Where I live, there was recently an election for a school board trustee. One of the people running was an openly bigoted anti-LGBTQ woman. Another was a trans man who ran on a sane and responsible platform, as a human being should. He trounced her fully and completely. It was amazing.
Reading your reflection, I felt something settle in me. I didn’t grow up with a pledge of allegiance. Here in Germany, such rituals would have clashed too deeply with our past. So I never had to stand in a classroom and say words that claimed to include me while clearly excluding so many.
Still, I recognize the knowing you describe—the early, steady sense that the world was written for someone else. And the quiet strength it takes to honor that knowing, even as a kid.
The names you gathered feel like stars—guiding lights I wish had been visible sooner. You reminded me that this history is still unfolding, still growing, still stretching wide enough to hold us. And your voice is part of that constellation.
May the roll call of elected trans leaders grow steadily. So grateful for each of them, and also for people like Chase Strangio who stand and speak truth to power for us. So grateful. Thanks, Robin. 🩵🩷🤍🩷🩵🏳️⚧️
Where I live, there was recently an election for a school board trustee. One of the people running was an openly bigoted anti-LGBTQ woman. Another was a trans man who ran on a sane and responsible platform, as a human being should. He trounced her fully and completely. It was amazing.
Amy I am glad that this is still happening, too.
Robin,
Reading your reflection, I felt something settle in me. I didn’t grow up with a pledge of allegiance. Here in Germany, such rituals would have clashed too deeply with our past. So I never had to stand in a classroom and say words that claimed to include me while clearly excluding so many.
Still, I recognize the knowing you describe—the early, steady sense that the world was written for someone else. And the quiet strength it takes to honor that knowing, even as a kid.
The names you gathered feel like stars—guiding lights I wish had been visible sooner. You reminded me that this history is still unfolding, still growing, still stretching wide enough to hold us. And your voice is part of that constellation.
May the roll call of elected trans leaders grow steadily. So grateful for each of them, and also for people like Chase Strangio who stand and speak truth to power for us. So grateful. Thanks, Robin. 🩵🩷🤍🩷🩵🏳️⚧️