Poverty and Sexuality Symposium
I think that this event was very important in highlighting that issues that exist in queer politics as well as in the trans community in Iran. Being that most Middle East countries have a strong opposition to people who identify out of the common norm of either being male or female, I thought it was extremely empowering the fact Iran has a law that recognizes transsexuality. Society still treats them poorly but it is important to note that the country has made an effort to get them recognized. This is huge because more and more people will feel empowered to come out and embrace who they truly are and the country will be able to modernize itself. There are so many people who live in the shadows for the fear of rejection by their families. This event also highlighted that people who do come out of the shadows are rejected from their families and kicked out of their homes which forces them into poverty. Thankfully, there was a organization who helps these people and gives them a chance to make it in life. By continuing the funding for those organizations, we can hope that more and more people come out and stay true to who they are. No one should have to pretend to be someone they are not just to continue having the approval of their families or to remain stable financially.