Trans Americans launch #WontBeErased on Twitter in response to Trump's gender proposal
With statistics showing violence and discrimination against transgender people on the rise, 2018 has already been a difficult one for nonbinary and genderqueer individuals. But on Sunday, with an explosive report from the New York Times, things got even thornier. The report, based on a Department of Health and Human Services memo obtained by the Times, revealed that the Trump administration is considering a policy that would define gender as a “biological, immutable condition determined by genitalia at birth.”
The decision would undo decades of work by grassroots organizers, as well as former President Barack Obama, to create a society that more accurately reflects what experts and activists have been saying for years — that gender is a spectrum and does not always match the biological sex given at birth. The news of Trump’s proposal elicited ire from many places on Twitter, from academia to Hollywood. But perhaps the most compelling response came from the trans community themselves — people who have faced unimaginable persecution and have only recently begun to see the rights they deserve.
By Sunday night, as protests raged nationwide, the trans community had convened around a single hashtag: #WontBeErased. Using that hashtag, many leaders in the trans community came forward to not only defend their right to be seen but also to offer love to fellow trans brothers and sisters. “Trans is beautiful. Trans is natural. Trans is enduring,” wrote Charlotte Clymer, an Army veteran, writer, and member of the Human Rights Campaign’s communications team. “They have picked a fight with the wrong community,” she added. Given the powerful tweets shared across the web, she’s right.
I can’t begin to express the rage I feel toward an administration that is trying to redefine me out of existence. Just another gift for his small minded base, terrified of the diversity that has always made America exceptional! #Vote https://t.co/OrAPEnaK9r
— Chaz Bono (@ChazBono) October 21, 2018
I am not afraid. Us transgender and gender non-conforming people have been declaring our existence for so long and have only continued to grow stronger in our voices. If we were ever going to be “eradicated,” it would’ve happened long ago. Love all💜💗💜 https://t.co/zoSw9CgR0L
— Jazz Jennings (@JazzJennings__) October 22, 2018
Trans is beautiful.
Trans is natural.
Trans is enduring.We are not going away, we will not yield, and we will not be erased. We are here to stay.
They have picked a fight with the wrong community, and they will know us by our resolve and pride.
— Charlotte Clymer🏳??🌈 (@cmclymer) October 21, 2018
You dehumanize a group of people first by saying they don't exist, as the administration is doing with #transgender people. If you think they don't exist, meet Sister Luisa Derouen, O.P. who has worked with them for 19 years, and helps them to be "seen." https://t.co/ocjVJHUJzO
— James Martin, SJ (@JamesMartinSJ) October 22, 2018
I am a #transgender person. I am livid but clear-headed. I am threatened but absolutely resolute. @transequality will always fight. #WontBeErased pic.twitter.com/N1xZp33NTv
— Mara Keisling (@MaraKeisling) October 21, 2018
I’m trans (left side) and my husband is not. He supports me with love, understanding, compassion, and thoughtfulness every day.
He’s an incredibly sensitive and outspoken advocate for Transgender rights. Today in DC I’ll rally for us and ALL of my trans family.#WontBeErased pic.twitter.com/3eXkqvJIhh
— Samuel Martin (@SJMartinWrites) October 22, 2018
Trans disabled people exist; I am one of them.#WontBeErased pic.twitter.com/CnQOpX0Rsc
— Dominick Evans (@dominickevans) October 22, 2018
Let’s create a world where there’s more heroes like these women, courageous enough to live their truth everyday despite ignorance and blatant discrimination. #WontBeErased pic.twitter.com/PaakbmXMj1
— Angel Bismark Curiel (@angelbcuriel) October 21, 2018
laws don’t determine our existence – *we* determine our existence – it’s our weapon, our shelter, our energy, our healer, our truth – we will keep moving forward – we will keep fighting – existence is *our* only law ?🌈💕 https://t.co/qBet8ccwpJ
— Chelsea E. Manning (@xychelsea) October 21, 2018
We must not give up the fight. But in the face of this affront on my existence and the existence of my community I choose love not fear. We exist and always have.
Trump Administration Eyes Defining Transgender Out of Existence https://t.co/G4rKB1mVfe
— Laverne Cox (@Lavernecox) October 21, 2018
Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle:
Emma Watson sparks controversy in ‘Trans Rights are Human Rights’ T-shirt
Trans woman says airline ‘outed me in front of the whole airplane’
‘God made me transgender’: Fans react to ‘Champions’ star Josie Totah coming out in powerful essay
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