Separate but equal is not equal, nor is it just. It is past time to acknowledge that gender is variable, that my lived experience is no more or less valid than yours, that each and every person deserves the space and safety to live her/his/their authentic self. I am a cis straight woman married to a man. Among my nearest and dearest—and my second-nearest, third-nearest, and beyond; in every circle—are LGBTQ+ people whom I love, honor, and respect. People of integrity and kindness. People just trying to live their lives.
I implore anyone reading this to contact your Congressperson, your Senators, your state and local politicians. Tell them you will not tolerate any backpedaling on LGBTQ+ rights. Tell them that if they fail to stand up—decisively, strongly—against attacks on LGBTQ+ rights, you will take your vote elsewhere come next election.
#LGBTQNotGoingBack. It’s a matter of basic fairness. It’s a matter of life and death.