A dear friend, Eleanor Hubbard, P.Hd., is teaching a Maymester course at CU Boulder called Whiteness Studies. The course is described in the syllabus as, "After reviewing the basic sociological concepts for studying race and ethnicity, we will explore whiteness studies by looking at white racial identity and its impact on society. Viewing whiteness as a socially constructed racial category, we will explore how white racial identity is constructed and developed and how it is similar to and different than other racial identities. We will also explore the impact of white privilege on whites and people of color and how social structure informs and shapes white identity."
Eleanor invited me to talk to the class about my life at the intersections of Latina, transgender, and faith. I related part of my story about growing up and trying to be the person I was told to be and how that pressure to conform led me down a path of substance abuse, depression, and suicidal ideation. When I came out to myself and then the world as a transgender Latina, I blossomed and bloomed. I talked about transitioning as a parole officer, starting graduate school to earn an MA in Counseling and then, leaving state service to go to seminary. I fielded questions about sexual orientation and gender identity and the evolving language surrounding the LGBTQ community. After the class, I had six young people come up to me and tell me they were inspired by my story and were so glad they finally had a role model. I gave out lots of business cards and encourage each of them to seek out support and I would be honored if they wanted to send me an email or set up a time to come see me in my office for a longer conversation. My life and my ministry is to reach out to all those who need to hear about a world of acceptance and inclusion. They are made to be who they are and they have to use the gifts and talents given to them to be the best person they can be.
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