When I first started writing my YA novel, All Kinds of Other, it was early 2016, and transgender equality seemed to be making great strides. There was a sympathetic president in office, federal protections, more inclusive language… I wondered if the problems my young characters encountered would even be relevant to teen readers when it was published. Progress always moves forward, right? Cut to 2023. There are more than 300 bills circulating at this moment through Republican-controlled state legislatures (Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Florida, South Dakota… it’s relentless), aimed squarely at harassing, demonizing, and even eradicating the trans community. Outlawing medical care, policing restrooms and locker rooms, even criminalizing parents and doctors who are trying to help their children get the gender-affirming care they need. It’s fear-mongering and cynical political opportunism at its worst, paid for by vulnerable trans kids, their friends, families, and larger communities. It’s all part of a larger plan to suppress nonconformity and stifle our individual freedoms by policing queer bodies. The trans community has always been on the forefront of the LGBTQ struggle for equality. It’s time to step up for them: our trans siblings; our trans parents; our trans children; our trans friends. Be an ally. Push back against hate. Stay informed (@chasestrangio @alokvmenon @therealalexandrabillings @pinkmantaray are good people to follow) Donate. Reach out. Vote. #transrightsarehumanrights #lgbtqia #AllKindsofOther @weneeddiversebooks #lgbtq #queerlit #protectstranskids #protectqueerkids https://www.instagram.com/p/CpndEbQJeez/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
