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As someone who is passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion, I find a general willingness for people to understand the need to actively support most marginalized groups.
However, I experience the most resistance when advocating for trans people. So, here's what I do.
However, I experience the most resistance when advocating for trans people. So, here's what I do.
The people who show the most resistance to trans rights are, sadly, people like me: straight cis-gendered folks living in the southern part of the United States.
So, I walk them through a story because, yes, in 2020, you have to convince people to be compassionate and empathetic
So, I walk them through a story because, yes, in 2020, you have to convince people to be compassionate and empathetic
Let's say you're lucky enough to see the birth of several great-grandchildren. Let's say that one particularly beautiful great-grandchild is named Michal.
Michal grows, but you begin to realize that Michal's gender identity doesn't match what's on their birth certificate.
Michal grows, but you begin to realize that Michal's gender identity doesn't match what's on their birth certificate.
This is the world Michal will grow up in if we don't create a more just and equitable world for trans people.
Michal will be bullied and shunned by other kids because they fail to see that your great-grandchild's differences don't make Michal any less human and worthy of respect
Michal will be bullied and shunned by other kids because they fail to see that your great-grandchild's differences don't make Michal any less human and worthy of respect
As Michal progresses through the education system, teachers may to feel threatened and make it difficult for them to be successful in school.
Your great-grandchild will find it difficult to find representations of healthy relationships that match how attraction works for them.
Your great-grandchild will find it difficult to find representations of healthy relationships that match how attraction works for them.
As Michal grows, the bullying, isolation, and social harm will create a set of lived experiences that set your great-grandchild up for higher rates of depression and suicide
Companies will often reject Michal's brilliance because of their trans status making it hard to find work
Companies will often reject Michal's brilliance because of their trans status making it hard to find work
If we don't make things better now, your great-grandchild will live in a world that tries to make their life harder, lonelier, sadder, and shorter than it should be.
End of story.
End of story.
If you can't muster the decency to make the world a better place for trans people, then can you at least invest in a better world for one of your possible descendants?
I know this story relies on selfishness to spur action. Unfortunately, that's the world we live in. It's unfair
I know this story relies on selfishness to spur action. Unfortunately, that's the world we live in. It's unfair
Men often say that they became a feminist when they had a daughter.
That's unfair. Why should gender equality have to wait for your X chromosome to randomly meet another X and create a girl?
The literature on sexism and misogyny is clear. That should be enough.
Often, it's not
That's unfair. Why should gender equality have to wait for your X chromosome to randomly meet another X and create a girl?
The literature on sexism and misogyny is clear. That should be enough.
Often, it's not
So, I use this story as a nudge. I acknowledge it shouldn't be necessary.
But, it's usually an effective way to move people from outright hostility to at least a state of neutrality.
And I get space to continue the conversation and do the work.
But, it's usually an effective way to move people from outright hostility to at least a state of neutrality.
And I get space to continue the conversation and do the work.
