Our Trans family are to be celebrated and loved all year round but on March 31st each year, it’s their day to shine even brighter and to be even more unapologetically visible.
In this article we will be discussing some triumphs within the trans community over the last year, along with some of the losses we’ve suffered and the ongoing battles being faced.
We will avoid potentially triggering language as much as possible, but please read with caution.
Defining Trans
There’s no one size fits all when it comes to gender, and trans itself is more of an umbrella term to describe those who don’t feel that the gender/sex they were assigned at birth is necessarily how they feel comfortable identifying.
Commonly used terms you may hear someone describe themselves as include; transgender, genderqueer or non-binary, but this isn’t an exclusive list of course. Each person has their own journey and may test out a range of terms, pronouns and even names before discovering the identity that resonates with them most.
It is important to remember that not all trans people chose to transition, to start dressing a certain way or even particularly speak out about how they identify, nor do they owe it to anyone to do so, we must respect everyone’s journey.
What’s the struggle?
Where do we start?
From awful authors and ridiculous rappers, to charmless comedians and pathetic politicians, the world is filled with totally unjust transphobia.
We could spend far too much time discussing all of the battles faced within the trans community, but there’s some particularly nasty examples that have stood out.
A rugby ban – Preventing female trans plays from playing alongside those who were assigned female at birth (AFAB) and continue to identify this way
Triathlon ban – Preventing any trans females over the age of 12 competing with AFAB females
Prisons – In the UK prisoners are assigned based on their genitalia
West Virginia – Under 18’s banned from puberty blockers and gender treatment surgery
Arkansas bathroom ban – Preventing trans people using the bathroom they identify with
Don’t Say Gay – Florida limiting discussion of LGBTQIA+ subjects in schools
ID restrictions – Oklahoma banning non-binary options and Tennessee preventing people updating their gender on birth certificates
Conversion Therapy – The government revoked the ban on animalistic therapy
Lord Chancellor’s Office – Government Policy Concerning Transsexual People now categorically states that transsexualism “is not a mental illness”, but rather a “widely recognised medical condition” characterised by an “overpowering sense of different gender identity
NHS – Closing of it’s only Gender Identity Clinic
You can track anti-trans legislation using this link for a truly shocking idea of just how much we need to fight for our community.
Add to this the increase in protests, online abuse, celebrity stupidity, lack of education and physical attacks and it’s clear to see that the we’ve got a long way to go before our trans family are able to feel safe simply living their lives.
Say their names: remember the fallen
We have lost far too many beautiful trans individuals to violence and transphobia, here are just some of the names since 2022 that we must never forget and continue to speak:
– Caelee Love-Light (27)
– Mar’Quis ‘MJ’ Jackson (33)
– Destiny Howard (23)
– Diamond Jackson-McDonald (27)
– Daniel Aston (28)
– Kelly Loving (40)
– Tiffany Banks (25)
– Semaj Billingslea (33)
– Acey Morrison (30)
– Mya Allen (35)
– Dede Ricks (33)
– Maddie Hofmann (47)
– Aaron Lynch (26)
– Brianna Ghey (16)
– Ariyanna Mitchell (17)
– Cherry Bush (48)
These are just 16 of far too many lives lost to violence against the trans community, please take a moment to click both here and here to learn more names and send out a prayer to them all.
Progress and Success
Despite how hard some may try, our trans community won’t be have their shine dimmed and we have seen some fantastic light shone on them over the last year.
Let us take some time to celebrate.
Drag Race: We have seen a major increase of trans inclusion on the show. US S14 brought us Bosco, Jasmine Kennedy, Kerri Colby, Kornbread and Willow Pill, whilst S15 brought Sasha Colby into the spotlight. From our All Stars and Spin-off seasons we’ve been able to witness stars such as Dakota Schiffer, Eureka O’Hara, Jiggly Caliente, Laganja Estranja, Gia Gunn, Kylie Sonique Love, Vanessa Von Cartier, Eve 6000, Kimmy Couture, La Briochée and many more on our screens!
We also saw TS Madison become a regular judge on the series along with hosting their reunion series “Bring Back My Girls” and being fully unapologetic.
Dragula: We got to enjoy seeing both Bitter Betty and Koco Caine showing their ghoulish side and representing the community in a very diverse cast.
Call Me Mother: The OutTV series provided a place for us to enjoy Farra N Hyte, Makayla Couture and Peppermint a little more closely in a very wholesome setting.
Music: We got to witness the iconic Kim Petras snag a history-making grammy win for her duet with Non-Binary artist Sam Smith.
Next in Fashion: The fabulous James Ford led the way for fashion designers in season 2 with a aura of joy and kindness whilst telling their story.
Swimming: Lia Thomas won the 100-yard freestyle final at the Ivy League Women’s Swimming and Diving Championships at Harvard University.
Politics: Zooey Zephyr became the first openly transgender person to be elected to the state legislature in Montana.
Snooker: Jamie Hunter became the first openly transgender snooker player to win a women’s tour ranking event in snooker when she won the U.S. Women’s Open.
Scotland: The Scottish government passed the Gender Recognition Reform Bill.
Germany: Introduced a new law that will allow trans people to self-identify.
Brazil: Elected two trans women into congress.
Pakistan: Launched a support hotline to help trans folk deal with discrimination.
Local shout-outs
It didn’t feel right to talk about trans visibility without mentioning some local faces who are near and dear to ours hearts. They are proving every day that trans is beautiful, powerful and talent heavy part of the LGBTQIA+ family.
Gloria Love (She/Her)
A fabulous singer, host, entertainer and truly kind individual who has quickly become a favourite in our local community. You can find Gloria in various venues bringing a sense of professionalism and joy wherever she goes.
Laila Sagittaria (She/Her)
One of our favourite dancing divas with a true talent for looking stunning while turning out a lip-sync or bringing comedy on the mic. Laila has been on an incredible journey with her gender and the community have banded together to support her.
Sunday (She/Her)
The true essence of camp joy and stupidity, wrapped up in a stunning bow of queer references and gender bending beauty. Sunday has always been known as a local sweetheart and will keep you entertained no matter what she does.
Jordan He/Him
Talented member of the Newcastle Ravens rugby team, dedicated cat dad and one of the most delightful people you could meet. Jordan has also co-founded the Transmanian Devils RFC team – a collection of fantastic trans athletes aiming to smash boundaries.
Resources
It’s growing ever more important that we spread love and joy within the community, continuing to protect and support our trans family.
GLAAD have an amazing list of resources here that you can read for yourself and share with your trans friends and family so they have plenty of options for help.
For a more UK specific list of resources Terrence Higgins Trust have a fantastic list here.
You can also click here to find out more on the best ways to show support yourself
If you happen to be based in the North East of the UK like ourselves, we would also recommend the fantast Be:Trans Support & Community charity.
Always remember to be kind, be careful, be loving and be yourself.
