How state’s lawmakers are hurting trans children
As a trans man from Tennessee, right now I am devastated and I am scared.
There are currently 10 bills moving through the Tennessee legislature, or that have passed, that target the rights of LGBT youth, especially trans people. Some of the bills make gender-affirming health care even more difficult to access and some determine bathroom usage.
One that keeps trans kids out of children’s sports was just signed into law. These bills are popping up around the country, along with a surge in anti-trans rhetoric being spread online.
It is clear to me that people who write and support bills that hurt trans people have no education on what it actually means to be transgender. There have been many conversations about trans issues this year, yet rarely, if ever, is there a trans person in the room.
Who are trans men and women?
Let me share some basic concepts: Trans women are people who were assigned male at birth and then realized that they were not boys or men. Trans men are people who were assigned female at birth and then realized that they were not women.
Transgender applies to anyone whose gender does not align with their assigned sex. A trans girl is not a boy dressed up as a girl. She is a girl just as any other girl in her classes. Except for the fact that she is a target for harassment and discrimination by Tennessee politicians.
The mere existence of these bills is dangerous – I hate to imagine the consequences of them becoming law. Transgender kids already face increased harassment and bullying in schools, which can have deadly consequences. This hateful legislation serves to endanger kids even more.
Even if the bills die before they can become law, the fear-based discussion surrounding them permeates out of the Capitol and into everyday interactions.
These bills validate people’s unfounded hatred of trans people. I am devastated to hear and read the harmful language used to discuss trans issues. I am devastated that trans children will hear similar anti-trans sentiment from their peers and the adults around them. People’s misconceptions about trans people are mushrooming in an echo chamber.
We need laws that will protect trans children from bullying
I am scared for the safety of trans people. Trans women of color already face disproportionate violence and harassment that will only become worse as anti-trans rhetoric grows. Many trans kids, especially in Tennessee, may not live in a supportive environment and are unable to fight for their rights.
I came out and began transitioning when I was 14 years old. While I have experienced my own share of bullying, harassment, and discrimination, access to affirming healthcare and a big support system were lifesavers for me. Through it all, I became a much happier and confident person. I want to ensure that other trans kids have the opportunity to thrive, and these bills prevent that.
Instead of laws that make the trans experience even more dangerous, we need laws protecting trans people from discrimination and violence. We need laws protecting trans kids from bullying from their peers and teachers, and ensuring equitable healthcare access for trans kids who want it. I encourage Tennesseans – and all Americans – to educate themselves on LGBT and trans issues before deciding on bills like these.
To trans people who are devastated by the current political climate: I see you. Your pain and your anger is valid, these bills and conversations about us are completely overwhelming.
I am not the only one who sees what is happening. There are many people and organizations who recognize the harm that is being done to our communities, and we are fighting hard to stop it.
Fox Schweiger grew up in East Tennessee and is a college student in Oregon.