Trans-Antagonism Across the US
Trans people are under attack.
This latest wave of new anti-trans bills and laws are absolutely heartbreaking. The State and Federal governments’ attempts to shame, other, criminalize, and even worse, erase the existence of trans and gender non-conforming (TGNC) people is truly horrific. At the time of publishing this newsletter there are more than 500 anti-trans bills in the United States. Only Delaware, Puerto Rico, and Washington DC have not introduced any anti-trans bill during the 2023 Legislative Session. These bills seek to prohibit inclusive bathrooms, limit or exclude trans people from sports, restrict what can be taught in schools, and in some states, police who is allowed to access trans-affirming and oftentimes life saving care. While the means may differ, the goal is the same: attempting to erase the existence of our communities.
Our hearts ache as we watch TGNC people struggle through this increased and seemingly renewed vigor for hate. It is overwhelming and often brings up feelings of helplessness as we watch the mere humanity of some of the people we love the most be questioned.
Things that help us during all this is remembering that trans people have always existed, always been here and always will be. We think about the trans elders who came before us and risked their all to get us to this point. We think about the bravery of Marsha P Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, and Chicago’s own Mama Gloria and Miss Major Griffin-Gracy. We think of the personal sacrifices they made, and – in the case of Miss Major – continue to do, for the betterment of the trans community; we remember that it was our community that got us this far all along.
We will keep each other safe.
We will center joy and celebrate our identities.
We will fight back.
TGNC people have always been here and we will ensure they always will be.
Praxis continues to offer our Trans-Affirming Best Practices workshop to many organizations and groups looking to ensure they are fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment. We are grateful to every group who dedicates the time and effort to join us for this informative workshop and to create conversation around how to support your group’s values. These conversations are key components in moving beyond tolerance and immediately into an environment of respect and true inclusion.
When people feel welcome to bring their true selves to the table, teams are more productive, innovation is encouraged, and businesses thrive. We cannot expect that people can bring their full selves to the table when their humanity and right to exist is being decided by politicians and courts. We are excited to offer 3 sliding scale public Trans-Affirming Best Practices workshops in June, including one in Spanish. Praxis will continue to monitor what is happening in legislative sessions and court rooms around the country. We are also here to provide help and support to those navigating this challenging time.
