Sitting in Solidarity

With love to my trans siblings, yesterday, today and every day.

Hullo my lovely readers

A content note for references to transphobia and transmisia¹.

This week’s letter will be short, but it is heartfelt. Because I’m heartsore. As a non-binary trans person, I’m sitting² in solidarity with my siblings, both non-binary and binary trans – and especially trans women and femmes – in the aftermath of yesterday’s ruling from the UK Supreme Court.

Please know I love you. You are loved. You are valid, and valued, and valuable.

Please keep going.

We have to.

And please reach out for support – either in the community around this newsletter, or through organisations such as Mermaids, Not A Phase, Gendered Intelligence, Switchboard, LGBT Foundation, The Outside Project, Galop and Deaf Rainbow. You are not alone.

And cis allies, please protest: physically if you’re able (such as at Saturday’s emergency demonstration in Parliament Square in London), or by writing to your MPs, or donating to organisations like the ones mentioned in this letter – and sharing their resources with those you know who could use their support. We need you.

Love and solidarity until next week

Jx

An image drawn by Jessi on the virtual blank canvas of WeaveSilk.com. In the centre of the frame, on a black background, five horizontal streaks of light represent the trans pride flag colours: baby blue, baby pink, white, baby pink, baby blue.

1. Transmisia is increasingly being used as an alternative to transphobia, to dispel ideas that anti-trans rhetoric, discrimination and hatred is a phobia (i.e. irrational and uncontrollable fear).

2. I use this phrasing as a non-ambulatory powered wheelchair user.