Friday Five: LGBTQ Rights in the US
American lawmakers are currently attacking the rights of the LGBTQ community by introducing bills that dictate what people can and cannot do with their bodies.
This year, Mississippi, Utah, South Dakota, Iowa, and Tennessee passed bans on gender -affirming healthcare for trans minors. These bans block hormone treatment and support for those wishing to transition.
Escalating the tension, Tennessee recently signed into law a bill that will restrict drag shows—events where trans people are free to express themselves.
Keep reading for 5 ways to support the trans community and human rights for all.
Seek the Facts
Studies from the American Psychiatric Association have found that medical treatments, such as hormone therapy and surgeries, improve the overall well-being of transgender individuals.
Republican officials justify these bills by saying they’re protecting youths from making life-altering changes that they might regret later despite the fact evidence suggests otherwise.
“Regrets following gender transition are extremely rare and have become even rarer as both surgical techniques and social support have improved.”
— The What We Know Project from Cornell Universit
Currently, in the U.S., there are no specific laws that prevent teenagers from getting cosmetic surgery. In 2013, 63,600 procedures such as breast implants, liposuction and rhinoplasty were performed on patients between 13-19 years of age. Why is there no legislation regarding these surgeries if protection is their justification? It seems clear that these bills are attacks on the trans community and violations of our human right to have agency over our own bodies.
2. Spark Conversations
Stimulate critical and compassionate contemplation with reflective questions. Ask your social media following, your friends and family—especially those who are not part of the LGBTQ community:
What is something you’ve learned from your queer friends or community?
When have you ever felt your rights were violated?
Do you feel comfortable expressing yourself in public spaces?
Where can we use our power to elevate the voices of the LGBTQ community?
Here is a helpful PDF from OutandEqual.org discussing allyship in the workplace.
3. Donate
ACLU is a non-profit organization with more than one million members, 500 staff attorneys, thousands of volunteer attorneys, and offices throughout the nation, working to fight government abuse and to defend individual freedoms. You can donate to their campaign and follow/share their work on social media.
4. Support Queens
Pop singer and icon Madonna recently announced that she will be adding tour dates in support of the drag community, with a portion of proceeds going to trans rights organizations.
“The oppression of the LGBTQ+ is not only unacceptable and inhumane; it’s creating an unsafe environment; making America a dangerous place for our most vulnerable citizens, especially trans women of color.”
— Madonna
Support by checking out a local drag show, especially if you’ve never gone to one before. Experience the costumes, comedy and talent to see for yourself why we need to protect these safe spaces for artists.
5. Encourage Good Folx
Follow FOLX Health for health and wellness advice by and for the queer community, and share with a friend who might need support during this time.
You can also support initiatives like The Trevor Project, which provides information and support to LGBTQ young people 24/7, all year round.
Pause & Reflect
The best way to build a relationship with your body, identity and self-expression in a way that feels authentic to you is through reflection.
Mindfully approaching our knowledge, behaviors, feelings, and life story can make the difference between feeling unable or ashamed of expressing ourselves vs. sharing our unique selves fearlessly and authentically!
