The ETSU Student Government Association is hosting “On the Line”, an event based on the YouTube series “Spectrum” by Jubilee.
In both, the participants are asked to stand on one of seven lines based on a question: strongly disagree, disagree, somewhat disagree, neutral, somewhat agree, agree and strongly agree. These questions are mostly controversial in nature.
SGA Vice President Seth Manning told the East Tennessean that he intends to discuss topics such as big tech and media, healthcare in America, gender and sexuality and climate change.
There is a major difference between the ETSU event and the Jubilee series. Jubilee introduces each question to a group of the afflicted participants, while ETSU invites all students to attend the events.
My hesitation towards “On the Line” can only be expressed through my experience as a trans woman. While all people have the right to express an opinion, and this event as a consequence has a right to exist, I do not believe there has been care toward protecting minorities. What may be “fun” and “insightful” to the majority, is a bleak reality for minorities.
The gender and sexuality event will only open the wounds I experience. Instead of a fun exercise alongside my peers, I will be met with people who believe I do not have the right to use the bathroom. I will be reminded of the aunt who believes I am a part of the “mentally unstable people that can’t figure out who they are.”
Manning said there are certain things they do not allow, like, “name-calling and blatant attacks on one another.”
While I believe him, I do not want to debate my existence. I believe this is the opinion of my community as well. I wish I had the luxury to just exist.
I worry “On the Line” will ultimately cater to the population that latches onto my trans-ness as a topic of debate and fail to truly solicit the opinion of the affected communities. The allure of Jubilee’s videos is the act of the community speaking for itself, which is lost in a platform open to the public.
ETSU’s “On the Line” event series will take place on March 2, March 9, March 30, April 6 and April 13.
