And I have done nearly nothing at all when to comes to producing original content or working on T.R.A.N.S.
To be fair, I have been keeping up on the trans* discrimination issue that has presented itself at my alma mater. And trying to be as involved as a local alum can be.
Here is the issue at hand: a trans* identified student, who volunteers his spare time and energy to being a campus tour guide and host, was told that he would no longer be permitted to host prospective students. He was told this on the grounds that, since he is male, it would be “inappropriate” to host a female overnight. What has come to light, however, is that this determination is a thinly veiled means of denying trans*-identified students the opportunity to participate in a meaningful and college-sponsored program.
OK. I can sort of see where the higher-ups are coming from on this. They want to preserve the image of the college as one that educates women. I totally support that. Women’s colleges exist for women, and I think that is absolutely wonderful. In a society that still oppresses, subordinates, and discriminates against women, I think it is perfectly valid and necessary for such an institution to exist.
The first problem I have with this situation is that the college, though it admits women, does not have a 100% woman-identified student population. There are many people who do not identify within the arbitrary confines of woman, which is exactly the idea the college fosters and encourages. There is no single way to be a female-bodied or female-assigned-at-birth (FAAB) person. So the logical progression of that concept is that there will be (and are) some students who identify outside those arbitrary confines—so far outside, in some cases, that they identify as men.
The second problem I have with this situation is that being a tour guide and overnight host is an opportunity afforded to every single student residing on campus. In fact, it is advertised to every single student through the on-campus mail system, where miniature flyers are inserted into every single mailbox. When an opportunity is offered to every single student, it is inappropriate and discriminatory to tell one of them they cannot participate because of their gender identity. It is also discriminatory to insinuate that any person whose gender identity is not easily mistaken for woman will also be limited in the same way.
This is the epitome of marginalization: alienation and denial of participation based on perceived difference.
I believe it is my responsibility to stand in solidarity with this student and his supporters. As an alumnus who identifies strongly with my college, in name and in spirit, it is my responsibility to express my disapproval of such gross inequality. Most importantly, it is my responsibility to show that, as an alum, I will not stand for this kind of treatment toward any member of my community—regardless of reasoning.
So for the next few days I will be around campus, supporting my community in their endeavors, and helping out where I can. If you are a Smith student, keep your eyes peeled for action occurring on campus over the next few days. There will be a hard-copy petition for anyone willing to lend their support. If you are Smith alumnae, ask me how you can get involved.
And for all you prospective students who stumbled upon my blog, don’t let this one incident deter you from making one of the best decisions of your life. Smith truly is a wonderful place to live, grow, and learn. Would we defend it so proudly if it wasn’t?
