| Image Caption: "I am just so done with this ignorance of intersectionality. As in, ya'll need to stop ignoring one set of rights for another. Image Credit: http://hairypitsandtits.tumblr.com/post/33112915839 |
I've got nothing but respect for Jenny Boylan and the team of women working with Caitlyn Jenner but the news of their visit to Second Baptist Church in Houston has me concerned.
Everyone has the right to evolve, but when will a primarily white trans movement evolve past it's own white privilege?
It's a privilege to attend a Southern Baptist Church for many white folks and if you don't know your Baptist churches, that's just one more sign that you should be working with more Black trans folks like Monica Roberts!
Sure, I'm glad SBC got around to apologizing for its abject racist history and for banning Black folks from marrying in their churches as late as 2012, but the lack of intersectional approach in the transgender movement is part of what is killing Black trans women.
One on side I see a lack of outreach by trans leadership to Black communities about the lived experience and rich history of gender diversity in Black communities. On another side, I see tone deaf missteps by white transgender leaders who choose to dismiss voices that represent Black communities, or in some cases work to silence those voices in favor of working with Black trans folks without strong, productive working relationships with the Black community.
And I don't just see this in the trans community, this is an epidemic in the larger LGBTQIA community that's been taking the lives of Black people for some time.
It's time we start fighting back against the racism and white privilege in the LGBTQIA community, wherever and whenever we may see it.
This Black bi cis woman has your back Monica, for you are my sister and your struggle is indeed bound up with mine.
May we see freedom come faster than this.
Recommended reading:
My Being Patient With Caitlyn Is Over via TransGriot
Caitlyn Comes To H-town, Screws Up Again via TransGriot
Should Have Voted For HERO via TransGriot
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| Image of Monica Roberts courtesy of National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), a leading advocacy non-profit for the Black LGBT community. Image Caption: "We have a history and proud leadership legacy as Black trans people to live up to and build upon." - Monica Roberts, Founder TransGriot |
