Stand in the gap

Published about 2 months ago • 1 min read

Content warning: violence against transgender women

This week, I attended a vigil for Persia Amarra Conway, a transgender woman who was murdered last week in Houston.

She is the second transgender woman to be murdered this year in Houston; the first woman’s name is Jade Roberts.

I am devastated, angry, and heartbroken - not only from thinking about my transgender friends, but also thinking about my transgender children, and how Persia’s family was treated so horribly by the Houston Police Department.

The vigil made me wonder what I could possibly say to honor Persia. As a cisgender person, the way I am feeling and grieving is different from the way my transgender friends are grieving right now.

So this is for the allies:

THIS is the time to be loud and visible about demanding respect for transgender people, not just when it’s easy or convenient for you.

This is uncomfortable. It hurts to face the pattern of violence against transgender people, especially Black and Brown trans women.

Now is the time to use your privilege and call for accountability from law enforcement, politicians, and leaders - to prevent this violence and protect the transgender community and not turn a blind eye.

Transgender people deserve respect, safety, and dignity. They deserve to live openly and freely.

Allies stand in the gap between trans people and those who wish to harm them.

Where are you standing?

Mandy Giles (she/her)
Founder and CEO
Parents of Trans Youth

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Parents of Trans Youth provides learning, support, and community to parents and caregivers of transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive kids.

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