Written by Alyssa Jackson ~ Assistant Editor
Photo of Dr. Sawyer Kemp in the Hall Campus Ballroom
Every school year the Humanities department at the University of Lynchburg honors professor, John M. Turner by inviting a notable scholar to present a lecture to students, faculty and staff.
On March 28 Sawyer K. Kemp, an assistant professor of English and a scholar of Shakespeare for Queens College spoke about the colonial genders, militarized sexes and the exchange rates of early modern transition.
Kemp’s research concluded that there is a staggering difference between anti-trans bills being passed and being considered. This year alone there were 533 bills and only 18 have been passed.
In addition to this Kemp talked about different examples of early modern people who were trans, such as Water Robin or Mol Cutpurse. These characters resemble the horrendous reality of what trans people suffered through in early history.
Kemp stated, “When trans people are merely included in an organization, for instance without other members of education, training, or evidence to support them the institution’s optics while counting the actual individual being included.”
There are a multitude of things that states have tried to exclude trans people from things such as updating drivers licenses, holding public office and accessing things like a public restroom. All without the struggles of being ridiculed for their identity.
Senior Ally Crissman stated, “I think just realizing how many characters and stories are still available to see through a new lens, I had never heard of Aniseed Water Robin or Mol Cutpurse but now I’m really interested in them as characters.”
The trans community faces a large amount of hate and discrimination. All ages face bullying, harassment, and hate crimes because of what they identify as. Unfortunately, there have not been enough people recognizing and trying to fix this issue.
“I think one thing; that it is not that big of a risk to experiment with gender. I think that changing your gender should be like changing your car or your job, where you do it a couple of times like it is forethought and planning but it should not be the end of anything. Giving more space for difference is beneficial for everyone,” said Kemp.
The lecture concluded with recognizing those who are trans and how strong they are. Being trans is not easy as everyday the community faces so much hate and turmoil from society. One thing that can be done is protecting and understanding the community.
To learn more about the Turner lectures and the University’s humanities department visit here.
