Free Text Service Sends Daily Validation To Isolated Trans People
‘The Validation Station’ in the new free text service created in the times of coronavirus lockdown, to provide “a daily ray of light” for the trans and non-binary community in these uncertain times.
Created by non-binary radio presenter Jacob Edwards, queer, trans woman Kes and Grace Hayhurst ‘The Validation Center’ has already received more than 500 signups who are now getting a daily reminder of both how great they are and how valid their identity is.
“I've struggled to feel valid a lot over the past few years, and working on a project like this gives me the chance to help people in the same boat feel a little better,” Kes tells in an interview with ‘Forbes’.
“I came to realise that in my identity as a trans woman, I faced very little support and validation in my day-to-day life. But the amazing community of friends I have made online has been helping me through this massively. And I think The Validation Station helps to bridge the gap between that almost ethereal online community and the real world.
“So much hate is aimed at our community every single day, and we spend so much of our energy as a community having to fend that off, defend ourselves from it, and keep ourselves safe.”
Jacob Edward shared how he came about this idea, saying he was inspired by a young trans person on Twitter.
“I saw a trans person I follow tweet about being misgendered a lot already – just two days into the lockdown,” Edward said.
“It made me feel so sad for them and others not living in supportive environments or alone, like I am. I desperately wanted to do something for that person.”
He added: “I hope it helps to remind people that their identity is valid, the more we get told the opposite, the more it will cement in our minds. Therefore this daily text is worded to use names (and pronouns where we can) so trans and non-binary people get a reminder that this is who they are.”
Grace, who is providing the technology behind the portal, stated that she got involved in the project to help the web work for everyone. She stated that “The Validation Station is a step in the right direction to bring back the joy and creativity that the internet brought to so many before the silicon valley boom of the 2010s.
“I'm glad to be part of a project that supports the marginalised, and I hope that other people can learn from the project and spread positivity in their way.”
You can access the Validation Station at https://www.validationstation.net/
Read related myGwork articles here:
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Life-Saving Trans Surgeries Are Being Postponed As Hospitals Prepare To Fight COVID-19
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COVID-19: What does a global pandemic mean for vulnerable LGBTQ+ people?
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