Protect Black-Ass Trans Children
Welcome to This Black-Ass Life! This week, we want to discuss the surge of anti-trans legislation across the U.S. and how that affects our Black trans and nonbinary youth. We also celebrate Black-ass happenings and holiday coziness.
I. The Facts
Before getting into the legislation, check out these key terms and resources.
Legislators across the U.S. have introduced over 390 anti-trans bills in the last four years, with nearly 40 becoming law. This is a record-breaking year for states hoping to pass anti-trans bills.
These bills hurt trans youth by making schools unsafe with bathroom and sports bans, curriculum restrictions, and parental disclosure laws. There’s a coordinated effort to remove access to gender-affirming care by threatening legal action against caregivers, educators, medical providers, and anyone else in place to support a trans child.
While all major medical associations are unequivocally against governmental intrusion into the practice of medically necessary care, anti-trans legislators and their supporters remain solidly obtuse ignorant anti-science bozos.
Hmm, wonder where we have seen this before? It’s absolutely no coincidence that the fanatical forced-birth activists are also at the forefront of anti-trans bills.
We should also note this movement targeting trans young people is rooted in white supremacy and colonialism because of course it is.
Why does it matter?
These legislations are vile, politically motivated campaigns designed to hurt children. Even for this hellscape that we call home, it is a sickening low that lawmakers are using young people needing care as political pawns.
Children recognize and understand these bills as an attack on their humanity, and it’s affecting their mental health. And we are already in a crisis regarding youth mental health, particularly Black youth mental health.
Hateful laws put Black children at risk. According to a 2020 Trevor Project report, 66% of Black LGBTQ youth reported depressed mood in the prior 12 months, 35% reported considering suicide, and 19% reported an attempt. Black trans and/or non-binary youth reported double the rate of seriously considering (27% vs. 59%) and attempting suicide (15% vs. 32%) in the past 12 months compared to cisgender Black LGBQ youth. Black LGBTQ youth also report feeling unsafe at home, at school, and in their communities. It's also worth noting that Trans people, trans people of color, are at greater risk for violence.
Black trans children deserve care, affirmation, protection, love, community, resources, everything.
What can my Black ass do?
For those who want to be there for trans people, lean into learning, validating, and supporting, and lean away from “just asking questions.”
Support organizations showing up for Black trans people with your time and/or dollars.
Remember to give yourself love even and especially when everything feels overwhelming.
II. Other Things
Black-ass happenings: Seasonal greetings and joy edition
Billy Porter has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!
Ayo Edebiri, you will always be famous.
Congratulations, Keke Palmer! This BBC Pidgin article is the only way to read the news.
I (Mitu) have been enjoying a rewatch of Kenan & Kel, which fully holds up. Thank you Keke for Kenan and Kelly.
Here’s an image search of Winston Duke’s thighs because what is more joyful?
This is the most beautiful love letter I (Jumoke) have ever read.
Deon Cole’s special is funny, light, and good, and then the last five minutes happen. Incredible work and that man is foine.
Here’s a Black-owned holiday gift guide.
Our Black-Ass song(s) of the week (Mitu):
It’s time to celebrate one of the most slept-on Xmas albums, Winter Loversland, and the perfect Sleigh Ride.
Things we look forward to:
I (Jumoke) look forward to wintering and coziness. Tis the season for blankets, candles, baking, and all the good things.
I (Mitu) also look forward to all the cozy things. A fluffy robe, slippers, a mug of hot cocoa, and a fire holiday movie. The best.
lll. This Baby Been Here Before
We feel this baby’s “Oh Lord” on the deepest spiritual level.
Stay Black, have a snack, and take a nap today. We'll hit your inbox next on December 19.