My experiences with oppression throughout my life have made me much more compassionate and willing to do the work necessary to end these injustices.

Tyler is a member of the campus organizing team.

My passion for humanity and social justice probably started in high school when I learned about the concept of unearned privilege, the fact that some people’s lives are easier because of their majority status (i.e. white, heterosexual, male, etc.). I realized the unfairness of the situation and became much more aware of the disparities of minority groups. As a queer person of color, I was alarmed by the disparities faced by the minority groups with whom I closely identify. My experiences with oppression throughout my life have made me much more compassionate and willing to do the work necessary to end these injustices.

In my first year of college I joined GenderBloc, a radical queer activist group focusing on transgender issues. I also became involved in the Racial Awareness Program, through which I learned the skills necessary to educate my peers about issues regarding race, gender, and sexuality. I focus most of my energy on education because I believe that education is a key component of making the right decisions (whether that decision is to acquire condoms or to refrain from using derogatory language). I do my best to teach others about the LGBT community and to destigmatize sexual minorities.

In my ideal world, the words “gay” and “transgender” will no longer be associated with negative parts of society. I want children and adults to be comfortable with these concepts and recognize them as valid identities for any person. I want to be a part of creating a more sex positive world that celebrates diversity of all sorts. I’m so happy to be a part of this movement and I can’t wait to see all the positive results.