On March 31, Queer proponents and allies take the time to celebrate the life and successes of trans people while speaking out against the love the trans community faces regularly. They also take to speak out against the dislike faced by the trans community. This day is especially important this time because there will be hundreds of anti-LGBT+ expenses introduced across the country in 2024.
Pierce College does a solid job of supporting gay pupils, including by offering some LGBTQ+ assistance services. The nation as a whole has a long way to go, nevertheless.
In addition to the first three months of this year, 479 anti-LGTBQ+ costs have been introduced in more than 30 state, according to the American Civil Liberties Union. According to USA Today, some of these charges aim to outlaw using rooms that match their gender identity, revoking the privileges of transgender individuals from updating their sex on IDs and driver’s licenses, and allowing them to use care that matches their identity personality.
These kinds of legislation are antithetical to what legislators should be focusing on and serve as the legitimization of transphobia. When trans people are alienated, attacked and discriminated against, their lives can be altered or even ended. Nex Benedict, a non-binary teen, passed away just last month in what the Associated Press reported was ruled a suicide by the Oklahoma state medical examiner. Benedict had experienced bullying at home.
Benedict ought to be present right now. The same applies to the numerous other young queer people who have passed away recently.
Transgender Day of Visibility is a day of hope and celebration for the numerous contributions trans people have made to society, even in these challenging times for the queer community. From Marsha P. Johnson, a Black transgender activist, to Dr. Rachel Levine, the U. S. assistant secretary of health and the first openly transgender Senate- confirmed federal official, transgender people make significant impacts, and it’s important to recognize them.
Trans people are people. They are students, teachers and Pierce community members. We as a college and as a nation must show trans people the support, love, and acceptance that they and everyone else deserve.
