Many in the transgender community feel under siege. The current administration continues its attacks on transgender people.  All of the Obama era protections that were put in place have been rescinded. Transgender service people are being told that their military careers are over.  The Federal Government and some State Governments are working to basically legalize discrimination against transgender people.

I want to point out that we are also slowly turning the tide of ignorance! Here in Massachusetts, a hate group attempted to rescind the transgender protections. Rather than cower, the transgender community came together and worked to educate and and inform the general public and show them that transgender folk are not the bogeyman that the hate group purported us to be.  Many transgender folk even went door to door to talk about the issue and show that we are not to be feared. In the end, Yes On 3 prevailed and the protections were kept in place.

As more and more people become informed and aware. As more and more transgender folk come out and present themselves to the world, we are slowly edging forward. Yes, with the transgender military ban and the rescinding of the Obama era protections, it has become harder to be “out”. Yet, more and more are coming out. For many, their survival depends on it.

We have not regressed to the point of needing another Stonewall. I feel that if we can continue to put a face on transgender people and show we aren’t the bogeyman, we can and will turn the tide. I see more and more people coming out. I have connected to hundreds of people across the world. With some of us being open and out, we are educating and showing that we are not to be feared. Actually, many are finding that we are actually fun to be around. We are, after all, your brother, your sister, your aunt, your uncle, and even your Mother or Father. We must continue to be the face of transgender people. We must continue to be strong on our path. We must continue to support each other. We will overcome the hate and ignorance. We will persevere!

Something my first psychologist shared with me, it is only a moment in time. Yes, a lot of negative things have been happening, but also some positive. It was recently reported that Kansas may be the next to ban LGBT discrimination! These are steps forward that we must embrace and celebrate. Eventually, this administration will fade away and a more enlightened administration will come in that will restore the protections for all Americans, not just LGBT. For our part, we can reach out to our Senators and Representatives and implore them to pass the Equality Act to make it a Federal Law to prevent discrimination. We must continue the fight!

Most of all, we need to be there for each other. If you hear of someone struggling, reach out to them. If you live nearby, go out for coffee or dinner so they can feel connected and not so alone. Have get-togethers with friends so they can make connections and widen their network. There is strength in numbers. We need to not cower, but to raise our heads and hands. We need to speak loud and proud, We Will Not Be Erased!!

My heart to your heart, one heart, one spirit.

“Lady” Emma Morgaine Croft