Ä¢¹½´«Ã½

Gender is a word that is being redefined and re-examined in my generation.

What may have been considered once a dichotomous label, and is still such in many areas in the world, is now a fluid landscape. Beyond how gender is categorized, there is also the progression in how gender is socialized.

“No gender roles” is a phrase I heard first at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ in my gender studies classes, a phrase that was foreign to me given my upbringing in a Middle Eastern household.

Currently, as a public defender representing the accused in New York City, I am pressed daily to defend people who are pushed to the side of society for a variety of reasons. Most times I cannot personally relate to various experiences as a cis white male with the accompanying privileges.

In trying to establish a connection to foster open communication, I’ve found the empathy builds foundation far stronger than sympathy.

To “feel-bad-for” and “feel-with” are separated by understanding. That understanding takes effort when you have no first-hand experience – it takes learning. Programs like the gender studies program at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ are training for students to gain that knowledge, to prepare for that understanding, and make that connection. It’s training to share the world rather than co-exist.

I feel very lucky to have been in the gender studies program at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½. It was challenging and plain enjoyable, and it has served me so well in life as well as my work as a public defender.

Adam Myren, class of 2016
English major, gender studies minor
Currently a public defender in NYC