Dr. Genny Beemyn Discusses Equal Rights During LGBTQ+ History Month Talk
Hotchkiss speaker Genny Beemyn

In celebration of LGBTQ+ History Month, Dr. Genny Beemyn, the director of the UMass Amherst Stonewall Center and Campus Pride’s Trans Policy Clearinghouse, explored equal rights for nonbinary and trans people across the United States during an All-School meeting on Oct. 15.

Beemyn has published and spoken extensively on the experiences and needs of trans college students, including writing some of the first articles on the topic in the 2000s. They began their talk by discussing an article they wrote in 2016 titled, Why Trans Rights Nationwide Are Only a Matter of Time. “Despite the negative climate, trans rights were inevitable,” Beemyn said.

They emphasized that societal attitudes often shift with increased visibility, drawing parallels to the history of same-sex marriage, which saw a dramatic transformation in public opinion over a few decades. Using the example of Ellen DeGeneres, who made headlines for coming out in the late 1990s, Beemyn pointed out the impact of representation: “If you know someone, it becomes a very different issue.” This notion of personal connection was a key theme in their talk, as Beeman explained how knowing someone in the LGBTQ+ community can lead to greater acceptance and understanding.

Hotchkiss speaker Genny Beemyn

However, Beemyn also addressed the current challenges facing the trans community, noting the alarming rise in anti-trans legislation. “In the last couple of years, we’ve seen a huge proliferation in the number of bills to limit trans rights,” they stated. Yet, they maintained a hopeful outlook: “I still argue that trans rights are only a matter of time.”

The discussion also touched on the importance of education and community support, particularly for younger generations. Beemyn encouraged students to advocate for trans rights and educate their peers, stating, “Your generation is much more savvy. You all are a big part of making that difference.”

Following the talk, students asked questions about hope in the face of adversity and strategies for advocacy. "I'm hopeful that the more we educate people, the more people will be understanding and supportive," Beemyn said.

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