If your neighbor was terrified, what would you do? Would you defend them, comfort them, seek to provide help? Would you simply ignore what was going on?
In this election cycle, your neighbors may be struggling without you knowing it. All over North Carolina, families with transgender members are grappling with a crisis. Contrary to public belief: You can’t always tell if a person you know is trans. They may pass for cisgender (not a trans person), or have chosen not to medically transition for any number of reasons- from health issues, to finances, to personal preference. At the moment, being trans in NC is a contrast between human joy and the reality of persecution from political figures.
The North Carolina GOP has made it clear that, as far as they are concerned, trans people are not only unwelcome in NC, but also unwanted. According to a number of tweets, interviews, and other messaging – we either do not exist, are all pedophiles, or are all mentally ill. All of these are incongruous with current medical and psychological knowledge. The NCGOP chose Michele Morrow, who rose to infamy with the demonization of trans and queer individuals, as their candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction. Her campaign is a threat to all free-thinking people and minorities, but to queer and trans children in particular; she cannot be allowed to win.
Our trans kids are vulnerable to harassment. Trans and nonbinary adolescents have a very high suicide attempt rate when unsupported by the adults in their life. We cannot allow a mediocre, inexperienced bully of an activist to take over our public schools. Her leadership and election will lead to student deaths.
It’s not just about the kids, though. There are trans- and nonbinary adults in all of our communities. You’ve shared meals, jobs, and yes, even bathrooms, with them. Trans people don’t want to be a problem – just like everyone else, we want the chance to continue existing. We want to work a solid good paying job, have hobbies like painting, gardening, or video gaming, and spend quality time with our friends and families. Basically, we’re just people like you.
The GOP isn’t willing to allow us to be the normal people we are. We’re not pedophilic groomers, crazy activists, or deranged- but they like to present us that way. We just happen to have genders that don’t quite match up to what y’all might expect. We’ve been around forever in every nation on the planet and aren’t going to stop existing because of a government decree.
We’re moms, dads, and favorite aunts. We’re your baby cousin and your favorite member of the church choir. We’re your coworker who keeps losing his pen and your boss who always brings coffee to early mornings. You already know and like us.
So, what can you do to support your neighbors? Learn about the queer community! Reach out to people and resources with questions! Defend and uplift the gay and trans kids in your life! And don’t forget to vote for anyone but Morrow for State Superintendent of Public Instruction or Robinson for Governor this November.