online

One of the themes I'm hearing over and over again is that we're
moving toward a single online identity. Information has begun to pile up
closer and closer together. The Internet has been a point of learning
and connection for the trans communities for years. We discover facets
of our identities, find trans positive services, and those of us in more
isolated areas connect with the larger community for support.

To me, the idea of our online identity's solidifying has possible
direct implications for the trans communities. We already know that
human resources reps do Web searches on candidates, and the idea that we
should "just not say anything we don't want others to know" doesn't
necessarily hold water in our cases.

A lot of us use the Web for community building and information sharing. Here are just some of the ways I can think of:

• Trans related blogs, especially from voices that don't get air time in the mainstream LGB-T media
• Compiling information about physicians, counselors, and other service providers who work with us
• Rating those service providers
• Putting out dates and times for conferences, support groups, and other community events.

What do you think about our lives, the role the Internet plays in
growing our community, and protecting our information in this age where
information is increasingly bought and sold without transparency? I see
us as an untapped market, so part of the reason I'm asking is to start a
conversation about how to guard and grow our information in the future.