Gender Inclusion Policy Work

These days I’m tired. Tired of defending my existence and the existence of transgender individuals. Tired of the “not trans people like you, but trans people like them” comments. Tired of being marginalized by the healthcare, economic, and social systems that try to erase me; erase transgender and genderqueer individuals as a whole.

Trans people are people. We all matter, we are all trans*, we all exist, regardless of the opinions touted by politicians and the general public.

Reading Chase Strangio’s post reminded me of all the reasons I am still alive and advocating for the rights all transgender individuals deserve.

I am tired, but I am strong. I am tired, but I am healthy and well. I am on the precipice of my 30’s and looking forward to my future.

A 2015 study found that 82% of transgender individuals reported having suicidal thoughts with 40% of transgender individuals having attempted suicide in their lifetime.

Statistically my endurance and happiness are a transgender anomaly, one that I celebrate for myself while simultaneously mourning for my community at large.

“In these “debates”, we are already always assumed to be perpetrating a fraud. And this serves those in power, because if our existence isn’t real then neither is our joy or our pain. Then no one has to contend with the freedom we represent or with the violence we face. But we are real. And then when we fight for what we know to be true about our lives and our health care, when we dare to enter the public realm with the audacity to love who we are, we are dismissed and punished-called groomers, narcissists, unethical, child abusers. If the goal is to silence us while they endeavor to destroy us, it is tempting to surrender. It is tempting to opt to stay out of the public conversation to protect our hearts and minds and dignity. It is tempting to not immerse ourselves in the vitriol and weaponized lies. To avoid being told that somehow we sit watch over the cis debates over the contours of our bodies and the nature of our identities for material and reputational gain and not out of a deep, abiding love for our people. It is tempting but I will never give in to the impulse to stay silent. For as long as they come for us, they will have to contend with my trans ass in court, in legislatures, in these public debates. I will not debate these fools on their terms but I will keep fighting on our terms with the lessons of love and care passed down to me. They fear us but they will not defeat us.”
— Chase Strangio
Current Events, Becoming MalcomMalcom Godowskitrans, transition, transgender, trans equality in sport, trans equality, transgender resources, gender inclusion, transphobia, protect trans youth, policy