MARCH 31 WAS TRANSGENDER DAY — AND NO ONE TOLD US?

Did you know March 31st was, is, will be Transgender Day? I did not. I never heard as much as a whisper. In a way I am not surprised. With all the anti-trans messages getting airtime these days, too many people are afraid to speak out in favour of, and especially in defence of, our transgender friends and loved ones.

Well, I admit I am a few days late, and a few words short, but at least I can give a voice to someone else…

CNN — It’s not enough to love our trans family and friends behind closed doors.

“Telling me you love me in private is not enough. Anything less is a detriment to my survival. Your silence is just another nail,” said J.D. Melendez, a friend who is transgender, on social media recently.

Young people need us to see them as they are, and adults are off the mark, study says

“I need my loved ones to be bold. Show the courage I show by just existing,” they said.

Take the time to speak up around Transgender Day of Visibility, which falls on March 31 each year, a time when we acknowledge and honor the rich lives and experiences of trans and nonbinary people.

Read more here: https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/31/opinions/transgender-day-visibility-wellness/index.html?utm_term=1680443419914ed25a347e343&utm_source=cnn_provoke+persuade+4+2&utm_medium=email&bt_ee=IIjlIiHF4pUSEYYzNetxIB%2B9XFr5Pu6QbDASByjNEDAikTsvWi7aFQuzgV%2FEgb1H&bt_ts=1680443419916

I am not transgender, or even LGBTQ2S+, but I have many friends who are. I stand with them every day of the year, and against those who would rather hate than love. Hating is easy. Loving is sometimes hard work.

Blogger’s Note: Allison Hope is a writer whose work has been featured in The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN, Slate and elsewhere.