Friday, May 13, 2016

Obama's pro-transgender directive - How to defeat the backlash sure to follow

 Vigorous truth-telling can successfully combat anti-transgender lies.

Obama Administration Warns Schools To Allow Transgender Access To Bathrooms - Just in case you haven't heard about this wonderful news (and I am sure we have all heard about it.) BUT, you know what . . . 

Texas Superintendent Says Obama Directive on Transgender Students 'Going Straight to the Shredder' - There will be a backlash coming. It's already started.  And there will be more to come. While Trump - if he is the GOP presidential nominee - can't necessarily use Obama's directive against the Dem nominee, the religious right sure as hell will. And based on this article, they will have allies. Now is not the time to do what the lgbt community always seems to do when we get earth shaking positive developments, i.e. hug and weep about how monumental it is while being sitting targets for a religious right backlash which knocks us back to square one. We need to fight for this with all we have. 

One way is to vigorously and LOUDLY educate against the myths and the lies. There is no reason why we shouldn't demand that a more rounded view of the transgender community and issues be presented by the news media  (local and national, even Fox News). No more pundits who spew on the fly. And above all, there is nothing wrong with writing letters to the editor of your local newspapers: 

 11 myths about transgender people 

Understanding the Transgender Community

Transgender Children & Youth

 A Comprehensive Guide To The Debunked “Bathroom Predator” Myth


And most importantly, assertively engage the creators and exploiters of anti-transgender lies in debates, on twitter, etc.  But first, educate yourself regarding who they are. Don't paint them all with a broad brush. Know their nuances. Inform about their nuances:

How They See Us: Unmasking the Religious Right War on Gay America

A "Religious Freedom" Legal Powerhouse Is Leading The National Fight Against Transgender Student Rights

How Anti-Gay Talking Points Are Being Recycled For The Transgender Community

North Carolina's Anti-LGBT Law Borrows The Work Of An Extreme Legal Group