10/01/2017
My name is Jacob Sanchez and I'm here to recruit you. I will be your LGBT Caucus Chair for the FAU College Democrats for 2017-2018. LGBTQ acceptance on the rise in our generation, however, it is important to keep the conversation going. There is still a lot of work to be done beyond the right to marry.
1.) Violence against LGBT people of color. Statistically, LGBT people of color are twice as likely than their cisgender heterosexual counterpart to be a victim of a violent crime. Even though millennials are a lot more open-minded and socially liberal than generations before them, violence against LGBT people of color is rising.
2.) Employment Discrimination. Congratulations Floridians, we are in the majority in this country. 38 states have refused to protect Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity against workplace or housing discrimination. We are fortunate to reside in South Florida where each of our county commissions agreed to protect LGBT against discrimination. However, I can move a few counties up and my employer could terminate me if they feel uncomfortable about my sexual orientation. I can't pursue legal action because sexual orientation is not protected in either State or Federal antidiscrimination acts.
3.) Economic Justice. Anti-LGBTQ discrimination has serious repercussions in our lives which affect economic well-being, poor health, higher rates of homelessness, and unemployment. Financially, LGB adults earn on average less than their heterosexual counterparts. Women are already disproportionally paid less than their male counterparts and because of this, Le***an family households are more likely to live below the poverty line. Transgender discrimination has made the respective workers four times more likely to earn $10,000 less than the average American. Adding race into the mix makes these situations much worse.
4.) Homeless LGBTQ youth. 40% (Williams Institute) of homeless youth identify as LGBT with 68% (advocate Magazine) of them kicked out of their homes because of their sexual orientation. The majority have been survivors of abuse at home which can cause long-term mental health issues. As a community, we must strive to protect the most vulnerable. 1 in 3 LGBT youth will not finish High school. We must encourage and make schools more accountable for the safety of students of all minority groups. Which brings me to my next point.
5.) Trans Visibility. Transgender rights are Human Rights. Our constitution guarantees the right of expression. Even more so, Our God-given rights for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Bathroom Bills are counterproductive and create a catalyst for fear and ignorance. Unfortunately, our Transgender brothers and sisters deal with much greater problems. They are disproportionately higher for unemployment, victims of physical violence, su***de, and homicides. 1 in 12 Transgender women will be victims of Homicide. If you are a transgender woman of color, your chances are now 1 in 8. More visibility means more understanding. As a community, we can't afford to have the fearful ignorant voices to shout louder than ours. Remember, our first rioters for Stonewall were transgender women of color.
6.) Healthcare. LGBT adults are less likely to have health insurance from their employer than their cisgender heterosexual counterparts. Even if we have coverage, LGBT adults have to do a lot more research on their physician in case their doctor discriminates against their sexual orientation or sexual identity. The latter being the most common. LGBT adults are more likely to be in poorer health because of discrimination. They are also more likely for substance abuse and sometimes lack the proper network to help get treated. Before the ACA, transgender people were often denied coverage because of insurance discrimination. This made access for safe hormone therapy, surgery, and mental health non-existant. Expanding Healthcare for all is crucial to safeguard our society's most vulnerable.
I want to hear from my fellow students across all political spectrum. I will post events on or around campus pertaining to my LGBT caucus. As well as promoting the events of my fellow caucuses. I will be endorsing candidates as well and condemning the actions of any politician or group that actively tries to restrict LGBT rights. I will share articles from reliable resources and share the agenda of our statewide college caucus as well as our local LGBT caucus chapter. I implore you to follow and share.
