A Seat at the Table: Using Social Media as a Platform to Resolve Microaggressions Against Transgender Persons

ABSTRACT

Transgender, gender variant, and/or gender nonconforming persons are marginalized and pathologized in society and communities. The advent and widespread use of social media introduce an entirely new avenue of expression where cyber bullying and verbal assaults are common. Yet, social media also has the capacity to reach more people in more places, thus presenting a potentially powerful platform for advocacy. Grounded in digital critical participatory action research, the authors present a multimedia advocacy project that highlights advocacy strategies in which counselors can utilize social media to raise awareness, promote inclusion, and resolve microaggressions toward transgender persons.

KEYWORDS:

• Advocacy for transgender persons
• counseling; critical participatory action research
• diversity
• healthy relationships
• mental health
• multi-cultural
• social media
• transgender issues
• wellness

Acknowledgment

The authors would like to recognize the contributions of Michael Wurth in filming, directing, and editing the video created in this project.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Mercedes V. Ingram

Mercedes V. Ingram, Stacy Speedlin, Yuliya Cannon, Ashley Prado, and Joe Avera are with the Department of Counseling, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.

Stacy Speedlin

Mercedes V. Ingram, Stacy Speedlin, Yuliya Cannon, Ashley Prado, and Joe Avera are with the Department of Counseling, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.

Yuliya Cannon

Mercedes V. Ingram, Stacy Speedlin, Yuliya Cannon, Ashley Prado, and Joe Avera are with the Department of Counseling, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.

Ashley Prado

Mercedes V. Ingram, Stacy Speedlin, Yuliya Cannon, Ashley Prado, and Joe Avera are with the Department of Counseling, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.

Joe Avera

Mercedes V. Ingram, Stacy Speedlin, Yuliya Cannon, Ashley Prado, and Joe Avera are with the Department of Counseling, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.