SubscribeWhen a politician calls for another speech on transgender issues They speak on LGB- issues with a minor T so small and fragile that its hardly to be noticed. A black dot on white paper, 5 seconds of silence in a 50 minute speech. But when they do pay attention to the T. it often goes like this:
“This is a small issue that involves handful of people. An idea we with our narrow minds cannot comprehend. we will discuss whenever you deserve the rights of everyone else. you should be so thankful, respectful grateful if we agree to give you the respect you deserve.”
Now im sorry but this is the wrong term, the wrong mindset and a misunderstanding. I did not ask for your respect, and I do not suggest you expect me to respect you.
We are not debating word for word the meaning of simple ethics and respectful manners. And we are not clapping our shoulders together in a circle of joy. This is not a matter of respect, it’s a matter of life and death.
When I walk down the street and do not respond to what they say, it’s not a matter of respect, it’s a matter of life and death.
When I refuse to travel to The United Arab Emirates with my brother, I do not worry that they will forgot my pronouns, and refuse to show me respect, it’s a matter of life and death.
When I choose a doctor, and take the 2 hour long drive to see someone that may be “kind to people like me” its not a matter of respect, it’s a matter of life and death.
When my stomach hurts and I put on my nail polish, take a deep breath and hide from the boss who I am, it’s not out of fear of being disrespected, It’s a matter of life and death.
When I kept hiding year after year, pretending for so long, it was never to gain respect. It was a matter of life and death.
When I came out to my family, saying I could not hide this anymore, it was not to ask for respect, it was a matter of life and death.
When I spent my money and forgot my plans, when I traveled to places I had never been before it was not to search for people who would respect me,
It was a matter of life and death.
When people talk to me and call me she and not he, they don't actually talk to me.
When politicians call this matter a matter of respect, this is a way of telling people that they are already dead.