As I consider the very serious and grave topic at the helm of this piece of writing, I feel the weight and significance of my words on this page. During a time when the experiences of all marginalized people are on my mind constantly, it pains me to see my thoughts and concerns punctuated by real-time examples of further scapegoating.
The tragedies in Tumbler Ridge and on Rhode Island, for example, sent tidal waves through their respective communities and beyond. However, instead of mourning the victims, we’ve seen major news channels reporting on the unsubstantiated (and absurd) connection between the perpetrators’ trans* identities and the occurrence of these horrible events. And on the heels of these harmful media ploys, we see other impacts, such as trans* and gender-diverse residents of the state of Kansas losing their ability to drive unless they concede to re-issuing their identifications with incorrect gender identity markers.
Though they may seem unrelated, my point of view sees more and more targeted examples of harm that serve to instill a narrative about vulnerable people in the general public that is simply not true. Moreover, in a world that seems to be increasingly pitting people against each other as we all compete for ever-changing resources and stable lives, this process of dehumanization rings major alarm bells in my mind.
Even as I write this, the notions of power, control, othering and persecution radiate a sense of disgust through my body. Inevitably wrapped up in a piece of this nature are immense feelings of grief and sorrow that vulnerable people continue to be victimized, targeted and used as scapegoats for vicious narratives that do not represent the actions, intentions or responsibilities of marginalized populations. Though I do not think that we have gotten close to establishing a true and widespread sense of love and acceptance in broader society, it remains painful and jarring to see values and policies shift so starkly in the other direction and in such a short period of time. I can acknowledge that, often, fear is at the root of many harmful and divisive attitudes and perspectives (including many that remain prevalent today), but it is important not to rationalize away the lingering impacts of leading with hate instead of healthy curiosity.
Recently, intense and troubling events have presented another example of misinformation playing a leading role in ongoing and untrue narratives about trans* individuals, and it has been frightening to see it seized as an opportunity to target some of our most vulnerable. Even in the face of contradictory empirical data, many of us are witnessing firsthand how hard it can be to pull back portrayals of this nature once they have been released into the world, and it is a privilege that cisgender folks hold to not have to face the personal and lived-experience impacts of these sentiments running rampant in the world.
As we continue to hurl towards periods of increased turbulence, misinformation, political controversy, artificial intelligence-domination and continued divisiveness, I urge all readers to ground themselves in fact and exercise their ever-important critical thinking skills as they draw conclusions about the world and those they share it with.
Trans* people and identities have been at the centre of community wellness and well-being around the world and across cultures forever, and they need our allyship, commitment and voices now more than ever. They are our friends, our family, our community, and to target them on the basis of their identity simply because it is different than one’s own represents yet another dangerous practice and belief system that cannot be condoned, and in fact, that we have watched unfold in various shapes and forms throughout history.
To address the reader directly: do your part; do your research, ensure the information you are consuming and spreading is truthful, approach these conversations with our collective humanity in mind and explore how you can begin or continue to engage with the notion of allyship. What does this mean to you? How can you help contribute to a collective sense of safety, community, and understanding? As the social fabric of our lives continues to evolve, the time is now; speak up, take action and do your part.
Noah Fischer (he/him) completed his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at TRU and held various positions on campus, including SWAT leader for the Wellness Centre, Teaching Assistant, and Learning Strategist in the School of Nursing before stepping into the role of Manager of Gender and Sexual Diversity in 2023. He has a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, specializing in supporting 2SLGBTQPIA+ individuals. Outside of TRU, Noah is also a Registered Clinical Counsellor in private practice, enjoying the opportunity to provide support and safe(r) space for queer folks to access support.