Transgender women are evil. Transgender women shouldn’t be allowed to use the women’s restroom. Transgender women are really men and will assault women and girls if they use the women’s restroom. Because isn’t that what men do? And trans women are really men.
Did I cover all the hate bases? I’m sure there are some other wild opinions out there about trans women and how terrible they are. But you can only type so much before you feel ill, and I certainly don’t want to go down the rabbit hole of what Google would spit out.
Because frankly, I’m a bit worn out. Which is what I think anti-queer politicians want every queer person and ally to feel.
In unsurprising fashion, Texas legislators are taking the second special session to line up yet another anti-trans bathroom bill, although that also includes where trans individuals can be placed in terms of prisons, jails, and violence shelters. Because why limit yourself? Nothing screams humanity more than placing people in potentially dangerous situations when they’re at their most vulnerable.
And to add insult, places where trans individuals use the “incorrect” bathrooms risk being fined, sued, and/or possibly investigated by the attorney general. I’m sure that would make great fodder for Ken Paxton’s Senate run. What screams MAGA more than standing up to the evil trans community? Did I mention they’re evil?
When Texas first pursued a bathroom bill, companies came out of the woodwork opposed to the bill thanks to the repercussions from the North Carolina bill. Potentially losing convention and sports money made everyone stand up, if for no other reason than the ripple effect that would have on businesses across Texas.
Except those same people have gone missing over the last few legislative sessions as Republicans and their allies have made life more difficult for the queer community in general and the trans community specifically. Have political opponents and hate groups finally created enough discomfort around queer topics that no one wants to offer direct support?
Or are they just worn out too?
Because I am tired—some of which comes from what’s been happening over the last month or so (more on that in a future blog). But after watching what’s unfolded over the last eight months in Texas and the U.S., my mind needs a moment of disconnect and a good reset. And some time to ponder how to recharge.
So as James and I prepare to leave for New Orleans, I’m going to try and say farewell to the negativity churning inside and outside of Texas. And go to a city where I’m less concerned about which gender is using which restroom, and more concerned about whether I’ll make it out of the restroom alive.
