Month: March 2024

Imagine how exciting it would be to plan out a trip with some of your buddies to travel anywhere in the world you want. I bet there is already a million different places in your head right now that you would love to travel too, with the only concern being that this place is not an active warzone or if you will be able to afford it. Once you found your non-warzone vacation place, you road trip down with your friends and you enjoy your stay throughout your vacation. For most people, its that easy, for others it takes a little bit more consideration into where they are vacationing. Although typically not a major problem, some people in the LGBTQ community have to think twice about where they are visiting, mainly for their safety, but also for many other reasons. As someone who has a sibling who is transgender and loves to travel, it’s something that sits in the back of heads whenever we want to travel somewhere, but it can be one of the main reasons why someone in the LGBTQ community does or does not travel to specific locations.

Continuing on my siblings’ experiences, there are many things that need to be put into consideration when they want to travel. My sibling absolutely loves to travel and has visited places all across the country throughout their lifetime, but now they have to think about their personal safety when making these decisions. Although unlikely it will happen in high tourist locations, discrimination can happen no matter the circumstances, and nobody wants to be put into a position where they are unable to enjoy their vacation just because they are a part of the LGBTQ community. This means trying to avoid these specific areas when we travel, especially when they are known for being dissimilatory. These situations rarely have happened, but again they have happened, thus its always important that me and my family would put some consideration into these destinations, although this can sometimes be the reason why we travel to certain places. There is a huge list that my sibling wants to travel to, specifically because of how they are open to people towards the LGBTQ community and actively support their existence by providing a numerous amount of laws that garneted their safety and right to exist. Sometimes these places specifically have annual events that are similar to pride events, which can be a significant relief when knowing that they are traveling somewhere.

On the other hand, many others in the LGBTQ community often need to worry about travel when it comes to traveling to specific countries. There are plenty of countries around the world that have discriminatory laws and social stigma for LGBTQ members that create an environment that is both hostile and dangerous. Even when there is laws that protect the LGBTQ, there can still be cultural attitudes that may lag behind these laws, leading to discrimination. Recently, this problem was in consideration when it came to the World Cup that was hosted in Qatar. Qatar is known for committing many human rights violations, including those towards the LGBTQ community. This made it difficult for some people who wanted to enjoy seeing the most popular sporting event in the entire world, however they were unable to attend because they are not guaranteed by the country that they will be protected both physically or legally, thus a safer option to just stay home.

In conclusion, while travel is typically viewed as a thrilling adventure, it is important to remember that for members of the LGBTQ+ community, concerns about safety, discrimination, and legal safety differ greatly between many places, making traveling more difficult. While substantial progress has been achieved in advancing LGBTQ+ rights and inclusiveness across the world, it is not true about everywhere, emphasizing the continued need for activism and awareness.

Penn State received a $3,305,011 grant from the DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) in January to replace five Class 6 and 7 diesel-fueled trucks with battery electric vehicles and establish charging infrastructure at three locations on the University Park campus. This funding allows the university to begin electrifying its medium and heavy-duty vehicle fleet, which is a crucial component of Penn State’s Carbon Emission Reduction Task Force’s plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 100% by 2035. Penn State now owns and operates 23 hybrid electric and 18 completely electric cars, but no electric Class 4-8 trucks. The cars that will be retired produce roughly 115 tons of CO2-equivalent per year and contribute to ground-level ozone, which has a negative impact on human and environmental health. Once the new cars are in operation, the net reduction in greenhouse gas emissions will be roughly 48 tons CO2-equivalent per year, and the local air quality will improve. Four of the five trucks may be in place and functioning over the next 12-18 months, with the fifth arriving in 18-24 months. Four DC fast EV chargers and one Level 2 EV charging station will be placed on Penn State’s campus. The charging stations will be located at the Housing and Food Services Building receiving port, the Lion Surplus Building receiving dock, and the east side of the Physical Plant Building. This pilot grant program is meant to build off the success of the Driving PA Forward Initiative, which granted more than $70 million to roughly 1,100 emissions reduction projects around the Commonwealth.

Gas powered vehicles, especially semi-trucks and heavy load vehicles, take a heavy toll on our planet, devastating the environment and leading to the global temperature of the earth to increase steadily over time. Our university has made a great start into making their heavy duty fleet electric, however more action is required in order to reduce emissions coming from the semi-trucks. In order for Penn State to demonstrate their goals of being 100% carbon neutral in their heavy load fleet, they will need to continue to push for more policy that supports the purchasing if heavy load electric vehicles.

Concerns for Environmental Health: here I will discuss the impact on carbon emissions, specifically towards the trucking industry. I will incorporate statistics such as total carbon productions, environmental impacts, as well as semi-truck use statistics.

Name possible solutions and similar examples of implementations: I will plan on providing an idea of what the university or the country as a whole could be doing to pursing an electric fleet of semi trucks and provide a variety of examples of past implementations from other colleges or similar businesses.

Government Help: I will list what the government is doing to help make the change to more electric semi trucks, such as financial aid programs and legislation.

Conclude: Talk about how Penn State could be implementing a plan for getting more electric semi trucks.

I have always paid attention to Dr. Robert Bullard, a widely known advocate for sustainability and someone I thought would be extremely important to talk about, especially since I have yet to talk about a specific advocate. Dr. Bullard has played a pivotal role in furthering sustainability through his groundbreaking work in environmental activism, academics, and advocacy. His contributions span multiple decades and have profoundly impacted the conversation around ecological equality and justice.

One of the many things Dr. Bullard is known for is his literature and research on sustainability, especially dealing with minorities. His critical work, which includes works like “Dumping in Dixie: Race, Class, and Environmental Quality” and “Confronting Environmental Racism: Voices from the Grassroots,” has uncovered the systematic inequalities that underpin environmental policies and enforcement. Throughout his books, he has offered empirical data to back up the claim that certain groups face a disproportionate share of environmental dangers by recording examples of environmental racism and exposing patterns of ecological discrimination. His study has sparked regulatory changes and encouraged people to fight for their right to a clean and healthy environment.

Another area in which Dr. Bullard has made significant change is promoting community empowerment. As a strong advocate for environmental justice, he has fought to raise the voices of neglected people and challenge the current norms in environmental decision-making. His participation with groups has offered assistance and resources to communities combating ecological injustice. He has formed coalitions among activists, scholars, and officials, resulting in a formidable alliance to improve environmental equality. Dr. Bullard has contributed to raising attention to the problems of frontline communities by organizing rallies, bringing lawsuits, pushing for legislative reforms, and supporting action at the local, national, and worldwide levels.

Furthermore, Dr. Bullard has brought various ideas regarding environmental policy and planning, resulting in integrating them into mainstream projects. He has played a crucial role in creating environmental policy debates and influencing decision-making through his participation with government agencies, academic institutions, and non-profit groups. His work has resulted in legislation like Executive Order 12898, which requires federal agencies to include environmental justice in their programs and policies. His advocacy has helped push the notion of equity within the sustainability movement, highlighting the significance of ensuring all communities have a cleaner and safer environment.

Dr. Bullard’s impact goes beyond his scholarly and advocacy work to include his mentorship and educator position. As an urban planning and environmental policy lecturer, he has motivated several students, including myself, to become change agents in their communities. He has pushed students to critically investigate the connections between race, class, and the environment and devise and promote new solutions to environmental concerns. Dr. Bullard’s impact will last for years because he has cultivated a new generation of activists and intellectuals dedicated to environmental justice.

We can talk about so many different fields for Dr. Bullard; he has significantly contributed to sustainability through so many other public areas. His tireless efforts to solve environmental injustices have raised awareness, mobilized communities, and shaped policy debate. Dr. Bullard has made a lasting contribution to the sustainability movement by bringing forward the reality of environmental racism, empowering vulnerable communities, influencing governmental choices, and motivating future generations. His work demonstrates the significant impact you can make by advocating for more societal sustainability.

Sources:

Review: Robert Bullard: Dumping in Dixie: Race, Class and Environmental Quality on JSTOR

BIOGRAPHY – Dr Robert D. Bullard (drrobertbullard.com)

The father of environmental justice, on whether we’re all doomed – Vox

Summary of Executive Order 12898 – Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations | US EPA

 

It can be complicated to have someone who is part of the LGBTQ community in your life. I’m not discussing whether or not you agree with the LGBTQ community, but rather how to support them in different ways. That is why I want to touch upon two different areas of experience and what I believe is the best way of knowing what to do and when.

When supporting individuals within the LGBTQ community, it is essential to recognize that it requires an approach that encompasses both personal support and active advocacy. While helping an individual who identifies as LGBTQ can be a rewarding experience, it can also be a challenging one, especially if you are not familiar with the LGBTQ community or their experiences. It’s natural to have a spectrum of emotions when someone tells you about being a part of the LGBTQ community. Primarily, you should feel a sense of joy that they trust you enough to disclose this aspect of their life and assure them of your unwavering support. Nevertheless, additional considerations may arise. In my encounters with individuals coming out to me, I’ve found that it’s essential to follow these initial steps while also ensuring to periodically check in with them, offering an open ear for any concerns they might have. Unfortunately, many members of the LGBTQ community face backlash upon coming out, often leading to mental health struggles such as depression. As a result, determining the appropriate support to offer can be challenging. Drawing from my own experiences, maintaining ongoing communication and providing a supportive presence, even if it feels awkward sometimes, can significantly impact their well-being. Sometimes, a simple conversation can make the difference between reassuring them of their safety or prompting the need for more substantial intervention.

I also want to discuss the importance of advocating for better LGBTQ rights and living conditions. Being exposed to the injustices that the LGBTQ community faces through different forms of media can make you realize it’s time to take action. You can channel this desire by engaging in activities promoting equality for the LGBTQ. Seeking advice from people within the LGBTQ community can help identify ways you can contribute, as they have firsthand experience with the community’s challenges and can provide unique insights on advocacy strategies. This could involve joining advocacy groups or educating yourself by looking up online resources. Advocacy groups offer structured opportunities for involvement that can help amplify your efforts. In contrast, online resources provide a wealth of information to help you understand the issues more deeply and express your advocacy more effectively. You may even participate in pride parades or protests, potent platforms that raise awareness and demonstrate solidarity with the LGBTQ community. They also provide opportunities to engage with the community directly and personally. I’ve found blogging to be an impactful platform for advocating for the LGBTQ community, allowing you to share your thoughts and experiences with a broad audience. Simply reaching out and asking how you can help can bring numerous opportunities for meaningful engagement to light. This simple step can open doors to experiences and relationships that enrich your understanding of the LGBTQ community and strengthen your advocacy efforts.

In conclusion, supporting those within the LGBTQ community necessitates a thoughtful and compassionate approach that encompasses both personal support and active advocacy. By fostering open communication, offering continual reassurance, and seeking opportunities to promote LGBTQ rights actively, we can contribute to a more inclusive and supportive environment for all members of the community. Remember, the first step towards adequate support is simply reaching out and asking how you can help. By doing so, you can significantly impact someone’s life and contribute to a more accepting and inclusive society for all.

• Harms should be clearly stated and should be one of the first things my audience hears at the beginning of my argument or for the message I will be giving
• A few areas I may be interested in are sustainability, electric vehicles, education, or LGBTQ+
• Jurisdiction may be difficult since it could be people seek control over how a problem is resolved because they have an interest in it, which makes jurisdiction a difficult topic. Because they can carry out the solution in their own way, there is frequently conflict over who gets to put it into action.
• Encouraging people to embrace change and new policy through mandates and inducements is beneficial for all.

In the second half of last year, my brother dedicated his time to getting a job at a nearby pet shelter situated in Buffalo. Throughout his career there, he actively participated in organizing various events tailored to support the shelter’s cause, while also contributing to the day-to-day upkeep and maintenance tasks essential for its smooth operation. My brother found immense joy in his time at the shelter, describing it as one of the most rewarding experiences he has had in recent years. With a strong work ethic and a passion for customer interaction, he consistently provided exceptional service, making sure he arrived on time and creating a welcoming environment through his friendly demeanor when with visitors. This dedication not only increased his sense of accomplishment, but also significantly improved the overall positive atmosphere and effectiveness of the shelter’s operations. After working there for multiple months, he was unexpected released from his position. Although the release was surprising, my brother was able to pick up some hints to why they may have been let go building up to their release. My brother throughout working at this shelter, piece by piece figured out that some particular people in upper management did not agree on specific views with the LGBTQ+ community as my brother did, which could have led to bias during decision making. Although it was not extremely evident that the reasoning for being let go had to do with them being transgender and with other reasons being slightly unclear, knowing that someone may not want LGBTQ+ people in their workplace does leave a sour thought in the back of your mind.

Even though we may never know if that was the reason why my brother was let go from their position, many people in the LGBTQ+, specifically transgender people, often have to deal with workplace discrimination and bias, which can make having a stable job somewhat difficult. Discriminatory practices such as refusal of employment and termination based on gender identity or sexual orientation contribute to hostile work environments, undermining both individual well-being and workplace productivity. Moreover, the patchwork of legal protections across states leaves many vulnerable to mistreatment without adequate recourse, as efforts to implement federal protections, like the Equality Act, face obstacles. Addressing workplace discrimination necessitates comprehensive anti-discrimination policies, diversity training, fostering inclusive workplace cultures, and advocacy for legislative measures to safeguard LGBTQ+ rights.

Businesses can take various steps to promote allyship and raise awareness about the LGBTQ+ community. One way is to create employee resource groups and diversity initiatives and implement inclusive hiring practices. By doing so, organizations can foster a culture of acceptance and respect, creating a supportive and welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ individuals. Educational campaigns and training programs can further promote employee understanding and mindfulness towards LGBTQ+ issues. Creating a workplace where LGBTQ+ individuals feel valued and supported can positively impact employees’ well-being, resulting in increased productivity and innovation.

Moreover, having a diverse and inclusive workplace can attract top talent and enhance the company’s reputation as a socially responsible and progressive employer. By advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and equality in the workplace, businesses fulfill their moral obligation to create an inclusive environment and contribute to a more equitable society. Companies must recognize the significance of LGBTQ+ inclusion as a fundamental aspect of corporate responsibility and actively work towards eliminating discrimination and promoting equality for all employees.

My brother losing their position at the animal shelter was unfortunate, but by no means will it stop them from carrying on but knowing that this can be a problem they may be dealing for the rest of their life is heartbreaking to hear. With LGBTQ+ being such a hot topic in American society, it is important not to forget that those in this community are people too and they deserve the same amount of respect as everyone else. We should continue to strive towards more inclusive working environments and to reduce bias towards discrimination and hate.