Annie Leibovitz Leelah Alcorn Julia Yoon GT Independent

Annie Leibovitz

Leelah Alcorn

Julia Yoon G/T Independent Research Reservoir High School Acey Mercer Choices Counseling and Consulting

Overview � � � The Transgender Community Social Media’s Influence Research Process Results Final Product Overall Conclusion

� Transgender: � Umbrella term � Against society’s gender “norms” � Gender does not match birth sex � Ex) Queer, genderfluid, Non-Binary, Gender. Expansive transflag. org

Struggles Faced � � � Rejection from loved ones Bullying from peers More likely to attempt suicide by 40% Violence from society Police brutality

Public Figures � Gi. Gi Gorgeous Huffingtonpost. com � Laverne Cox Instyle. org

Social Media’s Influence � Social Media: � Allows people to connect with others � Involves sharing pictures, posts, etc. � Different websites and applications � Ex) Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, Snapchat, etc. Snapchat. com Instagram. com Twitter. com Tumblr. com

Research Question How can social media impact the amount of support someone is receiving in the transgender community?

Research Process � Secondary Research � Used databases online � Analyzed different sources � Included journals, scholarly articles, etc. � Spoke to Professionals � Reached out to professors, therapists � Wrote emails and letters asking for advice

Gender Conference East � � � Attended in November Brings transgender community together Gives support to those in need Educate those who attend (family members, friends, etc. ) Met many new friends Met advisor, Acey Mercer

Primary Research � � � Handed out surveys Rainbow Youth & Allies (RYA) Listened to meeting Sample size of 21 people Interviewed two high school students Pflag. org

Results � � � Hypothesis not fully supported Impact of social media = overall positive Still negative sides to social media Many are not educated Some have more access in person

Product � � � Create lesson plan Present to freshmen classes Educate students on transgender issues Focus on impact of actions Discuss digital footprints

Conclusion � � � Support for transgender community will increase Research was successful Grew as communicator and speaker “If we cannot now end our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity” - John F. Kennedy

Questions?

Works Cited Argo, Nichole. "Media and Intergroup Relations: Research on Media and Social Change. " Soliya (2009). Web. 10 Dec. 2015. <http: //www. soliya. net/Soliya. Guide. English. pdf> Bielski, Zosia. "For Transgender Youth, a Needed Lifeline. " Globe and Mail. 03 Jan. 2015: The Globe and Mail Inc. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 17 Sep. 2015. Bruinius, Harry. "Behind America's Seismic Shifts on Transgenderism, Loving Parents. " Christian Science Monitor. 09 May 2015: n. p. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 24 Sep. 2015. Hartocollis, Anemona. "New Girl in School: Transgender Surgery at 18. " New York Times. 17 Jun. 2015: New York Times Company. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 24 Sep. 2015. Lenhart, Amanda. "Teens, Technology and Friendships. " Pew Research Center Internet Science Tech RSS. Pew Research Center, 06 Aug. 2015. Web. 14 Jan. 2016. <http: //www. pewinternet. org/2015/08/06/teens-technology-and-friendships/> Lenhart, Amanda, Kristen Purcell, Aaron Smith, and Kathryn Zickuhr. "Social Media and Young Adults. " Pew Research Center Internet Science Tech RSS. Pew Research Center, 02 Feb. 2010. Web. 13 Jan. 2016. <http: //www. pewinternet. org/2010/02/03/social-media-and-young-adults/> Ninivaggi, Jane. "Social Media's Double-Edged Sword: The Palatability of Privilege in the Transgender Community | Jane Ninivaggi – Digital America. " Digital America, 07 July 2015. Web. 08 Dec. 2015. <http: //www. digitalamerica. org/social-medias-double-edged-sword-the-palatability-ofprivilege-in-the-transgender-community-jane-ninivaggi/>