This piece wound up having fewer people read it than I’d hoped when it went up tbh — but I get the feeling that it’s the right people who are reading it
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People sometimes miss even the basic message of that, but they usually miss the more complex and deeper one.
There will /always/ be an other. They need it because otherwise the blame for things not working the way they claimed that they would will fall upon them.
Republicans have played this same playbook against queer people for 40 years, and it has consistently succeeded in making Democrats act like ghouls. Since they know the lies about LGB people don’t stick anymore, they’re going to go after trans folks for exactly as long as public opinion lets them.
Just read the article. I agree with the author. This democratic blame game that is going on extends also to abortion rights, economic policy, the Middle East and Ukraine conflicts and the progressives. As a society we need to be for everyone. I’m sad about the election. But we need to move forward.
I'm a father to several trans kids who are now adults. They are discussing expatriation. Thank you for writing this. It needed to be said, and it needs to be read. I'm so angry and scared for my loved ones safety and mental health. If Democrats won't support them, we will return the sentiment.
I just have to say that as a Trans woman I really appreciate you writing this! It's really valuable to have cis voices defending our civil rights on a widely viewed mainstream platform :)
I believe there is a national consensus (or at least a solid majority) in favor of trans equality in housing and employment. Beyond that (e.g., women’s sports, taxpayer funded transitions in prison), not so much. That’s precisely why Trump’s “they/them”commercial was so effective.
Loved the last bit, perfectly described many of us.
I know that I am not going to be in the category of those most vulnerable over the next four years. It is a moral imperative in that case for me to speak out for those who are.
For real though, if the Democratic Party abandons my trans friends and family they can kiss my donations goodbye. I'm not even sure I'd be willing to vote for them if they retreat on civil liberties.
Thank you for writing this. My community is represented by one of the legislators quoted in @NYT article. It is provided inspiration for a statement I am asking neighbors to sign onto, to be sent to our legislator’s campaign to let him know he needs to do better to keep our support.
Democrats can't roll back on what they were doing! Yes, they lost this time, but that wasn't for pushing basic human rights! Lean into it more, make yourself a clear opposition to the monsters in the GOP! There's a lot of trans people and a lot of trans allies who want to fight the GOP as well!
Not only did they get nothing from caving on trans rights or protections, they signaled that with enough vilification anyone's rights and protections are negotiable
When the basis for your rights and protections and power all rest on solidarity, throwing anyone to the wolves doesn't appease them, it tells them if they bluff you will give up rather than unite
Ok, maybe I am ok with Suozzi no longer being my Congressman. JFC. Mr "No One Asked Me To Run For Governor But I Did Anyway, Helped Zeldin Attack Hochul And Got Santos In Too." is such a schmuck. Still slightly better than being saddled with Nick LaLoser.
Sorry, Hayes, you have to realize that main news media in general is now considered part of the "Bad Places that GOP control.(ala billionaires turned oligarchs).
So, as to the article.
I can give you a very good reason why Democrats shouldn't pull back on trans rights.
They're American citizens.
Also, I feel it’s worth mentioning that the amount of trash in my work inbox I was posting about the other actually galvanized me to finish this draft and file it. “Channeling spite and defiance in the defense of others” is a pretty powerful motivator still, turns out
not clear what kind of trash you’re referring to? vitriol from co-workers (“work inbox”)? spam adverts? a reference to something you posted “the other [day?]” about … something? ah, well. I think the anti-trans (& linked anti-woman) Repub campaign did play a part. maybe not huge, idk
I hope everyone is reading the “opinion” piece. It’s about one trans right - sports. I’m not going to opine about that but Democrats should firmly remember that >90% of trans voted for Kamala Harris
It makes me really mad that anyone, anywhere, thinks the Dems are "pandering to the far left." It looks to me like they've been moving right for 30 years and it's not working.
I don’t think it’s a choice to throw under the bus or not. We need to fight for things like healthcare and privacy rights. We need to accept that we lost on things like girls’ sports and possibly have that fight far in the future.
They’re going to keep hammering on the sports and drag shows until someone forces them to change direction. Dems totally folded on it and lost anyway. We need people that won’t capitulate to conservative framing.
We are the party of diversity because we know when we put all our arrows together, the result is unbreakable strength. That does not mean we must believe or even condone everything our brothers and sisters say or do. We can speak our truth, while being tolerant of our differences.
I just saw a post sharing a podcast about trans individuals in sports. Then promptly lost it. I saw some mention in comments where high T in female athletes is common, referencing one of the topics in the podcast. Would really like to learn more. Anyone here familiar with the podcast and can link?
"Throwing them under the bus" isn't the idea. The REALITY of American politics is that this issues not only don't resonate with the majority, especially conservatives and independents, that it is wiser NOT to make such issues a MAJOR platform plank. The LGBTQ community needs to understand that Dems
will ALWAYS have their backs, that change, ESPECIALLY in the current Culture War environment, will be slow and that being MILITANT about the issue simply gives conservatives ammunition for their propaganda which DOES resonate with a lot of otherwise non-bigots who just have conservative moral values
Sadly the same may be true for hopes of a woman POTUS. The right-wing propaganda machine is incredibly effective at targeting male audiences and until this shifts back to center it may be the only way Dems win is running a male candidate. I KNOW this is anathema BUT IT'S POLITICS and #1 we MUST WIN
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There will /always/ be an other. They need it because otherwise the blame for things not working the way they claimed that they would will fall upon them.
It's women, POC, and the LGBQIA2S+ looking at the T being thrown under the bus and wondering who else is dispensable.
Hang together or hang separately. Niemoller is always right.
These people will never value anybody who isn't a cishet white xian man, and that's why nobody should ever value them.
🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️🇺🇲 Trans rights are human rights. 🇺🇲🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈
If we blame each other, the opposition has already won the next round, before it has begun.
LGBTQ+ friends:
💙 You are not alone.
💙 We will keep fighting for you.
💙 Practice self care.
💙 Stay safe.
💙 Reach out of you need help.
Good to know it seemed to have no impact on voting, but oof nonetheless.
Thanks for sticking up for us. seems like the world is out to get us sometimes but I'm trying to keep hope alive.
I know that I am not going to be in the category of those most vulnerable over the next four years. It is a moral imperative in that case for me to speak out for those who are.
Defending trans folk was always self-defense
https://bsky.app/profile/sjscentraltx.bsky.social/post/3lab7uop27j2h
So, as to the article.
I can give you a very good reason why Democrats shouldn't pull back on trans rights.
They're American citizens.
Also, 2024 was not a referendum on trans rights