Opinion | 474 and counting
In 2023, we have seen a rise in anti-queer legislation in multiple states across the U.S. This is a serious problem and we need to talk about what’s going on and acknowledge how bad it’s getting, particularly for trans people. Unsplash
Get angry. If you’re not already angry, you better get angry really fucking fast.
Full transparency. I have been working on this opinion for weeks.
This was supposed to be a comprehensive guide of what’s going on in America with all the anti-queer legislations that are being passed in almost every state.
I keep coming back to it again and again and every time there is more to be covered. Every time I start reading I get so angry and scared and sad, and I don't know what to do with it anymore.
I’m so tired of getting more and more bad news. And I was drowning in bills. ID bills. Bathroom bills. Healthcare bills. Education bills. Free speech bills.
I’m so tired of reading all the different ways in which queer people, specifically transgender people, are being oppressed in this country. I’m so tired of having the same arguments with people about whether these legislations are good or not. And above all I’m tired of people telling me to calm down, that I’m exaggerating, that it’s not that big a deal.
So welcome to my rant. I have no patience left. I have no kind words to give you. Here’s what I’m here to say and if you don’t want to listen that’s on you, but this is a chance for you to see what’s going on if you haven’t already. I recommend you take it.
How is it still not sinking in for some people? Queer people are under attack in this country.
I’ve been following the American Civil Liberties Union map tracking all the anti-queer bills in 2023. In a matter of weeks, I saw the number of bills rise from 462 to 469 to 471 to 474. And I am willing to bet that that number is going to keep rising. This number has already more than doubled since last year.
How many things can you take away from us? How many rights can you strip away before everyone realizes that this is a huge problem?
I am terrified. I am so scared of where this is going. And right now I have it easy. There are families fleeing their states because they don’t feel safe anymore because of these bills. This is a terrifying time to be part of the LGBTQ+ community, especially if you are in any way gender nonconforming. And from where I’m standing it looks like it’s going to get worse.
Pay attention to what’s happening. Do everything within your power to stop it. Fight against it. This is just the start. History has taught us that we need to act before it’s too late. The clock is ticking. Time is running out.
If you’re not paying attention to what’s going on yet, you better start paying attention now. The Republican party is slowly legalizing our existence away. In Florida a bill passed that allows for children to be taken away from their parents if they are exposed to gender affirming care. Texas is making it nearly impossible for anyone to access gender affirming care.
And if you believe for one second that they’re going to stop once all transgender people are gone, think again. They will not stop until everyone fits into their Christian fascist plan for the country. And if you don’t fit in, you’re gonna find yourself in a position where you’re considered expendable.
I know a lot of people who read this are going to shrug it off. You’re gonna tell me that I’m exaggerating and that things aren’t that bad. And from the bottom of my heart, I hope you’re right. But if there’s even the slightest chance I’m right, you should not ignore me.
Pay attention to what’s happening. Do everything within your power to stop it. Fight against it.
This is just the start. History has taught us that we need to act before it’s too late. The clock is ticking. Time is running out.
