These confessions highlight how difficult the transgender journey can be
In today’s pop culture climate, we fortunately see transgender people on screen more than ever. Trans celebrities like Laverne Cox or even Modern Family’s child actor, Jackson Millarker are working to make the world safer and more accepting for trans people. But there is still so much work to be done, both in media and in real life, and these Whisper posts from anonymous transgender people discussing the struggles they face on a daily basis are something everyone should read to better understand their journeys.
Because empathy and education are the first steps to ensuring that transgender individuals have equal rights and protections under the law. According to GLAAD, 2016 was the deadliest year on record for transgender people in the United States with a total of 26 people killed. That number doesn’t even include deaths that went unreported because of mis-gendering. Already, there is one murder of a trans woman, Mesha Campbell of Mississippi, for 2017. Hopefully it will be the last.
Basically, there is much farther to go to make life better for trans people, especially trans women of color, who are disproportionately victims of assault and violence. One not-so-small thing allies can do is listen to our trans friends. Hear their pain and their concerns and be there for them. And then follow up your words with action.
Fighting back insecurities
Working against stereotypes
Living as a trans person
Figuring out romantic relationships
Listening and reaching out trans people in your life and community can make life easier for them.
