Eve Sharpio "transgender organizing on the internet"

Question 1

How has the internet helped trans community?

Answer 1

The growth of the internet has allowed for significant growth in transgender movements and all LGBTQ movements
It allows for a cheap communication platform to distribute info and organize activism and to foster collective identity

Question 2

What 3 overlapping waves have caused change in trans community?

Answer 2

• Support groups developed to help make sense of trans individuals and the limited access to medical service
• Organizing educational projects to promote activism on trans issues
• Increased internet usage allowed for increased influence of trans direct action groups (in parallel to increased action by other LGBTQ groups)
• Also brought trans activism into the mainstream LG media

Question 3

What is problematic about the internet in this context?

Answer 3

• However, internet access is mitigated by social class and race in US as well
• These divisions may be further accentuated by this approach
• May also reinforce race and class divisions as well
• Internet does not reach individuals who are bystanders and not targets of the collective action
• Internet also creates a false sense of movement size and safety since individuals do not directly face the stigma and consequences of being trans → false security