Thread by @BolasMlodzik

So I'm going to take 15 minutes of my lunch break to discuss something that I honestly need to get off my chest to the Twitterverse... As many of you know I am a political organizer for the Klobuchar campaign, but I speak today as a transgender woman of my own voice.

It is time for the rise of the LGBTQIA+ community, and the trans community especially, in the political arena. Our very existence is being pushed aside by our government. When our President calls for the removal of our workplace protections, its time to act.

Now sure, some of you may say that, "My employer would never do that" and you might be correct. However whether you are cis, trans, or however you identify, this action alone should terrify you. Being transgender, I have experienced all the hatred, targeting, and jokes

you'd expect someone like me to have. There's even a meme with my picture calling me a "Man in Disguise" from a recent event I worked at. And you know what? I don't care that I'm the target, I welcome it. Because I would rather take the hit then some closeted high schooler

who's friends are laughing at her because they see this beautiful girl as a cis male. Or the strong, brave young man stuck in the cycle of cheerleading and dresses for prom to try to prove he isn't different than his peers. Or the individual who doesn't align with any side

of the binary system, and they just want to be seen as a person without getting forced into a box. These are the people I fight for, these are the people that need to see those out and proud in the community stepping up and leading by example.

Through working for this campaign I have had the opportunity to connect with people from all walks of life and tell my story. I have met passionate liberal people who see me as brave for standing out in a world that is against me. I have met with amazing conservative

faithful individuals, appalled that the community is being treated like this, despite all the negativity that is passed around as a stereotype.
Yes, there will always be those who question my and others validity, and come after us for simply living our lives out and proud.

But now is not the time to stay silent. Now is not the time to agree to complacency. There are future leaders, men, women, and those in-between or neither, who need the example of the community and to be encouraged to share their incredible stories with the world.

I would not be where I am today without the paragons who came before me... and my goal is not to leave a legacy that provides me with glory and honor, but to inspire others to follow and become a beacon of hope for everyone who sees them living their best lives.

This is more than a simple call to action, this is more than an informative speech. This is a woman calling out to a larger community as a whole to stop looking at everyone else to take the stand and start leading yourself.

Be vocal about your support, stand up against those who would belittle and push us down. Ask for help and seek out others who inspire you , like my working for a woman who inspires me everyday.

Ask questions, find your passion, and show everyone who you really are.

Because after-all, we are not simply labels on a chalkboard. We are not simply the sum of our legacy. We are people, we are allies and community members. We are teachers, and speakers, and leaders. We are programmers, and customer service specialists, and baristas.

We are valued, we are valid, we are human.
We are part of the past, prominent in the present, and the face of the future. 🏳️‍⚧️

#TransRightsAreHumanRights #Transgender