Content Warning: Some folks might find some of the content below disturbing and/or uncomfortable. Please take care of yourself.
In 2023 alone, there have been over 496+ anti-trans LGBTQ+ bills with the majority targeting trans and gender expansive individuals–in terms of restrictions of gender affirming care, lack of autonomy when it comes to name changes, participation on/in sports teams, sorority houses and more.
These acts of legislation are acts of violence, especially when they are backed by people whose intention and motive is to eradicate certain communities. It is also important to keep in mind that placing “hate” and limitations/restrictions of bodily autonomy into law gives permission and justification for acts violence to be inflicted against these communities.
We can see the real-time effects and implications of this anti-LGBTQ rhetoric. This year, Koko Da Doll, from Kokomo City, was murdered at the age of 35 after being featured in a documentary showcasing the lives and experiences of Black Trans Sex Workers. And she is one of many Black trans folks, particularly Black trans women and femmes, who’ve been targeted and fatally shot or killed because of their identity. The rates and statistics are often higher than the ones presented because the cases are either misrepresented or go overlooked–especially when the target and victim is trans and/or queer person of color.
Since June, there has been a quote floating around on varying social media platforms that reads, “for pride month this year, can straight people focus less on ‘love is love’ and more on ‘queer and trans people are in danger.’” Yes, it is important to acknowledge love is love as it relates to our trans and queer community–but we need to go a step further and address that trans and queer people are not safe and are inherently under attack. And it is clear that trans and gender expansive folks are the front-facing targets–whether through physical acts of violence, restrictions on what someone can do with their body, denial of bathroom preference, denial of a sport’s team preference, restrictions and limitations on drag performers and shows and more.
In a country that justifies the dehumanization and eradication of certain groups of people, we need to think about how we can love our trans and queer community through tangible safety and protection because unfortunately, we see that love doesn’t always keep our communities safe. On June 6, 2023, the Human Rights Campaign issued a National State of Emergency for LGBTQ+ people in the US. It reads:
"LGBTQ+ Americans are living in a state of emergency. The multiplying threats facing millions in our community are not just perceived — they are real, tangible and dangerous. In many cases they are resulting in violence against LGBTQ+ people, forcing families to uproot their lives and flee their homes in search of safer states, and triggering a tidal wave of increased homophobia and transphobia that puts the safety of each and every one of us at risk. There is an imminent threat to the health and safety of millions of LGBTQ+ people and families, who are living every day in uncertainty and fear. It’s also incumbent on our allies across the country to stand with us and make it clear that they won’t sit idly by while extremists attack and malign LGBTQ+ people and our families.” -Kelley Robinson, HRC President
Queer Sex Ed is harm reduction. It builds empathy and understanding for people's many identities; and allows students of varying identity markers and genders to feel seen and affirmed. As someone who worked with middle schoolers for over 7+ years now, I can confidently say that any anti-LGBTQ rhetoric was learned and/or taught. Queer Sex Ed combats ideologies rooted in homophobia and transphobia; and encourages students to think critically about their values, biases and opinions.
With anti-LGBTQ legislation, rhetoric and violence at an all-time high, how are we not requiring Queer Sex Ed? This is life saving work. Violence prevention work. Harm reduction work.
