Janani Vaidya
Bio:
Janani Vaidya (they/them) is a BCBA, researcher, writer, and editor. Their background in behavior analysis is working on skill-building with disabled and/or neurodivergent adults and training staff working with them. Their current focus is on research, specific to gender and sexuality focus on identity conceptualizations and language development, implicit bias, sensitivity training, harm reduction, consensual non-monogamy, transgender issues, racial and reproductive justice, disability justice, access equity, and asexual/aromantic issues. They are also a member of the Association for Contextual Behavior Science (ACBS), the Sexual Behavior: Research and Practice (SBRP) Special Interest Group affiliated with ABAI, and the Louisiana Contextual Science Research Group. Currently in India, they are working with local organizations and mental health practitioners to develop communication networks, provide education on various aspects of the LGBTQIAP+ community, and creating a digital media platform for the trans community with other organizers. You can find them on Twitter: @JananiVaidya and Instagram: @janani.vaidya.
Abstract:
Chapter 21: LGBTQ2IA
Supporting Ontogenic and Cultural Compassion Building for the LGBTQ2IA Community
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, two-spirit, intersex, asexual, and aromantic (LGBTQ2IA) people are often targets of direct oppression at both the systemic and interpersonal level. While many non-LGBTQ2IA individuals may not engage in direct acts of aggression toward LGBTQ2IA people, they often benefit systemically from their place in an oppression hierarchy, and thus may not engage in anti-oppressive behaviors, even if they hold anti-oppressive values. We posit that to build compassion for LGBTQ2IA people involves direct, active behavior on the part of non-LGBTQ2IA people. However, anti-oppressive appearing behaviors may be engaged in which do not actually result in consequent liberation or movement in the direction of liberation. We posit that anti-oppressive action of non-LGBTQ2IA people must be LGBTQ2IA led, grounded in mutual aid, and moving in the direction of interlocking liberation for all oppressed peoples and classes.
Related Links: