on pride and politics
a call to arms to fight for the world we want
pride month is a time for celebration, visibility, and joy - but it's also a crucial moment to examine the intersection of identity and politics.
as a nonbinary person, i've felt the weight of political decisions on my daily life, from the bathrooms i can use to the way my identity is recognized (or not) by the government.
recent years have seen a wave of legislation targeting the trans and nonbinary community, from bills banning gender-affirming healthcare to laws prohibiting ID documents from accurately reflecting our identities. these developments aren't just political talking points - they have real, tangible impacts on the lives of people like myself.
when i see lawmakers debating my right to exist in public spaces or access necessary medical care, i feel a mix of fear, anger, and exhaustion. it's a painful reminder that even as we celebrate pride, our identities are still seen as up for debate by those in power.
yet in the face of this adversity, i'm constantly in awe of the resilience and strength of the trans and nonbinary community. we continue to fight for our rights, to speak our truths, and to support one another even when the world seems determined to erase us.
this pride month, i'm reminded of the critical importance of political activism and advocacy in shaping the policies that affect our lives. change doesn't happen without sustained effort and engagement. it's not enough to simply celebrate pride - we must also take action.
this means voting in every election, from local races to national ones. yes, i still believe that voting matters, even when the system feels rigged against us. it means contacting our representatives constantly, flooding their inboxes and phone lines, making our voices heard. it means showing up to protests and rallies, even when we're tired, even when it feels like no one is listening. it means supporting organizations that uplift the trans and nonbinary community, with our time, our money, and our resources.
but it also means speaking out in our daily lives. it means challenging transphobic comments from family members, friends, and coworkers. it means educating ourselves and others about the issues facing our community. it means being visible, being proud, and refusing to be silenced.
as the puerto rican patriot ramΓ³n emeterio betances once said, "ΒΏy quΓ© les pasa a los puertorriqueΓ±os que no se rebelan?" ("and what's wrong with puerto ricans that they haven't yet rebelled?").
today, i ask the same question of our community and our allies - what's wrong with us that we haven't risen up? what's stopping us from demanding the rights and protections we deserve?
it's time for us to rebel, in ways big and small. it's time for us to take action, wherever we are and however we can. whether it's running for office, organizing a protest, or simply having a difficult conversation with a loved one - every act of resistance matters.
to my trans and nonbinary siblings - know that you are seen, you are valid, and you are not alone in this fight.
to our allies - we need your support now more than ever. educate yourselves on the issues facing our community, use your privilege to amplify our voices, and stand with us in the struggle for equality.
the road ahead may be difficult, but i believe in the power of our collective action to create a world where all identities are celebrated and protected.
this pride month, let's recommit ourselves to the work of advocacy and activism - not just for ourselves, but for all those who come after us. let's rise up. let's rebel. let's fight for the world we know is possible. because change won't happen without us.
in the face of adversity, we will continue to love, to fight, and to thrive.
happy pride, and let's get to work.
sources:
βguide to being a straight allyβ by straight for equality: https://straightforequality.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/2020-Straight-Ally-Guide-Revised.pdf
βmyths and facts: battling disinformation about transgender rightsβ by the human rights campaign: https://www.hrc.org/resources/myths-and-facts-battling-disinformation-about-transgender-rights
βyouβre not failing, social change can be slowβ by the commons, the social change library: https://commonslibrary.org/youre-not-failing-social-change-can-be-slow/
βmap: attacks on gender affirming care by stateβ by human rights campaign: https://www.hrc.org/resources/attacks-on-gender-affirming-care-by-state-map
Well said! I'm personally concerned at how many people are even saying that they won't vote for Biden this upcoming presidential election. I ain't a fan of the guy either, but if we don't the alternative is Trump or RFK. A fascist and an anti-vaxxer with brain worms? It's disappointing, but if we don't vote for Biden and give Democrats a majority in Congress that is solid, we won't be able to see any progress at all! Think of the Supreme Court! Please!