Read a letter from our beloved Stephanie on this Transgender Day of Remembrance:
Today, November 20, is the Transgender Day of Remembrance. It is the day in which we name aloud those that we know in the trans and gender non-conforming communities that were murdered in the past year. That number in the U.S. is 32 although that number almost certainly falls far short of the actual number. The majority in the list are transgender women of color, a trend that persists every year. The number also does not include those who die by suicide, lack of access to proper health care, and many causes related to gender identity.
The transgender community has enjoyed greater visibility in the past decade. This has also brought greater notoriety and organized hate against the trans community. In some ways, it was easier when we were not as well known. We as a community could fly under the radar. In the past two years, the number of anti-trans laws at the state level has increased substantially especially with regard to trans youth and athletes. Trans youth, their parents, and doctors are at risk of having decisions regarding their own bodies taken away from them. Trans athletes, even though so few in number, are being targeted with exclusionary laws. This is in addition to all the laws forbidding teachers from speaking about LGBT issues.
So what can we do to be an ally to the trans community?
Use their correct pronouns. If you don't know, ask!
Educate yourself on trans issues. Don't rely on the trans community to do all the work here. Search out websites, blogs, authors, etc.
Vote for LGBT friendly candidates, and then hold them accountable! Also let the lawmakers who write anti-trans bills know as well.
Speak up when you hear transphobic jokes or language.
Check in on your trans friends. Even a simple text or note saying you're thinking of them will help.
All of the above increases your proximity and understanding with the trans community and their issues. Bryan Stevenson of EJI alluded to this in his speech at Davidson College a couple of years ago. Over time, the hate decreases as it simply becomes unacceptable. We better understand the beautiful people in the trans community, their gifts, their perspective, their talents. Each life cut short is a loss for all of us due to the potential lost. Each person is valuable. Each person is enough. They don't need to apologize for being their most authentic selves. On this Transgender Day of Remembrance, let us commit to remembering those who had that opportunity snatched away and be the supporters for those still here.
Thank you and all my love,
Stephanie
