Transgender and nonbinary people are a small yet visible minority in the U.S. Unfortunately, in the current cultural and political landscape, the community is being targeted: According to the American Civil Liberties Union, there are 533 anti- LGBTQ bills moving forward across the United States. These bills often target transgender/nonbinary people in core areas of life including access to safe bathrooms, employment, education and healthcare.
What's more, on his first day in office, President Donald Trump signed a sweeping order dictating that the United States government would only recognize two unchangeable genders. From passport applications being paused, healthcare being called into question, and people fearing for the safety of their families, nonbinary and transgender Americans are filled with more fear and uncertainty than ever right now.
On a personal level, I am afraid every time I need to hand anyone my identification — my legal gender is “X” both on my state and federal documents. In 2001, at age 18, I came out as nonbinary/trans and was kicked out of my home for being queer. I found immediate love and acceptance within the LGBTQ+ community. I found my people, I found my home. From my trans community, I learned about our powerful history of resistance and visibility. Just as I was supported, we must continue to support trans people and continue to encourage affirming loud and proud representation of our lives and community.
Government recognition and support makes our lives better, but it isn’t what makes us real. We can’t be erased with legislative actions or executive orders. Despite everything happening, we are still here living authentically and loving each other. We might be afraid, but we are also filled with hope. Remember, as dark as these days may feel, we can find rainbows of hope on the other side of this storm. Here are words of support from transgender and nonbinary people, including famous trans actors.
Quotes From Transgender and Nonbinary People
- “Let's destroy all hierarchies and create the space for gender, sexual, social and political self-determination for everyone.” —Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore (she/her) is the author of Touching the Art.
- "We have the power to create our own reality. Dream it, Think It, Say It, Do It." —Twiggy Pucci Garçon (she/her/hers & they/them/theirs) is a director, producer and healer. In 2023, she won the GLAAD Media Award and was nominated for an Emmy as the producer for All Boys Aren’t Blue.
- “The world keeps giving us goodness all around us, but we have to be open to seeing it, and then believe that it is meant for us. The world wants us to thrive. Anything less is a lie.” —Rev. Evan Swance-Smith (she/he/they) Non-binary/Trans @BiblicalButch
- “Those who have survived the unthinkable are also those who know how to create a better world – because it’s ended for us before." — Kai Cheng Thom (she/her) is writer and facilitator.
- "Being a human is hard work, but it's easier to carry that load together. Keep showing up and extending grace for yourself and others."—Mx. Pucks A'Plenty (they/them/yas queen) is a Black, fat, queer, nonbinary and disabled artist and parent. They are the executive director of an arts & culture organization.
- “The tiniest intentional acts of caring for each other, fueled by rage against a system that kills us, fosters communities of Stubborn Survivors. See each other. Hold each other. Together We THRIVE. —Ryder Fox (they/them) is a wellness coach and educator.
- “There’s power in being seen. By living authentically and fully as ourselves, we’re also ensuring that those who need to see someone like us, can.” — Andy Duran (he/him) is a queer/trans activist, fat skater and sex educator. He is founder of Chub Rollz.
- “You aren’t hard to love (your existence is a blessing). Your pronouns (or if you don’t use them) aren’t a burden. You’re a dream fulfilled.” — Julián Jamaica Soto (per or they) is a Unitarian Universalist minister and Executive Director of TRUUsT (Trans Unitarian Universalist Religious Professionals Together).
- “I want all my Queer and Trans siblings to remember that we are not alone. We never have been and we never will be.”—James Dillon III (they/them) is a photographer, writer, peer recovery coach and founder of Queercovery.
- “My femininity makes me a better man.” —Mars Wright (he/him) is a trans man, artist and streetwear designer who started Life On Mars apparel.
- "When you show up as your authentic self, whatever that may be, you allow others to do the same, creating the world we all deserve."—Shanna Katz Kattari (they/them) is a professor, sexuality educator and activist.
- “Church can be feeling pleasure, when the world would have you feel none, church can be your body, under the heat of the stars.” —Emma Loomis-Amrhein (she/her) is a trans writer and naturalist.
- “Always keep looking for authentic ways to belong. Find the people who will celebrate and uplift every aspect of your beautiful self. You're worth it!” —Sophie Labelle (she/her) is a cartoonist, novelist and musical theater enthusiast.
- “Everything about us, about you, is a revolution: existing, just being together, finding joy, being seen. Even in the smallest 'I love your hair' or 'that pin/button/patch is so cool' moments. So keep doing that: exist, see each other, pick up all the joy you can find.”
—Wulf Roby (they/them) is a two-spirit (Chickasaw) public health/author. - “Gender is a galaxy! You’re a miraculous embodiment of belonging, possibility and wonder! There’s nobody like you in the universe—that’s exactly why you belong. (Trust your star stuff.)” — samantha rise (they/them/elle) is a trans, gender-expansive performing artist, songwriter and art-activist.
- “A few years ago, I founded Team Trans—a hockey team made up entirely of transgender players. Being part of this team reignited my love for the game. Sharing the locker room and bench with teammates was life-changing. I’ve met over 100 more trans hockey players, and every new connection fills me with warmth. I want the world to know that we exist, we belong, and you can be trans and play hockey!” —Alex K (he/him) Team Trans player is one of the founders of Queer Hockey Hamilton.
- “We live in a world that has always been biologically and culturally sex/gender diverse. Rise up and celebrate this birthright.” —Jenn Burleton (she/they) is a woman of transgender experience and one of the founders of the gender-expansive child affirmation movement.
- "Sharing yourself, your feelings and your dreams is a gift of connection. Surround yourself with people who want to exchange gifts." —Alex Gino (they/them) is a children's author.
- “Don’t wait until tomorrow to make your art. Be creative with your whole self, right now.”—SJ Sindu (she/they) is a queer Tamil author.
- “After 25 years, the only regret I have about transitioning is that I couldn’t live my truth as soon as I knew it — age 4.” —Scott Turner Schofield (he/they) is an Emmy nominated actor and creator of Becoming a Man in 127 EASY Steps.
- “The world is so much Queerer than I was raised to believe! My transition has given me everything the world said I would lose.” —Dresden Graff (he/him) is a dog sport coach.
- “Tell your stories. Often and loudly. We need to hear you, and you need to be heard. Tell your stories. Someone is listening. I promise.” —Tony Amato (he/him) is a writing coach and author.
- “Prioritizing your own mental health and safety ensure those who experience you in relationship will have a positive impact on their wellbeing and mental health.” —Brielle (she/her/hers) is an activist, freedom fighter and visionary.
- “Experiencing the sacred bond and devotion of queer TGI kinship and the warmth that comes from existence as a celebration is nothing short of holy.” —Rommy Torrico (they/them) is a formerly undocumented, queer, trans nonbinary visual artist and cultural worker.
- “I want back the years I worried about my own authenticity. Turns out, confidently being yourself makes you a source of strength for other people” —Everett Maroon (he/they) is a civil rights advocate, community health and nonprofit leader, author and co-chair, WA State LGBTQ Commission.
- “The movement for justice needs every skill and ability, including yours. For everyone making a stirring speech, there’s someone who remembered to change the megaphone batteries. —S. Bear Bergman (he/him) is an author and educator.
- “There's a tremendous amount of power in community and in defiant joy. Keep your chin up, find people who get you, have each other’s backs.” —Fureigh (they/them) is an indie rocker.
- Challenge everything considered normal especially the new normal that came after the old normal. Normality is stagnation with a pretty bow on it.” —Rosetta Fourhornes-Turner (she/her) is an artist/activist.
- “Self-worth shall be defined by the individual seeking. Keep an open mind, be kind, and always make time for yourself.”—Cameron Loomis (he/him) is a peer counselor.
- “Never forget that our joy, our pleasure, and the unique delight and connection we can find through our queer and trans identities are not only some of the things that will help us the most to get us through hard times, they're also some of our most powerful forms of rebellion.” —Heather Corinna (they/them) is a queer, agender author, Scarleteen founder, educator, activist and unabashed pleasure-seeker.
- “Lead with compassion, for yourself, most importantly. You do not have to be on the vanguard, you do not always have to bear witness. Find the light - it is there. And remember, always, our people, our beautiful we - would not be this dangerous to them if we did not hold such power.” —Pan Ellington (they/them) is a writer, activist, outlaw and artist.
- “I want all trans folks to know how beloved they are, and that for as damaging as the legislation and bigotry and hate is, just by existing as you are in whatever self you embody, you are stronger and put more good into the world than those fascists could ever dream of! You got this and I love you!” —Katherine Rose Turbes (they/them) is a singer-songwriter, cabaret performer and activist.
- “No matter who you are or what you do in the world, you make a difference every single day.” —Simon (they/them) is a transmasculine, nonbinary professional dog trainer.
- “Life is about human connection achieved through small acts of kindness and compassion. I remember this through life's challenges, and I keep those connections alive” —Mason Caminiti (he/him) is a husband, dad, son, brother, uncle, friend and activist.
- "You are who you are. No one can tell you who you are but you. Whoever you know yourself to be, you are right." —Maybe Burke (she/her) is an artist and educator.
Sassafras Patterdale (ze/hir) is an award-winning author and freelance writer. Sassafras’ work has been honored by organizations ranging from the American Library Association, and the Lambda Literary Foundation, to the Dog Writers Association of America and the Cat Writers Association. Sassafras’ work has been published widely, and ze is the author of twelve books. Follow Sassafras @SassafrasPatterdale and at SassafrasPatterdale.com.
