Why are calls for progress answered with regression?

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I stumbled upon an evocative postcard recently. Written in black typewriter font against an international orange background was a poem by Laurence Ferlinghetti expressing pity towards a nation reminiscent of the one I call home. Pity that condemns national bigotry and citizens who watch on as their rights erode and freedoms wash away. ​

In despair and horror, I watch rights and freedoms stripped away faster than I can process. A mass or school shooting is reported almost daily-- victims' names shared online with the same chilling message, “Rest in Peace.” Health care, education, safety, housing – basic human rights taken by careless “leaders” who lead only through their beliefs and care only about power. Often, I find myself tempted to turn off the noise, scroll past the violence, and ignore the hate. But the ability to ignore injustice is a privilege; simultaneously, it is an ignorant, harmful choice.

I suppose I have a romantic view of what my country would look like. In a perfect nation, everybody lives in peace; no war, poverty, food insecurity, or violence. Politicians lead with open hearts, empathy, curiosity, and intelligence instead of acting on hate, fear, selfishness, and arrogance. But unfortunately, my optimism is defeated by my developing grip on reality. Countries are led by imperfect people who intrinsically make mistakes and act on greed and egotism. This same land is populated by people of similar character, so order, equity, and peace are almost impossible.

The current state of my nation, the United States, is far from perfect. Its crumbling foundation was built on inequality, with misconstrued ideas of “freedom,” by thousands of enslaved people, and through the genocide and forced migration of Indigenous peoples. Now, violence is rampant against anyone who does not resemble a founding father (in other words, a white, cisgender, straight, wealthy, English-speaking man). The liberties won through decades of protest and struggle are easily revoked.

So, why are calls for progress answered with regression?

My inner strife lies in the limitations of my power and voice. What can I reasonably do to stop the erosion of rights and liberties? Talk, write, listen. Share and repeat words spoken by millions of protestors who demand change and their right to exist in peace. Because yes, despite my naïveté, I want to live in a better nation: one with less violence, less hate, more empathy, and more equality.

Too many people, especially so-called “allies,” have stayed silent while millions die. So, let me add my voice to their plea: speak up. Sign a petition. Take a stand against discriminatory comments at the dinner table. You choose standing up or standing to the side while lives are threatened and lost.

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Additional Resources

Support the Transgender Law Center

Resources from trans athlete & activist Schuyler Bailar (@pinkmantaray)

Advice for cishet folks (from Schuyler Bailar)

Trans Lifeline

Equality Federation: Tracking of anti-LGBTQ and trans bills

GLAAD resources

Explore more community & blog resources

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