You may already be aware of this, but if not, we are in the midst of Transgender Awareness Week, which runs from Nov. 13 through Nov. 19.

Many allied sites are posting event and activities in support of this week. Here are just a few of them:

GLAAD: https://glaad.org/resources-for-transgender-awareness-week-2024/

Human Rights Campaign: https://www.hrc.org/campaigns/transgender-awareness-week-transgender-day-of-remembrance

University of Michigan Spectrum Center: https://spectrumcenter.umich.edu/transgender-awareness-month

GLAAD

Acknowledgement of this week is especially important this year, as we face unprecedented, open discrimination and demonization. All around our nation, laws are being introduced and enacted that are targeted to impact the transgender community exclusively.

The fact we make up such a small minority, allows the larger majority of people seeking to take away our rights, to define us in false ways. To spread misinformation about us. To dehumanize us. It's maddening.

Our anger alone isn't enough. We have to turn that anger into action.

Posting Tik Tok videos of us screaming accomplishes nothing. Contacting our legislators and making our feelings known about pending legislation, is far more effective. Pushing for the creation of new legal protections is even better.

I've been giving space on this subreddit recently to Transgender Unity Coalition (TUC), as a locally-based organization that is actually involved in political activism. And I ask you for help in identifying others who are speaking up on our behalf as well. Let me know, let our sub members know, about any events, protests, legislative outreach, that you become aware of.

I've lived through and participated in social activism going back to the Vietnam War. (Yes, I'm THAT old.) I've seen what can happen when a morally correct cause begins with a few and becomes a national crusade as others realize your cause is just.

I have faith in most people--cis as well as trans--that many will come to support us in our quest for equal treatment under the law, when they become aware of the fairness and moral necessity of it.

Because we are a small, marginalized community, we have to make our demands carefully. Identify the most impactful targets that will benefit our community the most. Such as securing our name and gender marker changing rights. That is what TUC is doing right now before the Michigan state legislature.

One lesson I've learned in my decades upon the Earth is that if you want something done, it's best you do it yourself. Get involved. Volunteer. Sign up to help out wherever you can. Participate in trans community outreach.

Make people aware of the transgender people among them. Let them see that we are their neighbors, their co-workers, their relatives. Provide that human face that was denied by the election rhetoric. Be the positive face of the transgender community that deservedly needs to be shown.

This week and every week, make them aware of transgender people.--- Anni 🏳️‍⚧️