Trans allies should know why it's scary for trans people that Charlie Kirk, conservative influencer and public speaker, was shot dead yesterday.
This is a heavy topic, but we'll keep it brief. I appreciate your attention, as this is important.
Mercury Stardust, author of Safe and Sound: A Renter-Friendly Guide to Home Repair and social media personality, posted on Facebook yesterday recommending that trans people stay home if possible. Inside, in safe spaces.
I thought about that a lot as I walked around the neighborhood. What exactly is the threat?
Well, it's fear of the backlash, specifically, a threat of violence against trans people regardless of their political views or actions. The threat of violence against trans people simply for being trans.
This is so obvious I hesitate to say it, but I don't believe in killing for revenge. I hope most people want to work towards peace and part of that work is to advocate for people to stay alive, regardless of their identity.
I hope you stay safe out there, but, it's not reasonable for me or most people to stay inside due to an increased fear of attacks against trans people. Staying safe can also look like continuing your important advocacy, spending good time with your friends and family, and for many folks, continuing to work and take care of yourself.
It's more important than ever for allies to step up and defend trans people, to correct others when they get it wrong, to explain that we are just regular folks living our lives as best we can. The rumors and misinformation are damaging.
(There is no evidence currently that the shooter in this attack was trans, but because Charlie Kirk spoke out against trans people, some people are fearmongering)
Trans people are not more violent than the rest of the population. We are not, for the most part, murderers. Many of us are scared, but not scared towards violence.
Many trans people I know are powerful advocates for human rights and for peace.
And we've got to continue keeping on even if it's a struggle.
I strive to be a trustworthy, uplifting source of information for you. I'm taking a risk to write about being trans on the internet. I rely on reader funding to continue this work. If you are at all able, your contribution is crucial:
Take a moment to breathe, stretch if it feels good, and contemplate something you're grateful for.
I'm very grateful for my supportive family. Thank you. 🧡
What do you think? Please let us know in the comments.
