As a transgender woman in the United States, the current climate of fear and uncertainty weighs heavily on my heart. The policies and plans that our government is now pursuing have left me and my transgender brothers and sisters feeling terrified, as we are just as much citizens of this country as anyone else—tax-paying, law-abiding, and deserving of the same rights and protections. I find it hard to believe that this is my new reality. It’s as if my very identity is under threat and every day feels like a battle for survival.
The fear is real. I am forced to consider hiding who I am, retreating into the shadows. The thought of having to live a life of secrecy, where my true self is not welcome, is a haunting prospect. It feels like a cruel irony that I have the potential to live and work freely from anywhere, yet am trapped in a place where I feel unsafe.
This sense of urgency is not just a personal anecdote; it’s a widespread fear among the transgender community, rooted in a long history of marginalization. The struggle for transgender rights has been ongoing for decades, highlighted by pivotal moments such as the Stonewall Riots in 1969 and the establishment of the first transgender advocacy organizations in the 1970s. Despite these efforts, systemic discrimination and violence have persisted, with policies often targeting our basic human rights.
“We will not be silenced,” I remind myself. We must continue to speak out, to share our stories, and to demand better from those in power. The time for action is now, and our collective voice will not be ignored. Thank you for being a part of that voice, and for ensuring that our narrative is heard loud and clear.
#TransRightsAreHumanRights #WeWillNotBeSilenced #EqualityForAll #TransLivesMatter #LGBTQIA #InjusticeMustEnd