Amid the anti-trans hate in NC, celebrate trans joy | Opinion
A transgender girl spinning before a mirror in her favorite dress and then confidently wearing it publicly. A nonbinary teen “coming out” to their parents and being met with a loving embrace. Seeing a pink, blue and white flag outside a church and knowing the community supports you. Hearing a grassroots organizer speak at a rally and realizing that being openly trans and being successful are not mutually exclusive.
In the current political environment, it is easy to believe the world is grim, but trans joy surrounds us.
June 1 marked the beginning of Pride month, a celebration of LGBTQ+ identity dating back to the 1960s. Usually filled with festivities and community gatherings, Pride 2023 is held against a backdrop of relentless attacks on transgender peoples’ basic freedoms.
There are currently 543 anti-trans bills proposed in the U.S. — triple those from 2022. North Carolina legislators are considering bills prohibiting transgender girls’ sports participation, forbidding teaching on gender and sexuality, and blocking youths’ access to medically necessary care.
As a physician, I took an oath to serve my patients regardless of background or identity and I fundamentally oppose these restrictions on the lives and health of transgender people.
We know transgender people are already at increased risk for depression and suicide. We know transgender youth are already more vulnerable to bullying and abuse. We also know these disparities improve with access to affirming health care, which is evidence-based, effective, safe and lifesaving treatment supported by every major U.S. medical association.
As physicians we dedicate our careers to not only treating disease, but to promoting health and wellness in all aspects of life. Those of us caring for transgender people see firsthand the ramifications of youth not having affirming care. However, we also bear witness to the profound happiness that so many transgender people experience.
Trans joy and gender euphoria are too often left out of conversations about gender affirming health care, but they are at the heart of what we do. Every day we have the privilege of helping trans people thrive. We watch kids find their confidence when allowed to dress as they choose; we see teens make lifelong friends playing on sports teams concordant with their gender identity; we smile alongside young people who finally love the person they see in the mirror or the sound of their voice; we celebrate trans people who find love and start families; and we admire the resilience of a community who dare to exist unapologetically themselves. Supporting transgender people through their journey and seeing the immense joy it brings is truly one of the best parts of this work. We cannot let hatred and fear take that joy away.
Pride month often involves parades, rainbow stickers and dance parties, but it originated from transgender women of color fighting for LGBTQ+ liberation. It is a month when we celebrate the progress we have made while organizing to resist systems of ongoing oppression. This June, let us come together in support of transgender young people fighting for their right to exist.
To those planning to join Pride celebrations, ask yourself what you are doing to support and uplift the trans community. Call your legislator, organize a protest or check in on a transgender friend.
To business owners and corporations posting rainbow logos or walking in parades, ask yourself where your profits are going, which politicians you support, and what your tax revenue means in this state. The economic impact of corporate dissent was hugely effective against the infamous 2016 “bathroom bill.” Your opposition to the current legislation is more important than ever.
To transgender North Carolinians, I say: We see you, we support you, and we will always be here to care for you. You are worthy of love, happiness and respect. You are worthy of access to affirming health care, providers who understand and support you, and medications and surgeries needed to be your most authentic selves. I hope you find your joy and share it with the world.
Happy Pride, this month and always.