The Scene staff
When I was in grade school, I wanted to be in college. Education has always seemed like a beacon of opportunity for me. I sought answers to questions I knew nothing about, delving into subjects that expanded my understanding of the world.
But, despite my thirst for knowledge and adoration for creativity, things changed.
As I got older, I became a black sheep, and I soon realized that you can only be “special” for so long before some developmental block forces its way onto your path, making it harder to cope.
Being in foster care only added more complexity, making it challenging to understand people. Now 23, I look back at how bad it got, and I genuinely believe I’ve faced more trauma than those twice my age.
Unfortunately, anxiety and depression have become more prevalent among younger people in the past two decades. Accessing appropriate resources is complicated, and many agencies are staffed by apathetic employees who cause further trauma to those seeking help, worsening the problem.
Even though I was traumatized as a child, I wanted to understand others, but it was challenging to maintain a positive outlook. Still, I wouldn’t trade my experiences for anything, as I developed a unique perspective on different lives and inner circles. It’s a privilege I wouldn’t have had otherwise.
Because of this, I spent nearly four years creating a list of my core beliefs.
Even if some people consider them controversial, I believe disregarding civil rights is unacceptable. I’m sharing my list to provoke discussion, as change can’t happen in silence.
1. The government should stay out of reproductive rights.
2. Women should be paid equal to men working in the same profession.
3. Those in professional roles should respect gender identities and pronouns. Nobody should be forced to go by their “dead names” (the names they were given at birth), nor the pronouns of genders they were perceived and assigned at birth.
4. There should be more gender-neutral/ unisex restrooms with the same upkeep as gender-segregated ones to avoid further conflict and make those who don’t identify as cisgender feel more comfortable.
5. Forcing people to prove their genders should be illegal and seen as sexual harassment.
6. Married gay couples should have the same benefits as married straight couples as far as employer-provided benefits.
7. Birth control should be more accessible.
8. Pads, tampons and other period-care products should be free.
9. Diapers and other infant care products should be cheaper.
10. Mental illness should be treated like any other medical ailment.
11. Mental-health services should be more accessible and less expensive.
12. Gun control should include mental-health screenings prior to licensing and purchasing of firearms with annual checkups.
13. Firearms should be restricted to handguns, shotguns and rifles for hunting and/ or protection.
14. Prison conditions and health resources should be improved.
15. Reformed ex-cons who’ve never committed sexual assault deserve equal pay and opportunities in society.
16. Schools should be better funded to pay for better equipment, mental-health services and student lunches for all.
17. Poor neighborhoods with run-down homes should be fixed up and maintained as part of government-funded projects, making them more habitable.
18. The age of people in political office shouldn’t exceed 70 since studies show that the brain begins to decline with age, starting at around 5% per decade after 40 and much quicker after 70.
19. Instead of increasing “hostile architecture” and warding off the homeless, we should provide homeless shelters with vocational rehab, education and health resources.
20. Baby deliveries and other medical care shouldn’t be as expensive as it is, especially with prices rising in all other aspects of life.
You may wonder why my opinions matter when you’ve likely heard similar statements. It’s simple.
I’ve experienced many of these issues, forcing me to persevere in a world that views the disabled with disdain, saying, “Let me fix you,” before admitting to not giving a damn. I’ve continued to pursue an education, hoping to make a positive change, even after being told that it’s someone else’s word over mine multiple times.
I’ve been broken down and gaslit into silence, and the sad fact is, I’m not alone.
But silence can become detrimental, and I won’t stand for it. Through advocacy, we can work towards a more equitable society where basic human rights are upheld and respected.
A final thought:
Despite facing adversity at every turn, I’ve continued my pursuit of knowledge and justice. As I navigate life’s challenges, I want to inspire others to embrace their voices and stand up for what they believe in.
I may be young now, but I have plenty to share. My experiences allow me to speak for those with similar pasts because it’s through action that we affect change and build a better world for others.