In response to the increased policing and security at prides around the country, we will not be participating in any events this June. Police, private security, and the military are transphobic entities that disallow our self-determination and community safety. They do not make us more secure and only increase violence against trans people ā particularly Black and Brown trans women. We will not forget that police systematically profile trans people (particularly trans women of color) for walking while trans, carrying condoms, or having documents that do not āmatchā their appearance. BreakOUT! ā the grand marshal of New Orleans Pride ā decided to withdraw from pride after New Orleans officials boasted heightened police presence at the festival: āAs a movement, we must come together to lift up the leadership of and center those who kicked off Pride- Latinx & Black gender non-conforming youth and transwomen. As a community be willing and determined to chart a course forward that doesnāt rely on state systems, but rather community, to keep us safe. While we were honored to be named one of the grand marshals in pride, our priority is to our vision of liberation where we can walk down the street without fear. #policeoutofprideā Organizations around the nation are pulling out their contingents. Black Lives Matter member Shanelle Matthews stated, āIn the Bay Area, and the rest of the country, Black communities experience real fear and terror at the hands of homophobic vigilantes and law enforcement, and we work every day to find solutions. We know the militarization of large-scale events only gives the illusion of safety. We are choosing to do the real work of building safe communities.ā In 2015, police arrested eight Black Lives Matter activists after their Chicago Pride contingent staged a sit-in that halted the parade for 15 minutes. Pride started as a protest and we should be celebrating those dissenting against injustice, not contributing to their oppression. When discussing actions in response to increased surveillance, TSER Project Director Harper Zacharias added, āWhen 45% of trans people are uncomfortable seeking help from police, with multiracial, Latinx and black trans people being least comfortable, we must examine who is being alienated by the presence of police at our pride marches, rallies, and events. As police presence at these events increases, the people who are already the most marginalized will feel the least comfortable attending and partaking. By pulling out of pride, Trans Student Educational Resources is standing by disempowered trans people.ā We are in solidarity with TGI Justice Project, Black Lives Matter, and many other organizations, groups, and collectives around the country withdrawing from pride in response to increased policing and state violence. If you would like to order any of our materials ā supplies we normally distribute at pride events ā you can order them here. Eli Erlick TSER Director
Thanks for this!!