It’s a chaotic time in our world. Since January 20th, there has been an intentional flurry of governmental upheaval. The response to it is another flurry; a combination of fear, outrage, support, and emotional outpourings in a lot of different directions. To exist in this political and cultural storm can feel like just that: a storm. We are in the midst of a barrage of information and reaction, and it’s hard to see clearly when we’re standing in the middle of a storm. For many queer and gender non-conforming folk and the allies that love them, this is a terrifying time. What do these executive orders mean? How far can this go? What kind of danger am I in? What kind of danger is my child in? And who is fighting on the behalf of equality and civil rights? Today I’d like to provide a couple of resources that will hopefully be a step in helping to empower us through information and action. Who has good information, and what can I do with that information? In short, it can be enormously helpful to focus on facts, not fear.
This page will lead you to other ACLU updates on transgender and non-binary rights. There are two important press releases about passport restrictions and gender affirming care restrictions and the lawsuits that the ACLU is launching. I find it extremely helpful to pay attention to the people who are fighting for our civil rights. To not feel alone at this time is critical. Please keep in mind that there are thousands of people in this country fighting for our right to determine who is in charge of our personal identities, our medical autonomy, and our rights to privacy and self-determination. The more we can ground ourselves in facts, not fear, the more we can stand our ground firmly.
If it helps to take action, here is a list of ways you can make your voice heard in the Oregon government. (I want to thank and give credit to Jenn Burleton for this action list. Check out her services for more information!) Remember the old adage “the squeaky wheel gets the grease?” Now is the time to make some noise! Elected officials need to know how important their actions are right now, so here’s a list of actions you can take without turning your life upside down:
1) Oregon (as well as Washington, California, and several others) is a Sanctuary State for transgender people. This became law with the passage of the Oregon House Bill 2002, which ensures access to healthcare, protection for physicians providing gender-affirming care, and the prohibition on denying health coverage for gender-affirming care (with some exceptions for employer self-funded programs). You can contact Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield to demonstrate your support for enforcement of these protections: [email protected]
2) Call Governor Tina Kotek’s office and tell them your family votes, and you vote based on who is specifically supporting the rights of trans children, youth, and their families. (503) 378-4582
3) Contact your representative in the state legislature to let them know you need their support to protect the rights of trans+ children, youth, and their families to express and affirm their gender identity, and access gender-affirming healthcare including pubertal suppression. https://www.arcgis.com/apps/instant/lookup/index.html…
4) Sign up to spend the day at Basic Rights Oregon’s Statewide Action Summit advocating for your trans kid’s needs https://basicrights.org/events
5) Visit the Movement Advancement Project (MAP) website to stay informed about the status of trans+ rights in Oregon (and every other state in the nation).https://www.lgbtmap.org/equality-maps/profile_state/OR
All of these actions can help quell the fear that so many are feeling right now. Action can be very therapeutic. And, always, if we can keep coming back to facts, not fear, then we can gather together to take meaningful action that will make all the difference in the world.
Throughout these uncertain times, it’s so important to take care of yourself and stay on top of your emotions and sense of safety. If you need support in this (who doesn’t?), and you think coaching might be a good way for you to move forward, I’m here to help. Please don’t hesitate to schedule a complimentary, 20 minute consultation to let me know what challenges you might be facing. We can chat about how we can work together to support your needs, move forward with intention, and feel proud of yourself as you navigate the stormy waters of today. You can also find me at Nurture Life Coaching, so feel free to reach out!
It’s normal to feel fear right now. You don’t have to deal with it alone. I’m here to help however I can.
