Up And Rise

Read more about Clinton’s Human Rights Day 2011 speech by following the link.

I am thrilled to see the American government taking a very clear and international stance on LGBT/human rights (actually I think it’s frieken amazing! Luv you Hilary!) - BUT  - being the fiery gender warrior and social justice baton twirler that I am, I do have a thought that needs to jump up from my gut before it eats my stomach: let’s not conflate gay rights and struggles with transgender/gender identity rights and struggles. Both are struggles, both intersect, but both are very very different. While the speech references gender non-conformists, the word “transgender” disappears once the speech unfolds.

Regardless, this is speech is important, even at the very least symbolically and especially coming from an administration that has been wishy-washy on LGBT issues in the past.

 “Eleanor Roosevelt, who did so much to advance human rights worldwide, said that these rights begin in the small places close to home – the streets where people live, the schools they attend, the factories, farms, and offices where they work. These places are your domain. The actions you take, the ideals that you advocate, can determine whether human rights flourish where you are.”  -Hillary Clinton