“We haven’t come as far as we think we have. Yes, we’re impacting change but not as much, or not as gravely as we may have thought we were. And frankly, I’d rather have a very clear idea of what the world looks like — no matter how grim — so that I know what I need to do to make it better. Isn’t that preferable to deluding ourselves into thinking that equality might be around the corner?” Leandra Medine of Man Repeller wrote in the wake of the 2016 Election. Leandra is one of many public figures (among them Lady Gaga) to put forth a message of hope and positive action in the face of uncertainty.
The unfortunate truth is that to some — immigrants, minorities, transgender individuals — that vision is all the more daunting, due to the looming threat of policies that will directly affect their everyday lives. (Vice President-elect Mike Pence believes in “conversion therapy” and has vowed to withdraw the transgender bathroom directive.) Since Tuesday night’s election results, we’ve lost eight young transgender individuals to suicide. In that time, help hotlines like The Trevor Project and the Trans Lifeline have been ringing off the hook. The former’s call number has doubled, the latter has received a record-breaking 300 calls. (Learn how you can volunteer here and here, respectively.)
A photo posted by #VoteHillary (@ladygaga) on
Devastating as this news is, it, as Leandra says, gives us a clear picture of what needs to be done. Reaffirming our faith in the American community, on Wednesday, the hashtag #TransLawHelp sprang up on Twitter. By searching the hashtag, transgender people in need of name changes and legal documentation can connect with lawyers who will aid them through the process pro-bono. They can also link with fellow transgender individuals to discuss any questions they have about the legal process and the challenges the LGBTQ community may face once Trump and Pence are sworn in.
If you’re a licensed physician/etc willing to help trans ppl get docs pro-bono NOW, use #TransMedicalHelp to list yourself!! #TransLawHelp
— Cishet Gay Squad (@dtwps) November 10, 2016
Below, a few examples of the #TransLawHelp hashtag. Note: As with any online interaction, be sure to confirm the identity of the person you’re communicating with before you send along any personal information or arrange a meeting, and always meet in a public place.
I’m a lawyer in Massachusetts & if you need help I’ll help you navigate name changes & ID docs in MA. #TransLawHelp
— mattbc (@mattbc) November 9, 2016
I’m a trans attorney licensed in PA and NJ, can help those transitioning with name changes and ID docs. Philly/S.Jersey #translawhelp
— Kristine Holt (@HoltEsq) November 9, 2016
Popping in to say my wife and I can help cover name change fees for a Black trans woman. Follow and I’ll follow back for DM. #translawhelp
— Mia McKenzie (@miamckenzie) November 10, 2016
Stay woke, America.
[ via Cosmopolitan ]
