Today civil rights advocate Jennifer Boylan spoke about her experience as a transgender American to encourage understanding and advocate for transgender civil rights.
Boylan encouraged starting from an emotional understanding of transgender issues, rather than an intellectual one.
“What we mostly need is love” @JennyBoylan reminds us intellectual understanding of transgender issues isn’t what matters most #AspenIdeas
— Sasha Dichter (@sashadichter) July 2, 2016
Since confusion does not preclude compassion and understanding.
If you’re confused about transgender, it’s okay. I want you to learn, but most imp is to just open your heart ❤️ –@JennyBoylan #AspenIdeas
— Aspen Ideas Festival (@aspenideas) July 2, 2016
Boylan explained that being transgender is just about being yourself.
Being transgender isn’t about who you love, being trans is about who you are. –@JennyBoylan at #AspenIdeas pic.twitter.com/69o6H0ps5T
— Aspen Ideas Festival (@aspenideas) July 2, 2016
She shared a glimpse into difficulty of her journey.
.@aspenideas -on being transgender w Jennifer Finney Boylan:”I am a woman who did not have a girlhood”. More w great panel @ASUOrigins 9/7
— Lawrence M. Krauss (@LKrauss1) July 2, 2016
But humorously explained her understanding.
“God created the duck-billed platypus and the Venus flytrap. Surely there’s room for me.” . #AspenIdeas pic.twitter.com/GNrNmU70uF
— Jenny B. (@JennyBoylan) July 2, 2016
To give context into the difficulties faced by transgender people, Boylan shared devastating statistics about suicide attempts.
The suicide attempt rate is 41% among transgender population. –@JennyBoylan #AspenIdeas
— Aspen Ideas Festival (@aspenideas) July 2, 2016
And advocated for equal protection, civil rights and a life without fear regardless of where they live.
Being able to live your life without fear shouldn’t be a matter of geography. –@JennyBoylan at #AspenIdeas pic.twitter.com/W4yBs1V34s
— Aspen Ideas Festival (@aspenideas) July 2, 2016
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