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Home / Thoughts / You too can make a difference

You too can make a difference

Written by Sean on Sunday, February 24, 2008

We often think that one lone voice can’t make a difference. But it can. One person can indeed make a difference. They can share their opinion and increase awareness and understanding of a situation. They can be the catalyst of change. They can gather people and form critical mass. As I spoke about in another recent entry, I am perhaps making my bit for the cause. But we need that critical mass. If you don’t do your bit, we are not going to see resolution any time soon.

I was watching a documentary recently and learned of Thomas Clarkson. A name I had never heard of, but a man who made a definite difference. I don’t have ideas of grandeur, I am not comparing myself to Clarkson. But he is one man who made a difference. He should be discussed in history classes for kids, to teach them that they *can* indeed make an impact. This man was the catalyst for the abolition of slavery in England and the Commonwealth! He started by writing an essay when he was in university.

There are many on the BIID related mailing lists who are of the opinion that we shouldn’t discuss BIID in public, that we should keep it a secret. These people think that we’re better off with black market procedures. They are afraid of the negative publicity.

And I’ll admit that the negative publicity is an issue. The media likes to sensationalise the issue, that’s how they make money, and they don’t care if they don’t get it right. But at the same time, publicity allows us to discuss things, educate people. Just look at the ModBlog discussion, it allowed discussion and "enlightment" of many people that were not aware before. And the more people who are aware and start getting it, the more likely we are to see the changes we need to see for the medical establishment to accept surgery as a viable treatment option for transabled folks.

So, don’t just sit there, lurking on mailing lists. Participate. Make a move, even if it’s just talking about BIID with your medical professional. Point them to http://biid-info.org and let them read the information. Don’t ask them for surgery, you’d not get it and might end up in a padded cell. But if you have a good relationship with the doc, why not mention it? I did, and it turned out quite well. A snowflake can begin an avalenge, you too can make a difference.

Tags: Transabled, Education, BIID