For decades, the mainstream gay rights movement tried to sanitize itself, pushing trans people and drag queens to the back of the march to appear more "palatable" to cisgender, straight society. It didn’t work. And it was wrong. The trans community taught us a critical lesson that defines true LGBTQ+ culture today:
To talk about LGBTQ+ culture without centering the trans community is like trying to understand jazz without acknowledging the blues. You might get the rhythm, but you miss the soul.
How has a trans person or piece of trans culture (music, ballroom, art, literature) impacted your understanding of freedom? Let’s keep the conversation respectful and centered on trans voices.
The current political climate has decided to make the trans community a wedge issue. We see bills attacking trans youth healthcare, bathroom bans, and drag bans that are thinly veiled attempts to erase trans visibility.
As we move forward, let’s remember that the goal of LGBTQ+ culture has never been to fit in with the status quo. The goal has always been to break the status quo open so that everyone—no matter their gender, sexuality, or expression—can live freely.
Here is the truth that allies and queer siblings must remember: When you allow the government to decide which bodies are "real" and which identities are "ideologies," you set a precedent that can be used against every queer person.
LGBTQ+ culture is fundamentally about liberation from rigid boxes. The trans community lives that truth every single day. A trans person coming out at work, changing their ID, or simply walking down the street is performing a radical act of authenticity that benefits the entire community.
Happy Pride. Stay safe. Stay loud. 🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈