The current political focus on the most vulnerable – trans children -is ramped up by efforts of past legislations, including the “bathroom bill,” and House Bill 25, which requires “public school students to compete in interscholastic athletic competitions based on biological sex.” In addition to attacking gender diverse individuals, politicians target the support structures that provide life-saving services.
Teachers, administrators and medical staff should not walk on eggshells- wondering if they will be investigated for maintaining their moral duty to provide their students or patients the safest care in a positive and affirming manner. Trans youth are loved by their community and belong in Texas despite the State officials’ mandate or order.
Texans have the right to determine their own future and selves. This goes for trans, two spirit and nonbinary individuals, too. To those enacting these policies, we ask, “Where are your values of individuality, of pulling oneself up by the bootstraps?” Politicians who tout the bootstrap mentality of individuality and personal responsibility need to understand how trans kids are doing just that.
In the face of and regardless of immense obstacles, Trans youth lift themselves up, search for community, and work hard to become their true self. Despite the Right’s projection of being “brainwashed,” Trans individuals know themselves and the world better than anyone. They see through the facade of the binary that has inculcated the world and refuse to continue their subjugation. They live their freedom.
Real Texans see this and acknowledge the strength to live this truth. That is why we stand on our Texan values and say, “Give Transphobia the Boot, Protect Trans Youth!”
Trans youth throughout the state need our support, and we will not let them down. We stand in solidarity with you and your families as a community to fight back. These boots were made for stomping out transphobia and that’s just what they’ll do!