A Time Capsule Of Current Events

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I must admit, I am not an expert on transgenderism. I struggle to understand so much of it, and the science is conflicting. When in doubt, however, I always try to err on the side of kindness, mercy, and compassion. I also try to get proximate, and I am learning so much from our transgender community. They are great kids who face enormous struggles. Here are the numbers that have most impacted my decision: 75,000, 4, 1, 86 and 56. 75,000 high school kids participating in high school sports in Utah. 4 transgender kids playing high school sports in Utah. 1 transgender student playing girls sports. 86% of trans youth reporting suicidality. 56% of trans youth having attempted suicide. Four kids and only one of them playing girls sports. That’s what all of this is about. Four kids who aren’t dominating or winning trophies or taking scholarships. Four kids who are just trying to find some friends and feel like they are a part of something. Four kids trying to get through each day. Rarely has so much fear and anger been directed at so few. I don’t understand what they are going through or why they feel the way they do. But I want them to live.

Some women are expected to be strong at times when they can't. Her feminism would involve reassuring her that it's okay to not be strong.

Some neurodivergent people are raised to believe that they're too stupid to ever amount to anything. Their disability activism would involve reassuring them that they're capable.

Some neurodivergent people are raised to believe that they're smart and gifted, and are expected to live up to impossible standards. Their disability activism would involve allowing them to fail, make mistakes, be stupid, etc.

Some children are constantly reminded "you're the child, I'm the adult" in order to deny their autonomy. Their youth rights activism would involve treating them like an adult at times when they feel ready for it.

Some children are treated like adults in order to justify increased expectations or to downplay abuse against them. Their youth rights activism would involve allowing them to be a child.

That urge makes sense, but it doesn't always help us, or anyone else in the long run.

If you're feeling as restless and activated as I am - If you're feeling that pressure that says, "I need to do something!" here are some things you can try that might help you regulate your body and help you sustain your resistance long term.

• Step away from the videos/images, but stay with their names. Light a candle, say their name out loud, write it down. Witness doesn't have to mean repeated exposure to graphic harm.

• Channel the energy into support, not spectacle: donate if you can, share vetted resources, mutal aid links, legal funds. Do it once, intentionally, instead of endlessly circulating the violence itself.

• Check on someone you trust. A simple "thinking of you. today has been heavy" builds more resistance than a hundred reposts.

• Move your body in a way that releases tension. Walk, stretch, shake, pace, breathe. Rage needs motion.

• Rest on purpose. Not because you don't care, but because exhausted people are easier to silence.

Bearing witness matters. Grief matters. Your rage makes sense.

But constant exposure to violence doesn't make us stronger. It wears us down.