Miles Zotti, Nederland. I want to open this article with the concept of identity. This idea is something many of us are familiar with. Identity means a lot to some, and very little to others. The most important thing about identity is that everyones is different. No two people you’ll meet will be the same, which means there’s a lot of variation to be had between us. I think that’s one of the best parts about us. But throughout history, there have been many others who disagree with me. 

Those differences have been used to justify the oppression of others since the start of time. I think it’s human nature to be afraid of differences and the unknown. For the longest time that survival instinct was what kept us safe. But in a world like today where life has become increasingly more tolerant and safe, it’s time we let go of that fear. It’s time we finally realize that above all of our differences, we deserve equality and acceptance. 

As of the start of this year, over 80 anti-transgender bills have been introduced as legislation across the country. It puzzles me how a country that prides itself in “freedom of expression” has brought upon itself the mission to erase and persecute the trans youth of America. It is terrifying growing up in an environment hell-bent on removing medical and emotional resources for its own citizens. The history of trans rights has been a brutal but promising one, proving the necessity of having protections and support for transgender youth.

The past few years have marked major accomplishments for the trans community, and specifically trans youth. However, recently a reactionary movement against that progress has been gaining in popularity. As recently as 2020, the right wing media has increased their coverage on topics like trans women in sports and bathroom bills banning transgender children from entry. This coverage brought increased visibility of the transgender community and with this came more persecution from far right anti-transgender groups which added more heat to this issue. 

 I’m happy to say I’m one of the few lucky ones, with a solid support system and access to medical care. I feel it is my duty to advocate for other trans youth who aren’t so lucky. I can recall the first time I had finally felt at home in my own skin, I felt warm, I felt safe, I felt content. I can only hope that every person will be lucky enough to experience those same things as I once had. All those years ago before transitioning I felt like a stranger to my own body and that’s hard enough on its own, but I also had to constantly deal with being misgendered or face uncomfortable situations. I cannot describe the dread I felt when I was alienated from my own identity by others constantly, and how much of a toll that had taken on my mental health.

Both sides are very passionate in their stances, but it’s clear that it is necessary to stand with the trans community on this issue. The facts simply disagree with those who oppose supporting transgender youth, and it’s time we finally start shutting down harmful rhetoric used by transphobic individuals.

I can confidently say through my research and personal experience, supporting the trans community will save lives. I plead to all of you, take the time and care to support the trans people in your life. Use their preferred pronouns. Call them by the right name. Support them through the process of transitioning. All of these things can be a matter of life and death for many people I’ve known in my life and countless others you may know. We are not freaks. We are not abominations. We are people. I encourage all of you to educate and enrich yourselves in the words and stories many of us have to tell. Have and love transgender people in your life, talk to them, appreciate them, encourage them to be the best people they can be. In return, you may be surprised how meaningful those things mean to someone who’s been ostracized for so long. 

Take the time to care.

(Originally published in the May 27, 2021, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)