Over 450 Feminist leaders have signed an open letter denouncing transphobia. The letter follows the anti-trans legislative agenda sweeping across most of the United States.
An open letter put out by GLAAD, Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, addresses discriminatory acts against trans women. The letter has been signed by 465 feminist leaders, celebrities and social justice organisations.
In this year alone, over 80 anti-trans bills have been proposed in the US. Many of the laws target the rights of girls to participate in school sports or criminalise doctors for treating trans youths and their families. Recently the Arkansas senate passed a bill banning gender affirming health care for trans youths.
The letter and signatories aim to raise awareness about the ongoing anti-transgender violence, legislation and misinformation that targets the trans community. Signatories include Anna Wintour, Bella Hadid, Sarah Paulson, Selena Gomez and Halle Berry. These famous names appear alongside institutions such as #MeToo, Planned Parenthood and Movement for Black Lives.
“In observance of Women’s History Month and Transgender Day of Visibility, we write this letter as feminist leaders in advocacy, business, entertainment, media, politics, and social justice who stand as, with, and for transgender and nonbinary people,” the letter reads. “Trans women and girls have been an integral part of the fight for gender liberation. We uphold that truth and denounce the ongoing anti-transgender rhetoric and efforts we witness in various industries.”
Source: GLAAD
Trans Rights are Human Rights
In the letter, GLAAD calls attention tot the self-identified feminists that oppose trans women’s rights. GLAAD states that TERFs, Trans Exclusionary Radical Feminists, are not true feminists.
“True feminists do not wish to limit any woman’s identity or freedom to fully be herself. Allowing transphobic rhetoric to go unchecked also strengthens the legislative efforts of anti-trans politicians—who now cloak their bigotry in language about protecting or supporting women.”
While awareness of the trans community rises, so do attacks and misconceptions. Many members within the US legal system are continuing their strike against trans rights, making it vital for feminists and institutions to stand unified for future generations.
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