I’ve been really frustrated with Democrats and a lot of “well-meaning” people in the past few years regarding trans rights. This is me speaking as a cis person, but has had close ties to trans people for much of my life. But I’m mostly speaking as someone who is interested in history and … I’m pretty sure we’ve been here before.
In addition to Jews (and the disabled, the dissenters, and others), the Nazis sought to destroy a lot of queer and trans history. Lots of people who are familiar with that area of history know this, but in case you weren’t aware, read all about it on Wikipedia.
And, when I look at Gavin Newsom and his anti-trans bullshit, it feels like a similar downslide. When the people we look at to help us fight against Trump’s fascist appetites start caving into aspects of their agenda, it undermines all of it. When we look at the people in power, it’s important to remember there are more of us not in power, right? So why exclude the most powerless to fight on their own? Are they not the worst effected by their hatred? Why curry favor to fascists while telling trans folks their rights aren’t worth fighting for? (The Democrat’s slide into centrism reminds the working folks that none of the politicians on either side give a fuck about us, but that’s a separate rant.)
But the biggest reason we should be telling the Dems to fight for LGBTQIA+ rights is because if they start caving on that, what’s next? There isn’t as strong as a wall against human rights, so maybe they look at the rights of gay couples? Or maybe women shouldn’t have as much of a say in their lives if… who knows. If the Dems can stand firm against SOMETHING FOR FUCK’S SAKE, we might have a chance to preserve whatever freedom we think we have.
I don’t know what more to say about it but it’s just a brief reminder from the past. Shit like this repeats and there’s a reason why education in schools teaches a lot less anti-fascist education than it used to. People forget. The past comes back to haunt everyone, regardless if you studied it. I read Complete Idiot’s Guide to Nazi Germany by Robert Smith Thompson (which I can’t find a link to purchase, huh) and whatever shit storm is upon us will probably affect me just as badly as someone who voted for the fucking schmuck.
One last reminder that compassion for others is not what it used to be, and trans rights might be in a different place if it was. Kindness is still a super power, and if we can’t show it to everyone, can we please have compassion for those who feel most threatened right now? It’s not fucking hard to give a shit about trans people. FUck.
–Jenna.
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As we gather our best of 2025 music lists, pray thee not leave this out.
recalcitrance 
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