Protesting transgender ban, Long Island, NY

Friend,

Today is Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day we mourn the destruction of trans life and restate our commitment as Jews and allies to protect trans people. Judaism teaches that each life is a whole universe, and too many universes have been destroyed by bigotry and transphobia.

We are clear-eyed about the threat the incoming Trump administration poses to queer and trans communities. We’ve seen their strategy of using anti-trans rhetoric and legislation to sow distraction, fear, and division. Just yesterday, House Republicans introduced a transphobic bill barring trans women from Capitol bathrooms — because of the election of their first trans colleague, Rep. Sarah McBride (D-DE).¹

Troublingly, we are also seeing some Democrats echo this bigotry and back down from supporting trans communities. Our job over the next four years will be interrupting any “anticipatory obedience” with the MAGA regime.

We’ve already started by holding Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY) accountable. He’s a Democrat that Bend the Arc’s Long Island chapter helped elect this November. When he repeated transphobic ideas about children’s sports teams immediately after his election,² Bend the Arc leaders organized a petition, demanding an apology and that he commit to protecting trans youth. If you’re a constituent, you can add your name here.

This is what it looks like to refuse to be silent when our communities are under attack.

Today, Transgender Day of Remembrance, is an opportunity to make a personal, communal, or organizational stand with our trans siblings, to push back against these attacks and narratives, and to support those experiencing vulnerability and fear right now.

May the memories of our trans ancestors be for a blessing. May they give us strength to fight for those living now — and for the generations of trans folks to come.

In solidarity,

The Bend the Arc team

Sources:
1. Republican bathroom bill targets Congress’s first transgender member, The Guardian
2. These Democratic Lawmakers Are Already Blaming Trans People for Trump’s Win, Them

Power our movement for the urgent work ahead

At Bend the Arc, we are clear-eyed about the threats that we and our neighbors will face in a second Trump administration. We’ve spent months preparing for this possibility. Now we need you with us in the fight to protect our families, freedoms, and futures.