Trans(cend) bigotry
Fascists build power by targeting controversial communities first. Once they normalize previously unthinkable actions against them, they expand. If you were okay with Transgender people’s drivers licenses being revoked without warning, then you’ve already lost credibility arguing that it isn’t okay against the next group.
Take some action this week to support transgender folks. Start where you are, and take one step towards being an effective ally to all.
How to do it:
If you don’t know anyone transgender and the whole thing makes you uncomfortable, watch “Will & Harper,” a documentary about Will Farrell taking a road trip with an old friend, newly out. It’s a very accessible, sometimes funny exploration of friendship and humanity.
If you are already a determined ally, spread the word intentionally this week:
- buy and wear transgender uplifting t-shirts, buttons, etc.
- create small signs or buy stickers to post around town
- Explore a Transgender library no Nazi can burn.
- Read and share Zines from around the world.
- See if there is anti-trans legislation where you live (in 42 states it’s “Yes”) and take action
And if this action makes you uncomfortable, remember this: if you don’t know several people in a community, any opinions you have about that community are social bias you’ve absorbed. Whether they are “positive” or “negative”, bias divides us by creating us/them categories. Fascists fuel and feed on these divisions. Break them down by meeting diverse people. You won’t like everyone, but get to know enough people and you’ll realize it’s rarely because of how they’re categorized.
