For transsexuals it has always been a generational struggle

Last night was particularly painful for transgender Americans — and few understand that as deeply as I do. As the election results came in, I watched with my readers, many of whom are queer or trans or have family members who are. It quickly became clear that we were faced with the reality of another Trump presidency — not only that, but that presidency would come on the heels of a $215 million advertising campaign designed to make Americans hate people like us . As I watched into the early hours of the morning, I found myself drawn less to the election numbers and more to the urgent messages of those who were in real danger of ending it all. I responded to as many as I could, knowing in my heart that these feelings were widespread across the country.

Since then, I’ve had time to reflect and breathe, although the feelings of fear, anger and despair are as strong as ever. In these moments, I always look back at those who came before us and their struggles. There is a famous quote: “The longer you look back, the further you can look forward.” When I look back, I realize that the fight for rights is rarely a steady path forward; It’s a journey filled with turmoil, despair and hope that emerge in the most unlikely of places and times. Today, that truth resonates deeply: This has always been a generational struggle – one any of us ever chose, but one we were drawn into nonetheless.

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My role in this fight began in a small town in Louisiana, deep in the swamps of Lafourche Parish. I first realized I was transgender in 1999, when I was just 12 years old. In fact, I already knew at the age of six that I was meant to be a girl, but society offered neither the idea nor the hope that such a truth could be realized. I could finally be myself in online IRC chats and D&D groups. Even then, the idea of ​​coming out, as some gay people were able to do at the time, seemed like an impossible future.

In the fight for gay rights, I witnessed for the first time the struggles and setbacks of a generational struggle. I watched gay rights being discussed online in the early 2000s, particularly on blogs like DailyKos. Many of the same challenges faced by LGBTQ+ people in our community and Democrats in the party today were reflected back then. Some gays argued that civil partnerships should be enough. Others excused Democrats who voted against gay rights. Even Obama, when I was in high school in 2004, responded to questions about gay marriage by saying, “Marriage is between a man and a woman,” and, “We have a number of traditions that I think have been preserved must be.” ”

These words were difficult for gay people to understand. What got even harder came after: Gay people coming out and winning rights in cities across the country watched as George W. Bush was re-elected on a decidedly anti-gay platform and the Republicans, who ran on a similar platform, were re-elected Gained a majority in the Senate and House of Representatives. In Bush’s 2004 State of the Union address, 51 minutes into his speech, he declared: “Our nation must defend the sanctity of marriage…When judges insist on imposing their arbitrary will on the people, the people are left with only one alternative.” be the constitutional process.” While the United States ultimately did not pass a national constitutional amendment, 27 states passed constitutional amendments banning gay marriage. Public opinion was strongly opposed to gay marriage, and the Democrats put gay people in their place. This generational struggle suffered a setback and it was difficult to see a future.

Looking back at 2004, it’s tempting to stop there. For those who experienced it, it felt like we had lost everything. For some this was true, and we must not forget them. But for me — a largely closeted 15-year-old transgender girl — the pain and torment didn’t cause me to give up. I persevered, knowing that one day I could play a role in this fight. As an ally, which was all I could be at the time, I joined local gay rights organizations. I marched against Bobby Jindal in Louisiana. I voted for Democrats who shared the vision of America as a safe place for gays. Without knowing it, I joined the ranks of millions and planted the seeds that eventually allowed me to come out.

Today is eerily reminiscent of 2004. Experts are already attributing the Democrats’ losses to transgender people. Some Democrats may conclude, as Obama did in 2004, that they should distance themselves from championing transgender rights. Many who do now carry this decision around their necks like an albatross. Meanwhile, Republicans appear more determined than ever to advance outrageously cruel policies against us. Trump’s plans are already known and other Republicans have outlined the end goal of eradication. I am sure that the architects of the 2025 project are ready to implement it.

To those who feel hopeless – don’t do it. The story didn’t end in 2004. Obama finally championed gay rights and public opinion changed significantly over the next decade. Allies stood by gay people and their numbers increased, contributing to wider acceptance. Anti-gay political platforms slowly but surely became positions held only by the most fundamentalist religious politicians. Even several Republicans voted for the Respect for Marriage Act in 2022 – something that was unimaginable in 2004.

I don’t know how long this setback will last, and I’m almost certain it won’t be our last. People have real fears for democracy itself, and many transgender people may not survive these years. But the fact that we are here at all to fight this fight is a testament to the enduring power of hope – since the 2000s, since the 1970s when gay teachers were banned, and since the 1930s when the First transgender care clinic raided amid uprising fascism. The best thing you can do is live; continue to exist and continue to care for the seeds we sow today. They will grow into trees that will provide shade for those who come after us – and with any luck, we can enjoy some of that shade ourselves.

This article originally appeared on Erin in the Morning.