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The above statement captures the heart of my deepest purpose, and my student affairs philosophy. It is my spiritual mandate to challenge the oppressive norms of the dominant group. As a transsexual Latina who exists apart from the dominant cultural norms I have a direct understanding of prejudice, marginalization, and the resulting negative impact on an individual. It my mission to educate others regarding racism, sexism, heterosexism, and transphobia. It is my conviction that individuals, and most importantly developing students can be enriched by purposefully engaging in a critical examination of self, ideas, values, and meaning; and, that this will create a better world. I serve as a catalyst to that student process of self-authorship. There is little room for shyness or fear in who I am today as a transsexual. I understand that for many I might be the only transsexual that students, staff, and faculty will ever meet. As an educator I have the responsibility and privilege to represent my community in a way that presents transsexual humanity. Mine is a living experience of celebration and bias. In it's beauty and brutality it is beyond the theoretical discussions sequestered to a classroom. It's the embodiment of being the "other", and giving her a voice. |