A Practical Guide to Beginning Activism: 7 Days of Actionable Ways // Day 2
Day 2: Queer Living and Protection – Keeping Kids Safe and Building Community
Written by Angel Bierce
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Current Situation
In Texas, the state legislature has proposed and passed laws that restrict the rights of transgender individuals, particularly transgender youth. Senate Bill 14, which bans gender-affirming care for minors, has been one of the most contested laws. Under Trump, building on Biden administration policy, there has been continued pressure to rollback protections for transgender individuals, including proposals to rescind policies that allow transgender people to serve openly in the military and participate in certain healthcare services.
Why Is This Important? Why Should You Care?
Discriminatory laws like those in Texas target vulnerable queer and transgender individuals, especially youth, exacerbating mental health issues and preventing them from accessing necessary healthcare. These laws also send a message of exclusion and hostility, which affects the entire LGBTQ+ community.
Steps You Can Take/Actionable Items
Normalize Pronouns: Start adding your pronouns to your email signature, social media bios, etc., and encourage others to do the same. Ask for pronouns in conversations, which helps create an inclusive environment.
Educate Yourself on Queer History: Understanding the struggles of queer communities and the progress made in the fight for equality helps you better support LGBTQ+ individuals. Also, reading history can sometimes help lift us out of the overwhelming pressures of the moment and remind us that we have persevered through distinct, but similarly difficult, circumstances in the past.
Support Local LGBTQ+ Groups: Volunteer with or donate to local groups that work to protect the rights of transgender people, like Equality Texas or the Transgender Education Network of Texas.
Get Involved With Your Local School Board: Many school boards are making decisions that directly affect the safety and well-being of queer students, including issues related to gender-affirming care and LGBTQ+ inclusion in curriculum. Attend school board meetings, advocate for inclusive policies, and collaborate with other parents and community members to ensure that schools remain safe and welcoming for all students, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Expected Outcome from the Action
These actions will help create more inclusive spaces where LGBTQ+ individuals, especially transgender youth, feel supported and safe. You also contribute to advocacy for better legal protections for queer communities.
Link to Further Reading/How to Get Your Community Involved
