{"id":74899,"date":"2018-11-02T12:25:52","date_gmt":"2018-11-02T16:25:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gayfriendschat.com\/socialblog\/5-ways-to-prep-for-the-polls-as-a-transgender-voter\/"},"modified":"2018-11-02T12:25:52","modified_gmt":"2018-11-02T16:25:52","slug":"5-ways-to-prep-for-the-polls-as-a-transgender-voter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gayfriendschat.com\/socialblog\/5-ways-to-prep-for-the-polls-as-a-transgender-voter\/","title":{"rendered":"5 ways to prep for the polls as a transgender voter"},"content":{"rendered":"

5 ways to prep for the polls as a transgender voter<\/b><\/p>\n

\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n

I was 17 when I voted in my first midterm election. I was so excited to cast my ballot, however, after researching the candidates I couldn\u2019t help but be disappointed. The candidates that I had to choose from didn\u2019t always do a great job of representing the populations they were hoping to speak for, especially transgender people. So, when I see people take to social media in the aftermath of tragic events like the leak of Trump\u2019s discriminatory memo to encourage people to vote, I understand, but it leaves a bad taste in my mouth.\u00a0I consider voting a privilege and a civic duty, but I understand that advocacy needs to start\u00a0before we can\u00a0even get to the polls.<\/p>\n

I live<\/a> in Ohio and our state is infamous for harsh voter ID laws and unconstitutional gerrymandering<\/a>. Gerrymandering practices have gotten so despicable in my state, the ACLU filed a lawsuit. These barriers make it difficult for minority individuals to firstly cast their vote, and then ensure it will hold the weight that it should.<\/p>\n

Strict voter ID laws like the ones in place in my state, disenfranchise transgender voters, as 68% of trans people<\/a> do not have identification that match their gender identity and\/or name. Even when we\u2019re able to vote, more often than not, the candidates we have to choose from aren\u2019t always trans<\/a> inclusive in their policy or language.<\/p>\n

<\/center><\/p>\n

In order to properly prepare for your day at the polls, GLAAD and NCTE have released helpful posts<\/a> to provide assistance to queer and trans<\/a> identified people throughout the voting process.<\/p>\n

Check out 5 ways to prep before November 6:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

1. Not sure if you\u2019re prepared to head to the polls? <\/strong>Check off items on the #VotingWhileTrans Guide<\/a><\/p>\n

2. Voting in Massachusetts? <\/strong>Vote Yes On 3<\/a>, the ballot initiative that protects transgender people from discrimination.<\/p>\n

3. Don\u2019t believe your vote makes a difference?<\/strong> Read trans<\/a> activist and my fellow GLAAD Campus Ambassador, Leah Juliett\u2019s call to action<\/a> for voting in progressive states.<\/p>\n

4. Want to take action between now and November 6? <\/strong>Become a Digital Door Knocker<\/a> for GLAAD to get out the LGBTQ vote!<\/p>\n

5. Don\u2019t know your states voting rules?<\/strong> Find out on GLAAD\u2019s Action Center.<\/a><\/p>\n

Have more questions?<\/strong> Call the National Election Protection Hotline<\/a> at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/center><\/p>\n

For those who want to do more, there are other ways to be civically engaged.\u00a0I encourage those who are able to donate directly to trans<\/a> individuals who suffer due to a lack of federal and state protections in place. Donate to LGBTQ and trans<\/a> specific organizations that are advocating for policies and programming that will better the lives of those at risk. Volunteer at a local LGBTQ centers, canvass for queer political candidates and encourage local legislative bodies to fill in the cracks that federal and state policies don\u2019t cover.<\/p>\n

\"\"Ose\u00a0Arheghan is a GLAAD Campus Ambassador <\/strong>and first year at Ohio State University studying political science and sexuality studies. Ose is the 2017 GLSEN Student Advocate of the Year and\u00a0The Matthew Shepard Foundation’s 2018 Spirit of\u00a0Matthew\u00a0Honoree.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
November 2, 2018<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Issues:\u00a0<\/div>\n