there were some very big trans rights protests in france today. 50 cities all around the country organized to stand against a law proposition that would make it illegal for minors to transition. i was there, and it was amazing to see everyone stand in solidarity against the concerted attack on our rights that's been going on, there were thousands of us in paris alone!
while it is my sincere hope to see the world become a better place, i also am not an optimist. i've been involved in activism since i was a teenager and i've seen the world become more and more hostile towards people like me, in all the ways "people like me" exist in this world, so i don't think things will be ok for a long time. but i'm not a pessimist either, despite it all i still believe it's at least worth doing. if i didn't i wouldn't be showing up. one of the speakers today was only 16, the same age i was when i did my first speech at an event like this, and he deserves to have people fight for a future that will be kind to him.
there will be more protests during may, the next wave is on the 17th. we will not let this law, or any other like it, pass. at the same time, we are fighting for the right to self-id, for greater accessibility to our medical treatments, and for the legalization of sex work. we aren't stopping or slowing down!
let the protests in france today inspire you to do your part, in whatever way you can. join an association, show up at a protest, write an e-mail. you have thousands of allies in this country, and thousands more all across the world.
