Trans People Are In Danger
The community needs your help, now more than ever.
In 2023, 600 anti-LGBTQ bills were introduced in America, and eighty six were passed, greatly endangering the lives of transgender and queer people all over the country. This is more than double the amount of legislation introduced in 2021 and 2022 combined. Most of these bills targeted healthcare, education, athletics, identity, and gender-affirming care. Healthcare bans towards transgender Americans increased more than five times. As of January 2024, 227 bills have been carried over from the previous year, and are still under consideration. There are currently forty three anti-trans bills under consideration from 2024. Of the eighty six anti-trans bills passed in 2023, twenty four involved healthcare, and twelve involved education.
As of January 2024, it's illegal to change the gender marker on your identification in Florida. From 2011 - 2023, these markers could be changed only with consent from the doctor who was currently providing them with clinical treatment. As of January 26, changing your gender marker is considered "fraud", a "dishonest representation" of identity. Under Florida law, sex and gender are one in the same, and identifying with a gender that does not correspond with your assigned sex is a criminal offense.
Bills Passed in 2023
Alabama
01. AL HB261 - Sports
This bill states that all "biological males" must compete on sports teams designated for men, and all "biological females" must compete on sports teams designated for women. There's a common belief that transgender athletes have a "biological advantage" when it relates to competing against cisgender athletes. It's become a debate, if you will, as if trans people are a hot topic to be debated about, like a social or political issue. Our existence is not a debate. Our lives are not a topic of discussion, to be dictated by middle-aged white men who don't understand anything outside of their own narrow experience.
Idaho
01. ID H0071 - Healthcare
This bill states that medical providers are prohibited from performing any type of medical procedure on a minor that is not done with the intent of saving a life. This includes all types of genital surgery, as well as plastic surgeries. The bill also states that medical providers are prohibited from providing a minor with medications like puberty blockers, testosterone (for an AFAB person), or estrogen (for an AMAB person). The thing about this is that most respected medical professionals don't perform gender-affirming procedures on minors, anyway (although: I'm Canadian, so maybe things are different here). Regardless, I'm not sure I have enough knowledge on healthcare to have an opinion on this bill.
02. ID S1016 - Bathroom
This bill states that access to public restrooms should be granted based on assigned sex in order to prevent sexual violence or assault. The thing that Republican senators don't realize is that trans women are no more likely than cis men to endanger others, especially strangers in a public restroom. Another issue I have with this bill is that you cannot always tell if someone's assigned sex corresponds with their gender presentation. Plenty of cisgender women are more masculine than feminine: body-builders or women with short hair who dislike dressing up. Plenty of cisgender men are short and long-haired: men with higher-pitched voices or rounder hips. Transmisogny hurts cis women, too.
Montana
01. MT HB303 - Healthcare
This bill states that medical professionals are not required to provide care to those that violate their personal conscience. Not only does this potentially endanger the lives of trans and queer people, it also endangers the lives of religious minorities, sexual assault victims seeking out abortions, and any individual whose "lifestyle" or beliefs a medical professional personally disagrees with. Your personal biases do not belong in medicine. If you lack the ability to set aside your own beliefs and opinions in order to care for someone else, you should not be a medical provider.
02. MT HB361 - Education
This bill states that educators have the right to refer to students by their legal birth name and sex, and that it is not discriminatory to do so. What if your name is Anthony, but you like to be called Tony? What if your name is Rebecca but you go by Bex?
Georgia
01. GA SB140 - Healthcare
This bill states that medical professionals are prohibited from providing gender-affirming care and/or puberty blockers to minors. It states that gender dysphoria is a mental illness, often caused by an overlapping cause such as autism (yep, you read that right. Autism causes gender dysphoria!) It goes on to say that performing irreversible gender-affirming surgeries on transgender kids is prohibited, but performing irreversible surgeries on intersex kids is perfectly fine.
Tennessee
01. TN HB0009 - Entertainment
This bill states that adult-oriented performers such as topless dancers, strippers, and "male or female impersonators" can be charged or arrested if performing in a place where they could be viewed by minors. I'm pretty sure the people who pass these bills are the same people taking their nine year old sons to Hooters to celebrate their birthday.
02. TN HB1269 - Education
This bill states that educators are entitled to their freedom of speech and beliefs at school, and that they're not required to use a pronoun which doesn't correspond with a student's assigned sex.
For more information, or to read all of the anti-trans legislation, visit https://translegislation.com/
According to trans activist Erin Reed, some of the safest states for trans people are California, Hawaii, Illinois, Minnesota, New York, and Colorado. Some of the worst states are Florida [obviously], Texas, Iowa, Mississippi, and Kentucky. Legislation is targeted at trans people, but it doesn't just affect us anymore. In some places, openly standing for trans rights - or even just allowing your minor child to be transgender - can lead to persecution. Despite this, showing your support can make a world of difference. You can stand up for trans rights by emailing or calling state senators, actively fighting transphobia, and speaking up for those whose voices were taken away (because if you think it's scary to stand in defence of the attacked, imagine how much scarier it is to become the attacked).
Don't forget to tell a transgender person you love and accept them. Do it whenever you get the chance.
About the Creator
ghostsandrebels
i'm a a queer writer, poet, cat lover, and author. i'm passionate about psychology, human rights, and creating places where lgbt+ youth and young adults feel safe, represented, and supported.
29 | m.
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It's time to talk about the trans genocide
Content Warning: This article contains discussion about transphobia, descriptions of hate crimes and violence, discussions of historical genocides, and talk of active anti-trans legislation. Please read at your own discretion.
By ghostsandrebels4 months ago in Pride
Miss koovagam
** Koovagam Festival Celebrating Transgender Identity through Fashion ** In the heart of Tamil Nadu, India, lies a vill with a vibrant and various festivity that transcends societal morals and celebrates the beauty of ambisexual identity. This festivity, known as the Koovagam Festival, is a unique event that includes colorful artistic conditioning, religious rituals, and, specially, a fashion show that showcases the creativity, gift, and adaptability of the ambisexual community. ** Origins and Significance of Koovagam Festival ** The Koovagam Festival has its roots in Hindu tradition, specifically the Mahabharata. Legend has it that Aravan, the son of Arjuna and Nagakanya Ulupi, offered himself to insure the palm of the Pandavas in the Kurukshetra war. Before his death, Aravan expressed a desire to marry and witness marital bliss. still, no woman was willing to marry him for fear of getting a widow shortly after. In response, Lord Krishna converted himself into Mohini, a womanish form, and wedded Aravan. The coming day, Aravan was offered, and Mohini mourned his death, therefore establishing the ritual of eunuchs mourning the death of Aravan during the jubilee. The jubilee is held annually in the vill of Koovagam, located in the Viluppuram quarter of Tamil Nadu, during the Tamil month of Chitrai( April- May). It attracts thousands of transgender individualities, both from within India and abroad, who come together to celebrate their identity, culture, and community. ** The Fashion Show A festivity of Diversity and Creativity ** One of the highlights of the Koovagam Festival is really the fashion show, which serves as a platform for transgender individualities to show their gift, creativity, and unique sense of style. The fashion show isn't just about showcasing glamorous outfits; it's a festivity of diversity, adaptability, and the beauty of tone- expression. Months before the jubilee, actors strictly plan and prepare their outfits, frequently uniting with contrivers and hairstylists to produce stunning ensembles that reflect their personality, culture, and individuality. The fashion show features a different range of styles, from traditional Indian vesture similar as sarees, lehengas, and kurta- pajamas to contemporary and avant-garde- garde fashion pieces that push the boundaries of gender morals and conventional beauty norms. What makes the Koovagam fashion show truly special is the sense of commission and pride that radiates from the runway. For numerous actors, it's an occasion to reclaim their identity, challenge conceptions, and assert their presence in a society that has frequently marginalized and discerned against them. Through their bold and confident walk, they shoot a important communication of tone- acceptance, adaptability, and defiance against social smirch and demarcation. ** Breaking walls and Challenging Conceptions ** The Koovagam fashion show is further than just a glamorous spectacle; it's a platform for social change and commission. By challenging traditional gender places and beauty norms, actors are breaking down walls and paving the way for lesser acceptance and addition of transgender individualities in society. Through their creative expression and cultural faculty, actors are reconsidering what it means to be beautiful and celebrating the diversity of mortal expression. Their courage and adaptability serve as an alleviation to others, encouraging them to embrace their identity and live genuinely without fear of judgment or demarcation. also, the fashion show provides a space for dialogue and education, allowing actors to partake their stories, gests , and struggles with a wider followership. By humanizing the ambisexual experience, the fashion show fosters empathy, understanding, and solidarity, thereby challenging conceptions and prejudices that immortalize demarcation and marginalization. ** Conclusion ** In a world where transgender individualities frequently face demarcation, violence, and marginalization, the Koovagam Festival and its fashion show stand as a lamp of stopgap, adaptability, and commission. By celebrating their identity, culture, and community, actors aren't only reclaiming their place in society but also challenging the very morals and structures that seek to oppress them. Through their creativity, courage, and unwavering spirit, they're reshaping the narrative around transgender identity and paving the way for a further inclusive and accepting society. As we celebrate the beauty and diversity of the Koovagam fashion show, let us also fete the profound impact it has in promoting social change, fostering empathy, and inspiring us all to embrace our true characters.
By vinoth kumar3 days ago in Pride
Tortured Soul
The soul careened blindly through a void where it scraped against the walls of a narrow tunnel, amassing a cumulative friction that created all the heat the devil would ever need to torment it. There was no light at the end, not even a fire. From the bottom a cold wind blew, and the clash of extremities spawned vapors of terror in the deadened and numbed appendage that was this strange, delirious, drunken consciousness.
By C. Rommial Butler6 days ago in Fiction
Comments (1)
Heart breaking and has me fuming with anger. I am grateful I don't live stateside anymore; we have our issues in Sweden as well, but it's more focused on the lengthy wait in the socialised medical system to begin the transitioning process. I have relatives who are and I do worry about them very much. Thank you for sharing this horrible reality regarding their human rights.