Liam Robinson
3/11/20
Almost immediately after a hormone treatment Franklin Pierce junior Samuel Malley laughs at the effects on his voice the testosterone has as he describes what being a trans individual is like.
Many people today are not fully aware of what a person undergoing transition may be experiencing, and though reactions will certainly vary, Malley is open to people who may not have had interactions with a trans person before and have genuine questions.
On campus, Malley helped put into action the Preferred Name Policy and helps in diversity training. This is not only because he wants to see the school accepting of everyone, but he see’s a wider understanding of transitioning individuals as a crucial weapon in fighting discrimination.
“It’s a wild ride…” Said Malley, “I do kind of think of myself as an ambassador or something though.” As an education major, Malley has a rare chance to establish non-stereotyped and unbiased view of a large portion of our society for the future generations of students he teaches.
“My students were sad when I left, I’m just looking forward to being an actual teacher.” Malley said on the topic of how her students view him, “I mean we’re all human at the end of the day, I don’t believe kids are born with hate” Said Peter Borzellino, Malley’s roommate.
Ironically its harder to change how people feel about trans individuals than it is to even bring up the idea they exist to someone who has never imagined the concept, like a young student. “Don’t get me wrong, I know there are some people who are quick to jump down your throat but I think its because they’ve dealt with more bigotry than I have.” Said Malley, “Im open for legitimate, open discussion.”
“I think [the trans rights movement] is on the right trajectory, its like where we were socially twenty or thirty years ago with gay and lesbian people.” Said Malley, hopeful of his future as a teacher and for other trans people alike.
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