender Equality:
* 29% of transgender people live in poverty, compared to 14% of the general population
* 30% of transgender people report being homeless at some point in their lives, with 12% saying it was within the past 12 months
* Transgender people experience unemployment at 3x the rate of the general population, with rates for people of color up to 4x the national unemployment rate
* 30% of transgender people report being fired, denied a promotion, or experiencing mistreatment in the workplace due to their gender identity in the past 12 months
* 31% of transgender people experienced mistreatment in the past year in a place of public accommodation, including 14% who were denied equal service, 24% who were verbally harassed, and 2% who were physically attacked because they were transgender
* 40% of respondents reported attempting suicide in their lifetime, nearly nine times the attempted suicide rate in the United States (4.6%)
Transgender people, particularly transgender women of color, face shockingly high rates of murder, homelessness, and incarceration. Most states and countries offer no legal protections in housing, employment, health care, and other areas where individuals experience discrimination based on their gender identity or expression.
Anyone that may be struggling or feel like they just don’t belong, know that you are not alone and YOU ARE HERE ON PURPOSE! All of our stories look different. We just need to meet each other with love and kindness and do our part in dissolving the stigmas and prejudices that surround us.
Sending you all the LOVE you need and then some to spread around!
So much GRATITUDE to the following folks that made this all possible:
Guests: Jaden & Anita Boschee
Hosts: Melissa Whitley and Staci Ruiz
Intro Graphic Design: Jeannie Martinez
Edits: Melissa Whitley
Song: A Beautiful Mess, by Londrelle and Naomi the Goddess
