#hell no to the memo
Call Your Senator About Trans Rights — But Call Your Mom Too
On Sunday, news broke that the Trump Administration is working on policies that would define sex as “a person’s status as male or female based on immutable biological traits identifiable by or before birth.” Trans people had seen this infuriating news coming, what with Trump and the Republican party’s hostility toward the trans community. Still, nothing can truly prepare one for the next political move or anti-trans headline. Trans people continue to find that our darkest fears aren’t just abstract thoughts, but that this administration is actively working to strip trans people of our human rights and legal protections.
Recently, a person asked me how cis people can support trans women. My best advice is: be a friend. Give us the benefit of the doubt and give us a chance. Stop holding us at arms length and invite us into your club. Tell your trans friends you love them. Be the kind of friend I can turn to when the president and my country make me feel like dying. Perhaps most importantly, be the kind of friend who advocates for trans people and our human rights.
Almost all of us have people in our lives who are planning to vote Republican in the midterm elections, whether they’re family, coworkers, neighbors, teachers, or acquaintances. Spend time talking to them about the importance of trans rights. Be patient with them and have resources at the ready to answer questions. Look to the trans people you follow on social media to find articles written by trans people — especially explainer pieces, or personal stories. Find resources on how to talk to family and people who are unfamiliar with trans issues. This isn’t about arguing with assholes; it’s about communicating with the millions of people who aren’t aware that they’ve ever met a trans person.
Post link
