30 min. timed writing

Cleo Chitester
Project 3 Timed Writing


For Project 3 I researched the inequality that all sexual and gender identity minorities face on a day-to-day basis. In order to gain an effective understanding of how people view the concept of equality, I found multiple sources, online and in print, which stated their perceptions. Most of my sources were organizations or articles highlighting the struggles that LGBTs (lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgenders) face while trying to live in harmony with a society that does not accept their lifestyle. As I completed my research paper I came to the conclusion that many people do not accept sexual and gender identity minorities as equals because they have been taught biased material, incorrect statistics, or tainted religious views.
In order to voice my concern and raise the question of ‘what is equal’ I created an online blog so I could share my views with the world, and gain feedback. In addition to this, I wrote three emails to three different organizations that are proponents for sexual and gender identity minority rights; these groups are active in stating their mission towards making this nation, and world, a place where people, regardless of gender, race, sexual identity, etc. can live happily and safely. Some of these organizations even went so far as to question the current government, the hypocrisy behind some of their actions, and the far too obscure definition of equality.
As I sent out these emails, I did not really expect to get any responses, especially because two of the three organizations are fairly large. I did, however, get a response from the local group only a few days later—the coordinator whom I emailed was helpful, and welcomed me into their community; posing the idea that I could possibly volunteer or intern for their organization. Not only was I thrilled when I received this email, but it really made me feel that I have the power to make a difference in this community, and that I had found an entire organization to back me up on it.
I am also working on a fable that highlights my belief in sexual and gender identity equality and will be presented to a group of 8th graders. This fable is designed as a teaching tool, and I am challenged with figuring out a way to pose my topic for this young audience in an appropriate, yet meaningful way. I have been playing around with the idea of making an online test with pictures, something that challenges the audience’s view on equality—for example, showing two identical pictures of a person and asking what is different about them (the answer being that, they do not look any different, yet one girl likes boys and one girl likes girls). The purpose of this is to show the 8th graders that there is no legitimate way to judge somebody upon their appearance because when it comes down to it, everybody is human and deserves to be treated equally.
All in all, I really feel that I have accomplished my goal of questioning the current idea of equality in the United States. I also realize that I cannot necessarily change the way that some people think, but I can challenge their views in an educated way and suggest a more open perspective towards things. I definitely feel that I have learned more about all sexual and gender identity minorities, how they define themselves as individuals and as a part of the community, their views on equality, etc. I also believe that by doing this, I learned a little bit about myself in the process, and gained some knowledge as to what I believe and value in my own life.