A question I have on extending understanding of Transgender and LGBTQ+ rights as a whole as well as beyond to include all the minority and discriminated communities is simple words but the easy ends. The community needs to find a way to answer this conundrum.
This question is under the phrases of ‘echo chamber’ ‘preaching to the choir’ or simply put retelling to those already in the know. How to break out of this bubble or feedback loop constructively is a significant challenge.
How can communication be helpful and constructive with an absence of debate and combative tone while not pushing change of belief systems in others?
I think if this can be figured out it can be to way to rediscover humanity and build bridges for the good of people, all people.
On November 7 1978 California Proposition 6 also known as the Briggs Initiate we defeated. This initiative would have fired any teacher, teachers aide, administrator or counselor if the employee was found to be gay or a supporter of anyone gay.
Does this sound familiar? Think Florida, Texas, Alabama, Tennessee and a far to long list of US states and it should. The arguments then in the 1970’s is the same as the LGBTQ+ hate bills and laws today almost 50 years later.
There is no evidence in those decades that any of what was claimed has happened, yet they are still beating their drum and stoking the flames of hate. It would seem they have amnesia of all this and have tunnel vision to simply have it their way pushing anyone who opposes down as they attack.
Why is LGBTQ+ history attacked and removed? Why are books banned and education slashed and burned of any mention? As I think through how history has been altered by those who have the authority to do so, it looks like an attempt to hide wrong doing. The notion of the victor writes the history comes to mind. The Nazi’s destroyed art, books, research and the list goes on. I remember being taught during the cold war that history was being manipulated behind the iron curtain. This made me question so much of what I was told as fact.
Why are LGBTQ+ people under attack? This may not be the question to ask first, but instead how can humanity and people defend against these false and baseless accusations that has no proof, no evidence and is solely sourced from religious beliefs that are not even in-line with the teachings there. The issue has been abstracted so much that the view of reality has been distorted.
I am a resilient person and as such I strive for today to be better than yesterday not only for myself but others, even when they may not be part of the same demographic, community or culture. I do all I can to look forward to a time when people and humanity can be above, greater and celebrated more than a single groups ideas, finances, art, education, health for all and above political reach, humanity beyond religious affiliation, bring human respect to all families, sexuality’s and genders. To tear down the cast system we are each placed in as part of the existence we share.
We all have potential and to say some are superior or have a innate or divine gift over others is simply discrimination masking fear and hate. The dice are loaded and the cards are pre-selected before many are even given a chance. I want to see that end and all have opportunity to be everything they want to be.
All my trans* and non-binary brothers and sisters and the LGBTQ+ community, please take care of yourself. To help others people need to be as well as they can be themselves.
In today’s world where attacks are nonstop, reaching out and helping one another before attacking is often the best case in my opinion. Like the safety presentation on an airplane; put your mask on before helping others. The idea of defend before attacking also comes to mind.
It is impossible to see any news or depiction of what passes as news without being subjected to what is found there. There are many ways one can look at this, some good and others bad.
If you are unable to escape the reach of bad news, please keep in mind there can be a positive outcome. Humans are resilient and when up against a no-win, people find what is needed to persevere. There are countless examples throughout history of this.
If we were not in the way of an agenda then we would be largely ignored. This can be a position to take where the community’s existence and the reaction from some points to our strength and obstruction to those desires they use to attempt to beat us down.
I am writing this for anyone who needs it as well as myself. A reminder that I am here and not going anywhere and this act of defiance and dissent alone is a defense against hate. I am and will continue to do more.
What so many trans* and non-binary people are asked to endure on a daily basis is daunting and our perseverance is beyond amazing, it moves me to keep being positive and provides encouragement.
This community has withstood so much and to step back now seems like the wrong direction for how far we have come. In so many ways I see my personal struggle as a source of growth and it shows me just how much I can actually achieve. Convert the stress and anxiety into a drive to keep going and to help others as we can.
Rest if you need to, unplug for a while, recharge and be safe and healthy. I know that the community will be here and continue to be when you are ready again to come out.
Shatter that door down!
I will not attempt to reword Harvey Milk. Here is a link to a speech he made on June 25th 1978 for Gay Freedom Day.
Empress Em 