Hi John, It’s me, Addison Hunter, Associate Director of Communications & Digital Engagement at Equality Virginia! Today, March 31st, is Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV), which celebrates transgender people’s humanity and brings attention to the work we still need to do to achieve liberation. I hope you’re able to reflect on the power and impact of trans people in Virginia, and that you’ll consider joining a TDOV event near you to celebrate all that it means to be trans. As a trans person, I understand the precarious nature of visibility. Seeing transgender and nonbinary people take part in public life and share our stories can inspire others to reflect on and change their beliefs. But we are also at increased risk of harassment and violence due to heightened stigmatization in person, in the media, and online. Transgender and nonbinary people shouldn’t bear the burden of changing hearts and minds via our existence - we deserve safety, autonomy, and to live on our own terms as we move through the world. Our lives and contributions should be celebrated in ways that feel empowering. Advocacy and the movement for our liberation should center our experiences, uplift our voices, and protect our visibility. Trans joy is possible and should be shared wherever and whenever it can. So today, I'm sharing a Transgender Day of Visibility project I created with a myriad of support from our community. |
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Being trans in America right now is difficult, to say the very least. Over 400 anti-trans bills have been filed in state legislatures throughout the country, many of them targeting kids. Virginia was no exception. This year during our General Assembly session, lawmakers introduced 12 anti-trans bills and advocates defeated all of them. While this is a resounding victory and sent a message that trans people belong in Virginia, it also meant that transgender and nonbinary people across the Commonwealth had to witness our humanity being debated in the halls of our state government. It meant that trans advocates had to decide whether to come to the General Assembly to give testimony and share our stories, or to stay home to protect and shield ourselves from transphobic language from lawmakers and other members of the public. We shouldn’t have to choose between joyful power and safety. Donate $15 to sustain our work stopping any future attacks against the trans community. Trans existence is radical, it is transformational, it is profoundly beautiful, and we’ll never give up fighting for a joyful existence on our own terms. Our existence is not up for debate. Sincerely, Addison Hunter (they/them) Associate Director of Communications & Digital Engagement |
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