As
2014 comes to a close and we begin a new year, I find myself reflecting on how
much has been accomplished and the social justice work that we have left to do.
2014 has been a banner year for queer equality and feminism in the United
States. A few highlights come to mind:
As of this writing, same-sex couples in 35 states (plus Washington, D.C. and
St. Louis, MO) have won the freedom to legally marry. Earlier this year, the
#YesAllWomen campaign reached almost 2 million tweets in four days, as women
across the country highlighted everyday instances of gender-based violence and
harassment. In May, Laverne Cox became the first transgender person to appear
on the cover of TIME magazine, bringing some much needed attention to trans
issues in our country. Celebrities,
CEOs, and athletes continue to come out with pride (Looking at you, Ellen
Page!) and, in the process, inspire our LGBTQ youth and remind us all that many
things have gotten better.
Despite
the successes, however, oppression and inequality remain widespread. In 15 states, litigation around same-sex
marriage is forthcoming with difficult battles on the horizon. Widespread gender-based violence continues,
with a global estimate that 1 in 3 women will be beaten, coerced into sex, or
otherwise abused in her lifetime. The profoundly negative health implications
of such violence are further compounded among marginalized groups, such as
queer women and women with disabilities.
Transwomen, particularly transwomen of color, continue to die in an
epidemic of violence made all the worse by media coverage which misgenders and
misnames the deceased. LGBTQ people
continue to face significant discrimination in the areas of healthcare, access
to housing, adoption rights, and employment.
As the new President of Division 35, Section 4, my hope is
that 2015 brings increased dialogue, research, and activism around these critical issues. I encourage you to
get involved with the Division and within Section 4. Email me.
Share your thoughts on how the Section can best address these concerns.
Share your stories of feminist success and victories-yet-to-come. Share your
ideas for involvement and activism. Let 2015 be the year we work together as a
community to address the intersections of poverty, racism, transphobia,
heterosexism, bi-negativity, ableism, and homophobia in our social justice
efforts. We have much to be proud of,
but there is much yet to be done!
Jennifer A. Vencill, PhD (jvencill@umn.edu).
