The lives of transgender people are complex and influenced by a multitude of factors, which are not simply related to their gender identity, sexual orientation or transition; Variables such as race, ethnicity, and gender also come into play and are often overlooked when analyzing the intense, unique, and arduous stories of these individuals. Although race and ethnicity are difficult to define and identify in a simple and concise manner, race is generally related to physical appearance, while ethnicity is related to country of origin, common languages , culture and sometimes religion. As these unique traits play a role in defining individuals, it is clear that such mezcla can create complex and conflicting experiences. Say no to plagiarism. Get a custom essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essay Privilege, in our modern and often xenophobic world, is often directly linked to race; however, this can be attributed to “sex or gender, sexuality, wealth, immigration status, or social class,” Erickson-Schroth, 2014, p. (24). While not necessarily abstract, privilege is an ever-evolving monster that rears its head in various forms; even though a person may benefit from cisgender and heterosexual privilege, that same person may be vulnerable to prejudice because of their economic status or racial background. Additionally, a woman may be financially strong but feel resentful because of her gender or even sexual orientation. Even religion, ethnicity, and physical ability can be invoked in the realm of privilege. Erickson-Schroth's (2014) publication states the following: Our privilege and the discrimination we face can also be intersectional, and not based solely on one characteristic of our identity. or who we are, but about the combination of traits we possess. The type of discrimination a black woman faces is different than that a black man faces. Our characteristics can also give us privilege or make us vulnerable to discrimination, depending on the situation. (p. 24) As much privilege is tied to race, it is crucial to address and acknowledge the narratives of people of color. Even though whites in the United States no longer constitute the majority, the term minority, when used to describe non-white races, should be avoided, because it "implies that a group is smaller or less important than another” (Erickson-Schroth). , 2014, p.26). Prejudice, much like the focus of modern feminism, is intersectional, as are the experiences of members of the LBGTQA+ community. The experiences of non-heterosexual or non-binary people of color demand their own space and voice because they are unique and crucial to the movement. To better advocate for members of the LGBTQA+ community as well as people of color, allies must learn to engage and step back. “Cisgender people of color who are or want to be allies of trans people of color play an important role in creating and challenging individuals and groups that oppress trans people of color, often while they reside in the same neighborhoods and communities” (Erickson-Schroth, 2014). , p.36). Issues surrounding the transgender experience, the narratives of people of color, and the stories of members of the LGBTQA+ community are intersectional and relevant in the eramodern, and must be addressed, discussed and understood. Reading the struggles, stories, and diverse experiences mentioned above made me question my own history as a bisexual, cisgender, biracial woman. Reading about people whose culture conflicts with their identity was comforting, as my nature-based spiritual beliefs, guided by my Native American father during my childhood, were vague in relation to my now complex and sometimes even confusing and frustrating experience because I identify as bisexual. While my mother's culture and religion, white and Christian, do not condemn my existence, they are still not warm and welcoming. At family functions, when my identity is dropped, like a verbal bomb, sending waves of raised eyebrows, chuckles, and eye rolls, I feel vulnerable and often yearn for the security blanket of heterosexual privilege in which I was shrouded until I came out in 2014. In my study of privilege and its relationship to prejudice, and even hatred in the LGBTQA+ community, it became clear that the struggles of my brothers and sisters, not just those of my cisters, are different on every level, ranging from being strongly related. racial tension, even passing white privilege. The story of Wes, a queer, trans, Puerto Rican individual, stood out to me because he called himself a coincidence, just like through the mouths of others. Feeling an itch in one's own skin, and perhaps even an itch in one's community, is something I'm sure many awkward teenagers, family black sheep and social outcasts feel, but not quite to the same degree as Wes, who declared that he was “born bad” (Erickson-Schroth, 2014, p. 27). Even though I don't feel like I was "born bad", finding my place hasn't always been easy. These stories made me feel less alone, but also opened my eyes to my privilege. As a white, bisexual woman from a low-income family, and also identifying as a first-generation college student, I have indeed faced struggles, but these pale in comparison to those who 'identify as counterparts of color. Through my readings, there has of course been a change in values. Although the LGBTQA+ community prides itself on being accepting of people from all backgrounds, there is no doubt that casual racism, just like casual sexism, still exists and rears its ugly head. As a white woman, I must recognize that I benefit from systematic racism, as the hinges of heavy doors are more easily greased by my lack of pigment in my skin. It is important to nod respectfully toward intersectionality, as well as being able to identify and combat subtle racism; being a member of a commonly oppressed group, LGBTQA+, does not exclude me from racist behavior, and I must therefore combat the institutionalized racism around me in order to be a better ally. Even actions as simple as speaking up in the face of racist jokes, stereotypes, or bias are powerful and send a clear message: I am an ally to people of color, both within and outside of my LGBTQA+ community, and I am willing and ready to discuss and fight oppression in all its forms. In order to recognize my privilege, it is important that as an ally, I analyze the ways in which I can benefit from both my identity as white and my ability to “pass” and appear heterosexual while dating. a person identifying as a man. Aware of my privilege, I am willing to listen and learn from the experiences of people of color in order to be informed.