How to defend trance rights in your community

Transgender and genderless Despite this, people continue to fight for equal rights Persistent attack From conservative lawmakers in the US and overseas. Many members of the LGBTQ+ community You may not think it’s safe Considering recent events, Trans women of color They remain the most vulnerable to discrimination and violence. To better understand how to support community members, Wired spoke with three advocacy groups that work to protect and empower trans people.

Recognize other people’s humanity

If you’re a cisgender person (no, that’s not a slur), where can you start? It’s very easy. “The most humane thing is to recognize our humanity. Some people believe that we are not worthy of a place in the world.” Transgender Law Center. “I think they need to look at our humanity and realize that we don’t seek special rights.”

Don’t assume you understand the nuances of a trans person’s living experience based on preconceptions or someone else’s opinion. It is important to recognize the difficulties and discrimination faced by trans people (or people from marginalized groups), but the vibrancy and nuances of their lives are often not expressed in the media. “We need to see Transjoys exist more visibly in the world,” he said. Gender Justice LA.

Join a local organization

While national organizations can be eternal forces, you are likely to feel more connected to the people around you, and engaging with local advocacy groups can have a big impact. Don’t know where to find a trans rights group near you? If you’re in the US, See this list From the Sister’s Publications they To find groups that may be close to home. Entries are included from all 50 states. Is it in the UK? Trans Unite This is one website you can use to find groups near you.

“Gender Justice LA was crucial to building its community healing space for its members and honouring transceasters,” said Sonia Guinyansaka, program director for grassroots organizations. This is trans, genderless, and Two spirits. They fight to improve the lives of marginalized people, build a new generation of leaders, and provide a physical place for people to heal, create art, and imagine a better future.

Take a step back and listen to people of colour

“It’s not selfish to be centered around yourself,” says Ezac Perez, executive director of Gender Justice LA. “We need to be centered around ourselves and each other so that we can get out there and really fight for the issues that are affecting our community.” CIS white people need to understand that the work of their allies is not responsible for the situation. Instead, they hear and follow leadership from marginalized people. “We don’t necessarily have to lead people,” they say. “But we need people to really get on board and fight with us.”

If not, please sign up for the vote

“It’s very important that people take the time to vote after registering for the ballot,” says Sasha Buchart, director of the Non-Binary and Transgender Rights Project. Lambda Legal. She described the consistent vote as one of the most important actions an allied can take, especially for young people who support equal rights but may not appear on the ballot on Election Day.

Please contact your representative

Beyond the vote, Buchert recommends calling your local government leaders and asking them what they have done recently to protect the lives of trans constituents. “I guarantee there are others who are opposed to Transfolk who know the system,” she says. “They know the ability to talk to state legislators.” Visit. This website To find contact information for local, elected representatives in the United States Go here If you’re in the UK.

Please oppose harassment

“Don’t stand up, there’s subtle transphobia,” says Buchart. She points out that, like Snied’s comments made by a friend, this is not a very obvious example of transphobia, but is actively contributing to the hostile environment experienced by trans and non-gender people.

“It’s no joke that we’re attacked on the streets simply because we are us,” says Lactet. It’s horribly dangerous to intervene when you see harassment occurring in public, but there are multiple options to be on the sidelines, such as creating distractions and using phones for documents. This web comic from NPR For now, it’s a great resource for bystanders who want to better understand how to respond to harassment.

Supports all year round causes

Anyone who can do it financially should consider making a donation to a central support group. Tulip house Louisiana or Lucy’s location In Arkansas, not only among them, but every year Pride Month. “If we have a monthly Pride Month situation, we can really scale and grow our program at a great speed,” Perez says. Donations to small local groups It can have a significant impact on your ability to provide resources to the surrounding communities.

Why is it so important to fight for trans rights? “Until we are all safe, none of us are safe,” says Luckett. “My liberation is definitely linked to your liberation and everyone’s liberation because when we liberate black trans people, it’s possible for everyone.” See the Transgender Law Centre Center. Transagenda for liberation Learn more about this important topic.