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Lisa Joy 🏳️‍🌈's avatar

Hi. I was absolutely livid when Newsom threw trans under the bus (JB Pritzker’s vocal support of trans has him on my list of people I might like to see run for President). People were alarmed by Buttigieg’s lack of whole hearted support of trans people.

Would there be more trans athletes if there were more support? A larger sample size would answer many of the questions now asked with hand wringing, etc.

What I find perplexing is the people who suggest someone would “pretend to be trans” for all its “benefits.” It suggests they have no understanding of what it is like to exist that way, and no empathy or understanding or even curiosity to better understand the life lived by someone who identifies that way.

People confuse me. A lot.

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David Begor 🏳️‍🌈's avatar

I was surprised by Buttigieg’s response. I get that he’s likely courting the middle or right for a future presidential run, but it makes me question his commitment to doing what’s right for all people if he can so casually dismiss part of the community.

When leaders hedge on supporting trans people, it signals whose rights are negotiable.

The idea that someone would “pretend to be trans” ignores the discrimination and danger trans people face just to live authentically. It’s easier for some to believe a bad-faith hypothetical than to listen with curiosity and empathy. And let’s be honest, the so-called “freedom” crowd only believes in freedom for themselves and the predators they elect.

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Lisa Joy 🏳️‍🌈's avatar

It is definitely a non answer. I keep hearing it everywhere, too. “If we want Trump out of office, we have to let go of trans rights.”

I get very upset every time. The problem is more messaging than anything else, really. Strangely, when I think of it, I only hear these words from white males. 🤔

Is that because there is so many of them? Or because they have internalized their privilege so much that it doesn’t feel like too much to ask to rescind rights for a small minority when it won’t affect them? 😕

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Jerry Portwood's avatar

great piece and thanks so much for the mention of the Queer Love Project. keep it up!

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