We have made an adjustment to DU's "No bigotry/insensitivity" rule: please read

[IngridsLittleAngel]

155. You're welcome everyone and thank you EarlG

Thank you of course to EarlG. I decided to contact him in email a week or so ago over some concerns on transgender issues and topics. I appreciate him taking the time to listen to all of us - after all, it wasn't just my concerns brought to the table - his thoughts, and today's announcement. I do think the clarification to the rules and what is transphobia will be a positive step forward for all of DU, and help to make this place much more comforting and safe for our community during a very difficult and trying time.

And of course thank yous also go out to each and every one of you who here who have read, and listened, and have stood in support of our community during this insane year. As always, anytime a minority makes progress, or has to fight back for their rights and lives, it takes more than those in the cross-hairs to fight back. It takes those willing to stand alongside them, and speak up, and say "No! This is not okay! Not for them - not for anyone!"

One of those allies is none other than Joe Biden. No, our wonderful president does not post here. But he has used his platform, his voice, his position to speak out in support of us. He has used his pen to enact all he can via executive order. He has made it clear he stands 100% for trans rights and equality - including transitioning, and participation in sports. I say it all the time that I'm grateful to have him in the White House. And it is his beliefs and his positions that also inspired me to reach out to EarlG.

2022 has been a very trying year for the LGBTQ community, particularly the transgender community. What has gone on in the news has has been heartbreaking, infuriating and downright terrifying. It seems as though from January through May that it was impossible to go one day without Republican leadership attacking us in one red state or another. It has taken a tremendous toll upon all of us, obviously. That, along with some topics here getting a bit... tense... are why I felt it was best to reach out to EarlG in email over the last several days.

Obviously, we know the overwhelming majority here are positive and supportive. We also know it's not possible for everyone to know what is discrimination and what is not. Some of my dearest friends are black. Some of my dearest friends are Jewish. Thanks to the power of the internet, some of my dearest friends are not in America. If I were to ask them "What is bigotry like for you?" or "Tell me what discrimination you've seen" - as I have done sometimes - they would cite examples I could never imagine. They could tell me about experiences that'd leave my jaw on the floor, or insults I've never even heard of. I would be left with only three words: "I didn't know..." And I couldn't know. Not all of it. I'm not them. I've never walked a mile in their shoes. I don't have their experiences. I can only listen and learn.

So I do hope my efforts (on behalf of myself and the trans community, and our amazing allies here) and his efforts together will do just that: Provide more information so that people can learn.

Right now, people like me find ourselves in the cross-hairs of people who have killed before, and are willing to kill again. The same people behind Charlottesville, the same people behind 1/6, have now shifted their focus from people of color, to election results, to innocent people trying to live their lives in freedom and safety. The constant barrage from the GOP, from the right-wing media, from extremist groups, has left us hurt and angry and terrified. We're afraid of being harmed or killed just for being ourselves and trying to live our lives. We're afraid of what the Republicans are going to try to take from us today.

Sadly, some of the things that have been posted here have only added to the hurt, when now more than ever we are in need of a place to feel safe and welcome and accepted. I know, because I've conversed with more than a few trans people and our allies in DM's. Some of these people live in GOP-controlled states and are dealing with the nightmare of what is going on at home during this horrifying year. And some of the posts, the "debates" have caused more hurt. They've caused anger. Why must there be more hurt?

I saw it said up-thread "Progress not perfection." I hope that is what today will be. Progress. That someday, perfection will come. But today, we'll gladly take progress - especially when 30-40% of the country wants to regress.

I thank EarlG once again. I thank everyone who has taken the time to read and listen. I thank everyone who has been an ally. And I do hope I've done good on bringing everyone's concerns up over the last week or so.

Let's hope this leads to progress. Let's hope tomorrow is a better day than today.