Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition Launches National Media Project

Organization to unveil “I AM: Trans People Speak COMMUNITY” at Feb. 18th launch party

Boston, MA —  The Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC) will be launching the new “I AM: Trans People Speak COMMUNITY” campaign on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012 at the Midway Café, 3496 Washington Street in Jamaica Plain, MA and the on the new website, http://www.community.transpeople.org, on the same day. The purpose of this multi-media campaign to create an empowering space on the web for transgender people and their allies from around the country in which they can share their experiences through their own stories in order to educate the public and give hope to transgender youth and adults just starting to come out.

“The everyday experiences and community contributions of transgender people are too often overlooked in the mainstream media and in popular culture,” said Gunner Scott, executive director of MTPC. “Providing a place for transgender people, family members, friends, and allies to share their stories we hope to empower people to advocate for transgender equality and change the culture towards one of acceptance of transgender youth and adults. Through showing the diversity of experiences that exist within transgender communities, this forum will provide a place for others to learn about, connect with, and find support through the stories of other community members. This project will also educate the public about the reality of transgender people’s lives and the unique challenges they face due to pervasive bias, stereotypes, and misunderstanding.”

In 2010, MTPC launched the original “I AM: Trans People Speak” project (http://www.transpeoplespeak.org) to educate Massachusetts residents and it has now grown to include the voices and experiences of over 40 transgender people, their families, and allies from Massachusetts. Building off that success and the demand for videos from people from around the country, I AM: Trans People Speak COMMUNITY was developed to fill that need.

As with this first phase of the project, I AM: Trans People Speak COMMUNITY will contain video and written stories discussing the joys and challenges of being transgender or being an ally to the transgender community. Folks highlight their contributions to their communities, workplaces, families, and their hobbies and interests. Each story is prefaced with a series of declarative “I AM” statements from participants that reveal diverse, yet common, aspects of their lives in addition to being transgender.

MTPC will celebrate this project with a launch event, which will include brand new videos, performances, and dance party.  Among the videos, we will be sharing hip-hop artist Micah Domingo’s video as well as having a live performance from him at the event. As a rapper hailing from Boston, Micah attempts to capture raw emotions through lyrics that cut the skin and peel back all the layers, to reveal the blood and guts of what it means to be human. As he introduces himself in his video: “Hey, my name is Micah and I AM a rapper, I AM a hip-hop producer, I AM a son, and I AM ALSO a trans man.”

The “I AM: Trans People Speak COMMUNITY” project kickoff party takes place on Saturday February 18th at the Midway Café at 3496 Washington Street in Jamaica Plain, MA, doors open at 8:00pm. New videos will be shown throughout the night and the program will begin around 9:30pm with a performance to follow. This event is 21+ and there is a $5-$10 sliding scale charge at the door, and no one will be turned away due to lack of funds. This event is open to the public and the media.

To submit videos or learn more about the project visit http://www.community.transpeople.org or email transpeoplespeak@gmai.com and for more information about MTPC please visitwww.masstpc.org or call 617-778-0519.

Founded in 2001, the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC) is a 501(c) 3 that works to end discrimination on the basis of gender identity and gender expression. MTPC educates the public, advocates with state, local, and federal government, engages in political activism, and encourages empowerment of community members through collective action.

 

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