| #4: Run for Office |
[Mar. 19th, 2008|11:35 am] |
I'll be away for a few days. Miss me.
From the NCTE:
Some of the ways you can work for transgender equality are easy while others are more challenging. This week’s idea is one that could turn your life upside down, but imagine the good that you could do as an elected official.
Our government is one that is of the people, by the people and for the people. Trans people have a right to run for office and the right to be well represented by our elected officials. Those who serve in political offices are in a position to make a difference in people’s lives, introduce legislation that can improve the lives of their constituents, and set an inclusive agenda. Elected officials have an opportunity to be a part of the decision making mechanisms of our country.
Transgender people have successfully run for office. For example, Michelle Bruce, who is open about being intersex and transgender, currently serves on the City Council in Riverdale, Georgia. Other trans people have held office as well.
Running for office can be an important statement and a worthwhile experience. NCTE Board of Advisors member Amanda Simpson, who was a candidate for state representative in Arizona in 2004 commented, “By running for office, you are able to engage the general public about the issues that are important to them and they can begin to relate to transgender people as people who are fully part of the same community and have the same struggles and hopes as everyone else.”
If you are interested in running for office, or in supporting those who do, an important resource is the Victory Fund, which has endorsed and supported transgender candidates. You can find them at The Victory Fund and click on the button marked, “Run for Office.” They hold regular trainings for potential candidates; this year, the trainings are being held on March 9-12 in Louisville, Kentucky, June 15-18 in Washington, DC and November 15- 18 in Orlando, Florida. They have had at least one transgender participant at each of the trainings that they have held in the past two years and see this as a very positive sign that more trans people will be running for office in the coming years. If you are even considering running for office or supporting someone who is, make sure you check out the trainings. |
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