Marsha Movie Analysis

Scott, this is such a powerful story thank you for your post. Marsha was a brave amazing person, advocate, and friend. Ilyan Ferrer (2017) highlighted that oppression is embedded in stereotypes. Marsha was a black, trans women who experienced oppression based on colour, gender, and sex. Marsha experienced violence, poverty and a disconnect from mainstream society as a result of these factors. This disconnect was perpetuated by laws making transvestite illegal, resulting in Marsha being the victim of violence. Marsha’s treatment in life and in death was a result of societal belief systems and values which were deeply embedded in practice and structures. The organization has sworn to uphold the safety of others, the police force, was influenced by stereotypes. This resulted in a milieu that not only allowed the victimization of Marsha but also perpetuates the violence by minimizing the risk of stereotyping.
Cari Culbrandsen (2017) described an Ally as knowing the issues, knowing yourself and building relationships. On a mezzo level, a social worker can support trans issues by doing education around language and attitudes related to oppressive practices and by providing safe spaces. An example of providing support from the movie is Transy house, run by Rusty Mae Moore and Chelsea Goodwin. Transy house was a place that other trans woman lived and used as a safe space. Sylvia Rivera, another trans advocate used Transy house as a safe space, initially just dropping in and eventually, Sylvia moved in. This started a process for Sylvia that resulted in her becoming sober and resuming her advocacy for trans issues. I feel that historical stereotypes continue to influence stigmas and lack of resources for marginalized people