Find Common Ground is a project meant to determine if the Common Ground model carries potential in communities for the well-being of transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) youth in light of current legislation.
One phase involves ongoing personal research on the evolving political landscape for TGNC youth. According to The Journal of the American Medical Association, 658 bills were introduced in statehouses across the country in 2024. While 45 of those bills were passed into law in 43 states, those bills that failed will be resubmitted in 2025 and beyond. Common Ground cannot impact these laws. The legal process will be inconsistent and will take years. TGNC youth do not have time to wait. Common Ground is a dispute resolution model that can potentially find the space between the laws and where communities may find agreement in a much shorter time frame with minimal expense.
The phase presented here is a gathering of experience and insight to determine the feasibility of implementing Common Ground in communities. In order to do this, I need to speak with a variety of people:
- Transgender and gender nonconforming individuals over the age of 18
- Parents of transgender youth
- Individuals that support the legislation
- Individuals who are uncertain of their position
- Community leaders on both sides (preferably in Kansas)
- Politicians on both sides of the matter (preferably Kansas)
Interviews are confidential. Any question can be skipped and additional comments and insights are welcome. There is never pressure to answer a question. Interviews can be conducted in a format that is most comfortable to the individual. Questionnaires can be emailed or sent via Messenger with a requested return time of one week. Interviews take approximately an hour and may be conducted over the phone or via Zoom. If you are close to Lawrence, Kansas, I am happy to do interviews in person. All interviews are recorded for accuracy.
The results of this project will be written into an article with a goal of publication and promotion within the dispute resolution community.
What Types of Questions Are Asked?
Questionnaires and interviews run on the same questions based on which group someone is in. Questions first address someone’s past in relation to this issue with the ability to discern what they wish to disclose. Other questions cover the impact of the laws on their lives and the lives of those around them, the effect of social media, their willingness to have a discussion with the other side, and what an optimal outcome would be. If you wish to see the questionnaire before an interview so you are more comfortable, a copy of the questionnaire can be sent to you via email or messenger.