A note (particularly for non-trans people) regarding a state senator calling Dr. Keo-Meier a pervert because he is transgender
I just watched a clip of a Texas state senator, believing her mic was off, calling my friend and incredibly respected colleague a pervert, DURING his powerful testimony against the anti-trans bill which ultimately cleared the Texas Senate.
He has a PhD in psychology, is currently working on his MD, led the first efforts to evaluate the impact of testosterone on trans men's mental health, is regarded within the APA as an expert on trans mental health, has worked in both clinical and advocacy roles for trans folks and youth in particular, and was testifying largely as an expert on the impact the bill would have on trans people's medical and mental health.
He had already given evidence-based testimony arguing that this bill would lead to the deaths of trans youth. He was there representing the scientific communities that know the harm these bills can have, and he was standing up for the most vulnerable in the community.
After listening to all this, while he was speaking about the misinformation associated with the "protection" arguments of anti-trans bathroom bills, this Senator said OUT LOUD (albeit under her breath), "you're the pervert" solely, one must assume, because he is openly transgender.
She unsurprisingly voted in support of the bill, which as I mentioned, ultimately passed the Texas Senate along party lines.
This has me angry and hurt. It is also in some ways laughable that anyone could think of Colt Keo-Meier (or me for that matter) as a pervert. That *that* is what was taken away from his powerful testimony that she must have chosen not to listen to. But it's a reminder that we are up against more than just ignorance. There is vitriolic hate and rage toward trans people that, while related to ignorance, is far more dangerous because it shuts off one's ability to listen and learn.
A lot of trans people are seeing the headlines (from liberal or trans media only, of course) about Dr. Keo-Meier being called a pervert. Some of them have and will listen to it, like I did. I have enough people in my life who see me and respect me to protect me from most of the negative impact of this, but many folks aren't so lucky.
For those of us in pockets of trans-positivity and acceptance, it can seem silly to have to say things like "TRANS PEOPLE AREN'T PERVERTS" and "TRANS PEOPLE ARE NORMAL" or "TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS" but in all actuality, these are messages that need to be out there and loud.
Non-trans folks (aka cisgender people) need to examine what they think and feel about trans people. Have a real talking to yrself if the words freak, pervert, weirdo, or abnormal crop up. Expand yr understanding and divorce trans people from those biases in yr mind. Then get out and do it with the people around you. It isn't always safe for us to challenge anti-trans biases or ignorance. We need yr help. And all the while, please flood yr social media and communities with messages of trans people's worth and beauty. Volunteer in the community. Donate to trans orgs and trans people's crowd funding. Look for art and writing and entertainment by trans people and support it and share it with non-trans folks.
Work harder to recognize, celebrate, and love us, because the people who hate us and think we are perverts are working very hard and getting pretty loud.
Thank you.
