i've spent the last couple of days feeling truly sickened and hopeless, and i haven't yet figured out what it all means for my place in fandom. it has felt like there hasn't been anything i could add to the conversations taking place as someone with almost no platform, and at a time when voices far more eloquent and important than mine were already having an impact.
however, more than ever the events of the last few days have shown me how important it is to speak up, even in my tiny corner of the world, even if it's clumsy, even if I cannot see the visible impact. this should not - and cannot - be the burden for trans people to speak about alone, and i am ashamed it took me so long to say something.
trans women are women and trans rights are human rights and the world is a better place with you in it.
if you are reading this and you are trans: i love you. i love you and your life is precious and you deserve the entire world. you are a miracle. please know my inbox is always open if you ever need a place to just be Heard. i love you 🫂🫂🫂
this list is as much for me as for anyone - when i feel overwhelmed and helpless like this, it helps to know what steps i can take to make it slightly more manageable. i hope it helps 🤍
Mermaids: 0808 801 0400 or webchat (open mon-fri 1pm-8:30pm), supporting trans people under 20 and their loved ones. also runs local support groups!
Gendered Intelligence: 0800 640 8046, WhatsApp 07592 650 496, email supportline@genderedintelligence.co.uk for people over 18. also runs local/online support groups, residentials, workshops, etc. etc.!
A list of trans-friendly therapists/counsellors (accredited by GI)
LGBT Switchboard: 0800 0119 100 or webchat
AKT: supporting LGBTQ+ people aged 16-25 experiencing homelessness
if you have the funds to do so, donate to support any of the charities linked above. donate to a trans person's gender affirming (life-saving) care.
reach out to your trans loved ones and make sure they know how loved, precious and vital their lives are, how tight you are holding them, and how hard you are going to fight for them.
follow TransActual's steps for taking action.
write to your local MP.
attend the emergency demonstration at Parliament Square (London) on Saturday 19th April, 1pm.
leave a message of love and solidarity on the TransPride wall of hope.
i am a therapist irl and i cannot recommend Gendered Intelligence's training on Working with Trans clients enough if you are also in this field!
do not look away. listen and engage and stay educated. be vocal about the harm jkr has done/is doing, have those conversations with others if you can, both irl and online, and do not leave the labour of this task to those most impacted by its harm.
dearest heart messrsrobyn (on tiktok) has put together some truly incredible resources on ethical fandom engagement, including his podcast.
idk how much longer i will be in this space, but however long it ends up being, i intend to be loud about this. trans folks are too important not to be.
*I'm happy to add to/remove links on here as needed.