Alexander John Goodrum

Alexander John Goodrum (1960–2002) was an African-American transgender civil rights activist, writer, and educator.[1][2][3] He was the founder and director of TGNet Arizona.[4] He was a board member of the Tucson GLBT Commission,[5] and the Funding Exchange's OUT Fund, which allocates an annual grant named after Goodrum to LGBT community organizing projects such as the Latina lesbian magazine Esto no tiene nombre, edited in part by tatiana de la tierra.[6]

Goodrum in an undated photo

Goodrum was bisexual, disabled, and a trans man, he wrote about his gender influencing spirituality.[7][8] His "Gender Identity 101: A Transgender Primer" has been reprinted in various forms to educate mainstream society on basic questions regarding transsexual and transgender people.[9] His work is carried on by the Southern Arizona Gender Alliance (SAGA).[10][11]

Death

Goodrum died by suicide on September 28, 2002, while at La Frontera Psychiatric Health Facility, a psychiatric ward.[2] His death was unexpected and investigation into the facilities handling of his case prompted some procedural and physical changes at La Frontera.[1][12][13]

Legacy

In 2003, he was posthumously awarded the Godat Award, which honors lifetime service to the LGBT community.[3][14]

In 2015, SAGA initiated the Alexander John Goodrum Catalyst of Change award. The first honoree was TV and film star Laverne Cox.[15]

See also

References
  1. Newell, L. Anne (October 8, 2002). "Investigation will look into death of activist". Arizona Daily Star. p. B6.
  2. "In Memoriam". Archived from the original on March 3, 2012. Retrieved March 2, 2012.
  3. Commings, Jeff (July 24, 2006). "AIDS Activist Craig Snow to Receive Wingspan Honor". Arizona Daily Star. p. B2.
  4. Gale, Elaine (June 30, 2002). "Crossover acts". Arizona Daily Star. p. D1.
  5. Morlock, Blake (December 19, 1998). "Gay task force comes up with 1st proposals". Arizona Daily Star.
  6. De La Tierra, Tatiana. "Activist Latina Lesbian Publishing: esto no tiene nombre and conmoción." I am Aztldn: The Personal Essay in Chicano Studies, ed. Chon A. Noriega and Wendy Belcher (Los Angeles: UCLA Chicano Studies Research Center Press, 2004) 194.
  7. Rudacille, Deborah (2006). The Riddle Of Gender: Science, Activism, And Transgender Rights. Anchor. p. 276. ISBN 0385721978. Archived from the original on January 3, 2014. Retrieved April 4, 2021.
  8. Our Sexuality. Cengage Learning. 2007. p. 131. ISBN 978-1133943419. Archived from the original on March 10, 2021. Retrieved April 4, 2021.
  9. Research Navigator Guide for Abnormal Psychology. Allyn & Bacon. 2003. p. 64. ISBN 0205408354.
  10. Transitions. The Advocate. 2002. p. 28. Archived from the original on September 21, 2013. Retrieved September 19, 2013.
  11. "Alexander John Goodrum". Southern Arizona Gender Alliance. Archived from the original on September 21, 2013. Retrieved September 19, 2013.
  12. Newell, L. Anne (October 11, 2002). "Death leads to safety changes at La Frontera". Arizona Daily Star. p. B4.
  13. Newell, L. Anne (June 28, 2003). "Claim faults clinic in activist's suicide". Arizona Daily Star. p. B1.
  14. Lacy, Sherri (September 21, 2003). "Funhouse theater group dances its way to $2,000". Arizona Daily Star.
  15. Taracena, María Inés. "Southern Arizona Gender Alliance Gives Laverne Cox a 'Catalyst of Change' Award". Archived from the original on October 2, 2016. Retrieved September 29, 2016.

Further reading
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