Transgender and Gender – Non-Overview Despite the continued attacks by Conservative MPs in the United States and abroad, people continue to fight for equal rights. While many members of the LGBTQ+ community may be simply unsafe, trans women of color remain the most vulnerable to discrimination and violence given the recent incidents. To help you better understand how to support community members, Link talks with three advocacy groups that work to protect and empower trans people.
Know the human nature of others
If you are a person (no, not a slander), where can you start? This is very simple. “The most humane thing is to know our humanity. Some people do believe that we shouldn’t have a place in the world,” said Tiommi Luckett, senior national organizer of the Trans Law Center for active transgender law. “I think they need to see our humanity and realize that we are not asking for special rights.”
Don’t think you’ll understand the nuances of trans people’s life experience based on preconceived ideas or other people’s opinions. While it is important to recognize the difficulties and discrimination faced by trans people (or people from any marginalized groups), the media does not often represent their lives and nuances. “We need to see Trans Joy more clearly in the world,” said Camila Camaleón, executive coordinator for Gender Justice La.
Participate in local organizations
National organizations can be a permanent force, but you may have greater connections with those around you and have the potential to have greater impact by participating in local advocacy groups. Not sure where to find the trans group near you? If you are in the United States, check this list from our sisters publications to find a group that may be closer to your home. All 50 states include entries. Located in the UK? Trans Unite is a website that you can use to find nearby groups.
“Gender Justice Los Angeles has been the key to building community rehabilitation spaces for our members and respecting our former archipelago,” said Sonia Guiñansaca, director of the program at the grassroots organization. This is an example of an advocacy group led by BIPOC people who are trans, gender-incompatibility and two-spiritual advocacy groups. They strive to improve the lives of people who are marginalized, build a new generation of leaders, and provide people with a physical location for people to heal, create art and envision a better future.
Take a step back and listen to people of color
“It’s not self-centered to be self-centered,” said Ezak Perez, executive director of Gender Judge Los Angeles. “We should be centered on each other so we can go there and fight for issues that affect our community.” The cis white people need to understand that the job of allies is not to be responsible for this situation. Instead, listen to the leadership of marginal people and follow. “We don’t necessarily need people to lead,” they said. “But we need people to really join us and fight with us.”
If not, please register to vote
“People take the time to vote, then vote, and then vote,” said Sasha Buchert, director of the non-binary and trans rights program at Lambda Legal. She mentioned that the consistent voting is one of the most important actions allies can take, especially for young people who support equal rights but may not poll on Election Day.
Contact your representative
In addition to voting, Buchert recommends calling your local government leaders and asking about what they have done recently to protect the lives of trans voters. “I promise you have other people who are opposed to trans people who know the system,” she said. “They know the ability to talk to state lawmakers.” Please visit this website to find the contact information of your local elected representative in the United States, and if you are in the UK, go here.
Oppose harassment
“Don’t stand by and let subtle transphobia happen,” Buchert said. She noted that less obvious examples of phobia, such as friends’ nose comments, actively contribute to the hostile environment experienced by trans and gender-inconsistent people.
“It’s not a joke to be attacked on the street just because we are ours,” Luckett said. Intervention can be scary and dangerous if you see harassment in public, but you have multiple options for bystanders, such as creating interference or documenting with your phone. NPR’s webcomics are a great resource for bystanders who want to better understand how to react to harassment.
Support careers throughout the year
Anyone who can financially consider donating to a trans support group, such as Tulip House in Louisiana or Lucy’s residence in Arkansas – not only during Pride Month. “If we had a proud month situation every month, we were really able to expand and grow our programs at a great rate,” Perez said. Donating to small local groups could have a huge impact on their ability to provide resources to the surrounding communities.
Why is it so important to fight for trans rights? “Until we are all safe, we are not safe.” “My liberation is absolutely related to your liberation and everyone’s liberation. Because when we liberate black trans people, everyone has the potential to liberation.” Check out the Trans Law Center’s liberation cross-agency agenda for more information on this key topic.
