How Can I Love Harder?

Amidst all the attempts to erase trans folks, there is good news. Journalist Erin Reed of Erin in the Morning writes:

"In recent months, lawyers from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Department of Justice, National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), Human Rights Campaign (HRC), Lambda Legal, and several other organizations have contested laws banning gender-affirming care for transgender youth in states nationwide. Success stories are emerging, as seen in Missouri, where a temporary restraining order has blocked the ban. With seven states facing lawsuits challenging such bans added in the last few months, the total number of states being sued over gender-affirming care prohibitions now stands at nine. There is ample reason to believe these lawsuits will succeed."

This Wednesday May 17th is International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT). I hope you will participate in some way. And if not on the day, then on other days, and on all days.

If you're an ally/friend/family member/citizen of the world, now is not a time for complacency. Never underestimate what even small gestures can do for the cause. If you can't attend IDAHOBIT events, perhaps you can fly a flag, put up a sign, share a positive IG post, give ten bucks to ACLU (or any of the other orgs listed above) - it all adds up.

And then - do more!

But also - just do what you can.

And finally - kick back from the intensity of discouraging news to enjoy an episode or eight (it's addictive) of Sort Of, one of the best TV offerings of late (thank you, CBC).

Perhaps, if it seems right, reach out to show a trans person you care. Many are suffering under the weight of current moves to legistlate them out of existence. Say hi when you see them - if they don’t say hi back, know that some trans folks (just like cisgender folks) are shy - or maybe they’ve taken more than their share of abuse and hatred. If they're your neighbour, maybe drop a card of support in their mailbox...if it seems right.

“At a time when hard-won advances for our LGBTQ+ communities around the globe are increasingly under threat, the power of solidarity, allyship and community across identities, borders, and movements has never been more necessary.” - IDAHOBIT

On May 17 (and all month long) events happen all over the world and you can see some of what’s planned in the US and Canada at the IDAHOBIT website. You’ll find everything from BBQs to Chosen-Family Dinners. In Coquitlam, BC, where I grew up, there’s a Paper Craft & Movie Night at the Public Library. That sounds like fun!

In Toronto, where I now live, I'll be attending a panel at The 519 (Toronto’s LGBTQ+ hub) featuring Heath V. Salazar (aka Gay Jesus), Makayla Couture and Syrus Marcus Ware, Fae Johnstone and Niko Stratis.

From the panel blurb: ”We are angry seeing anti-2SLGBTQ+ rhetoric infiltrate our neighbourhoods, schools, cities, and communities. We are tired of the hate facing trans people and drag artists. Enough is Enough!”

The 519 also hosts an evening called “Prance and Protest” and I'll definitely be there - with bells on! From the The 519 website: “Anti-2slgbtq+ extremists are escalating their attacks on our communities - in Toronto, across Canada, and in the world. Generations of queer and trans people have fought for our hard-won rights. This Pride season let’s get one thing straight: we’re an Army of Lovers, and we won’t back down.”

Recently, poet & author Alok V. Menon responded to a hater on social media, signing off with: “I love you more than you hate me.” Alok's message of love over hate is travelling far and wide via social media and on stages throughout the land. I endorse it.

Alok writes: “Love is about expansion, not constriction. Becoming ourselves, not betraying ourselves. Writing love poetry isn’t simply about composing a stanza, it’s about composing a day… It’s about how we live, and I want to be a living love poem. Every day I ask myself “How can I love harder?” Love is my grounding force, it’s what gives my life shape and meaning; it anchors me to who I am and what I do. Love breaks through binaries - man and woman, us and them, you and me. I believe that everyone is worthy of love for being, not just for doing. Love means we believe in one another’s infinite capacity for transformation. It means we affirm one another’s complexity. And love also means we need each other…fundamentally and irrevocably.”

May 17 and always, show up for the love of your fellow human beings.

Update: And now it's Pride Month! Happy Pride & here's a story for you: