Living in Texas with a transgender child is often difficult to handle. I am a native Texan and it hurts to say that my state is failing our trans kids and adults. This week Ken Paxton, Texas’ Attorney General, has decided to sue the Obama Administration along with Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Louisiana, Maine, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, West Virginia and Wisconsin. This is the fortieth time Texas has tried to sue the current administration…40. Four zero!! Talk about overreach! And they do not have a winning record, just a fantastic way to blow through Texas’ tax payers’ money!
Last weekend a group of trans kids, their parents and trans adults had a peaceful protest at Governor Greg Abbott’s book signing event in Plano at Barnes & Noble. What I wonder is if he realizes B&N are trans friendly and have respect for gender identity when it comes to bathroom?? Granted the majority of our group did not get to see him personally due to his security staff, but our presence was known. One parent of a trans kid even shook his hand and got a book signed by him…and the Governor is ok, he lives another day!
“We held signs, took pictures with Abbott’s bus and even had a staff member come out and offer us all cold water.”
Truly our intent was to show people coming to the signing that trans people are no different than anyone else; that we can support our cause peacefully and still be respectful of other people in the community. We held signs, took pictures with Abbott’s bus and even had a staff member come out and offer us all cold water. Several in our group even held the doors open as people came and went and wished people a good day!
I know it is hard to believe that nothing bad happened (minus a few snide comments from unapproving customers and some sideways looks at our signs), but it was a good day! We even had many people from the group actually use the bathroom (gasp!!) and there were no assaults or anything…because people just need to pee! This is just how a typical function goes down with most people and the same applies if anyone is trans in the group. I think if people would take time to really understand and know even one transgender person, their attitude would change. This is why our family is visible and vocal. We want people to meet our trans kid/s and friends and give them a chance. That is what we are asking from everyone…give trans people the same rights everyone else has and a chance to get to know them as well.
You would be surprised at how many new friends you will end up with for having an open mind and loving heart!
