Canadian student performs social experiment
Blake Wells is a student at the Canadian Durham College in Oshawa, Ontario.
About two weeks ago, Isabella Giuga and I conducted a social experiment in the Oshawa centre. I wore a white shirt and carried a sign that said, "Hi, my name is Blake and I am a transgender man. This means I was born female and have since transitioned to male. In our society there is still so much hate. So, if you support transgender rights then please draw a heart on my shirt!". We were blown away by the love and support I received and I can't thank the people who participated enough. Being transgender in a society that tells you that you're abnormal, wrong, worth less than others, and ultimately not human enough for basic respect, is hard and sometimes seeing the bright side isn't always easy. But the people who drew on my shirt showed that there is love and support out there, all you have to do is look for it. To any trans person who may be struggling with their identity or with transphobia, please know that I am here for you and I support you 100%. The people in this video support you. You are loved, respected, valid, human, normal, special, and important to this world. Never hide who you are because your life and your existence is exactly what this world needs. (The song used is not mine, it is "Who You Are" by Jessie J) Also thank you to Jessica Kovacs for all your help.
--Blake Wells
I didn’t think there was going to be as much support as there was.
There was so much support. I have the shirt to prove it. I have tons of hearts showing people are more accepting than they are hateful.
Being transgender in a society that tells you that you’re abnormal, wrong, worth less than others, and ultimately not human enough for basic respect, is hard and sometimes seeing the bright side isn’t always easy.
To any trans person who may be struggling with their identity or with transphobia, please know that I am here for you and I support you 100%. The people in this video support you. You are loved, respected, valid, human, normal, special, and important to this world.
--Blake
Comments
Now THIS is something to brighten many a day!
Great to read something so positive with all that's going on. THX as always for sharing.
What a lovely video!
Watching it, I actually got a tear in my eye.
"Stand Up! Keep Fighting!" - Paul Wellstone
Thank you Robyn!
My baby brother, my life-long confidante (once we realized it was us against our parents and not each other lol) dates trans women. My kids know too, but it pains me that he can't be himself to our mom.
My holiday wish is for him to feel as loved as Blake! And always!
I'd like to see a mirrored experiment
Would a transgender woman be as well supported? They're the ones that I think are more stigmatized. At least, every time I hear arguments against transgender people, it seems focused exclusively on transgender women, with them being labeled as sick freaks and pedophiles (if I'm not mistaken, men were the main focus on anti-homosexuality arguments too). It'd be awesome of the support was fairly equal, but I have my doubts.