What Are The Rights of the Individual

by Sarah J. Rutherford

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No matter what your circumstance, whether you work, study or are a woman of leisure, we all know some of the problems and opposition we can and unfortunately do receive from less informed others. Lately I have had my fair share of such 'others' to the point where I am at the moment taking legal action as the only way to get through to certain people that while I have a mostly passive nature, there is only so much shit I will tolerate. One of the things I always find disconcerting is the lack of consideration we receive from the general public, or parts thereof, and I often wish they would just take the time to consider some of the basic rights, that all people, not just Transsexuals, should have. I was asked at university to write what the lecturers called, a burning, some subject close to me, of importance, and to put the question forward in a paper with my expectations or demands. The one thing that immediately sprang into mind was the consideration that sadly had been lacking at my campus in recent weeks, The Rights of the Individual. I doubt many ordinary 'decent' folk have ever read the United Nations charter on human rights, or for that matter have any idea it exists. So, I came up with a few things which I think are basic to most people, and to their desire just live a nice, happy and fuss free life. My ideas are far from unique, or new, not the work of genius or wonderful discoveries or revolutionary in thinking, they are things I would just like to have, or have considered. So, here it is, my Rights of the Individual, as best I can at this moment portray them, and if I missed anything, please, feel free to tell me. With love and always, Sarah. As usual, all comments welcome.

It is often mooted that people have certain rights, civil and human, inalienable and inferred. Given such assertions, as we begin this so called twenty-first century - age of enlightenment, the rights of the individual in so many areas need emphatically considering and restating, so there can be no misinterpretation, confusion or excuse for personal, institutional, or societal ignorance of their existence, necessity or justification. The question of Rights is not so much, do we have them, but what rights can we honestly expect people to unconditionally respect, not only for themselves, but others also? If we do not respect certain rights for some people, we cannot then accept a double standard and expect them for our exclusivity.

Firstly, the right to live to one's own expectations.

Freedom of expression, in dress, language, belief, lifestyle, thought and understanding.

The right to choose and make choices, without fear of rebuke, excessive criticism, abuse or humiliation; to be actively creative, exploratory, adventurous or intrigued where desired.

To be allowed to make mistakes, and not be condemned for doing so, and likewise have the opportunity to learn from such experiences, taking individual actions and accepting the rewards or consequences.

Being able to enjoy an independent lifestyle, personal privacy and respect; free movement without fear of obstruction, attack or abuse.

The pleasure of being oneself, not a societal construct or demand, based upon a superficial perspective.

Respect as a human being, irrespective of race, creed, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical or ethnical features, class or social status, wealth, locality, education, ability or mental capacity.

The right to be unique where such is justified.

Free association without exclusion or ostracisation by opposing groups, organizations, institutions or authorities.

The guarantee of choice with regard to self isolation or social inclusion, as suits the needs or desires of the individual.

Liberty to be different, where such difference in honest, honourable and meaningful in nature.

The right to learn, to understand; to love and be loved, and to be taken seriously, not regarded as a novelty, a humourous object or opportunity for other people's misplaced pleasure or derision.

To above all else be free from unfair judgementalism, excessive scrutiny, intrusion, unwarranted attention or opinion, abuse in any form or questioning of those who for whatever reason, private or communal, disapprove of individuality, be it from their own fear, ignorance, intolerance, bias, secular or dogmatic teachings, societal or institutional misinterpretation - intellectual or otherwise; arrogance or indifference in attitude.

If after all of this, one cannot be truly individual and free to be oneself, then will someone please turn off all the lights, and at least present a truer picture of an uncomfortable, present and sad reality, that true individual freedom is merely an illusion.

Polare is published in Australia by The Gender Centre Inc. which is funded by the Department of Community Services under the S.A.A.P. Program and supported by the N.S.W. Health Department through the AIDS and Infectious Diseases Branch. Polare provides a forum for discussion and debate on gender issues. Advertisers are advised that all advertising is their responsibility under the Trade Practices Act. Unsolicited contributions are welcome, though no guarantee is made by the Editor that they will be published, nor any discussion entered into. The editor reserves the right to edit such contributions without notification. Any submission which appears in Polare may be published on our internet site. Opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the Editor, The Gender Centre Inc.I, the Department of Community Services or the N.S.W. Department of Health.