Sam Green, a trans rights activist and Marshall University social work major, began working as an intern with the ACLU-WV communications and organizing departments in August. Get to know more about Sam and what inspires them to do this work.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a senior at Marshall University majoring in social work and getting minors in English and creative writing. I live in Huntington with my partner, my best friend, and our three cats, Luna, Kitty-Kitty, and Noodle. I work as the assistant coordinator for Marshall University Suicide Prevention Education Across Campus, providing resources to students and organizing events to reduce stigma around mental health care.
Outside of school, I try to stay active in my community, especially with LGBTQ+ issues. I’m currently serving on the Huntington Pride board as vice-president and organize community events and resources in that role. At the start of this year, I worked with other trans individuals to form the West Virginia Transgender Coalition to start building a network of trans people in the state to support each other and work together on issues important to the community.
As part of your internship, what are you working on for ACLU-WV?
I’ve been able to help with a lot of things since starting my internship, like designing some social media graphics, assisting in event planning, helping the youth organizer when I can, but by far, my favorite part of the internship has been the research aspect. I’ve been looking through the state’s newspaper archives to understand and compile the work and influence the ACLU has had in this state, going all the way back to the early 1920’s when they supported West Virginia miners' fight to unionize.
What do you find most exciting about this work?
There are a lot of policies in West Virginia that harm marginalized populations, and I have always wanted to be part of changing that. A lot of my passion for social work lies in mezzo and macro interventions. Doing my internship with the ACLU gives me the opportunity to see what is like to work on those levels and to protect the rights of West Virginians.
What gives you hope?
Seeing the work so many organizers in Appalachia put into defending the rights of others gives me hope. I’m fortunate to be surrounded by people that are so dedicated to this work and give their all to issues they care about.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
When I'm not showing love to my cats or reading a good book, I'm usually out and about looking for ways to be involved in the community. I like to hang out with fellow activists and find ways to share our passions that help avoid burnout. Many of the organizations I work with also plan social events that bring joy into my life. I spend many evenings pursuing creative writing projects that incorporate my knowledge and background with trauma work. I like to end a long day watching TV or playing Mario Kart with my roommates.
What are your go-to playlist songs?
Never Quite Free by the Mountain Goats and a Better Son/Daughter by Rilo Kiley