' I think Trans men are expected to prove they are man enough, even more than cis men are. We have to prove to the “public” that we were in-fact born in the wrong body.'
I noticed that activist and model Hanson Gobron posted this month on Instagram for the first time since the election. November's results were a gut punch for many of us, but I can only guess especially so for members the trans community. Trans people were used and abused by the Republican party, and it went way beyond just their 'rights.'
Although I understand there may be complicated views on trans athletes, the numbers are so small, it's not an issue that impacted most voters. It was an issue so clearly used to stoke hate and bigotry and yet another of the idiot emperor's attempt to otherize and stir the many 'isms' his followers love to hate and obsess.
I was also saddened by how so many people, some whom I respected, jumped on the bandwagon of hate. Even people who should know better, (Martina Navratilova) were spreading hate. I had a great deal of respect for Navratilova until seeing some of her posts about Transgender athletes. It wasn't her stance, it was how she voiced it. It's one thing to have conflicting opinions about trans athletes, but she, like so many, (Patricia Heaton....) went the root of 'othering' instead of sticking to the issues. As someone who has been 'othered', Navratilova should know better. She's chirping in with a choir whose members include people who don't think of her as a 'woman', or worthy of the same rights as they have due to her sexuality.
When Hillary lost, it took me awhile to shake the pit in my stomach. When Kamala lost his year, I had the same pit, but this time decided I would not a man with behavior and mindset of a spoiled five-year-old, have further control over my emotions. I'm not trans however, and like we all have from time to time, last year they needed their allies more than ever. Unfortunately, their allies weren't enough to push back on the hate.
The last two elections for me weren't about Republicans and Democrats, or even really about politics. If anyone really thinks any Republican politician really cared about trans people and bathrooms you most likely voted for them. It, and so many others, (they're eating the cats and dogs) were all about hate. I'm still not convinced the economy or the price of eggs had anything to do with most votes Last year's election really wasn't about issues, it was about decency and respect. the country, and the world really, brilliantly failed the assignment.
I'm guessing this was especially tough for someone like Gobron , someone who made the decision to share the challenges of transitioning in today's world. As much as I enjoy the images Gobron posts, I always key into his comments, which always have me not only thinking, but wondering if I'd have the strength if in the same position. Some days I think yes, other days I'm sure it would be no. It took me over 20 years to 'officially' come out and all I had to do was verbally state it. Members of the trans community have to so much more and Hanson Gobron more than meets the challenge.
1 comment:
Very cute and charming.
Post a Comment