LGBT Unity and Trans Solidarity Part 1: Why We Belong Together

[Shana A]

LGBT Unity and Trans Solidarity Part 1: Why We Belong Together

TRT Editor | Oct 31, 2012
By: Lorelei Erisis*/TRT Columnist–

http://www.therainbowtimesmass.com/2012/10/31/lgbt-unity-and-trans-solidarity-part-1-why-we-belong-together/

Q. Why are Trans People included in the LGBT acronym? What does our struggle have to do with a person's sexuality? Shouldn't we be separate from that?

A. These are questions I have heard a lot, from both outside and within the LGBT(+QIKA&GQ) community. The question makes a certain amount of sense, at least it does until you stop and think it through. And that is what I'm here to do. I hope you will come along with me.

It is my very strong belief that we do belong as an integral part of the LGBT community. But I also believe quite strongly that we must stand together ourselves as Trans People under the Transgender Umbrella. I will get to that in the second part of this two-part column.
First though, let me present to you why not only do we belong as part of the LGBT community, but why we _should_ be part of that community.

[peky]

Alliances, including the LGB + T one, are defined by a common enemy, and that is why we belong together. No more, no less

[suzifrommd]

Alliances, including the LGB + T one, are defined by a common enemy, and that is why we belong together. No more, no less

I think it's even more than that.  We both experience highly visible variance from the norm that can't be "fixed" and that we did not choose. That commonality allows us to understand each other.

[twit]

I think it's even more than that.  We both experience highly visible variance from the norm that can't be "fixed" and that we did not choose. That commonality allows us to understand each other.

That last sentence ought to be "should allow us."  Unfortunately, I don't think the lgb understand us any better than anyone else.

[peky]

Bad with them, worst without them

[Vicky]

That last sentence ought to be "should allow us."  Unfortunately, I don't think the lgb understand us any better than anyone else.

I am active in my LGBT community and the LGB sector that I deal with is happy to include me and my goals, mostly because I have become a known person to them.  It is hard to completely describe my place as a Trans person or get them to understand, but it is a work on progress, and maybe one that cannot fully be finished, they are Cis, and share that trait wih Het/Cis which we do not.  Get it set in your head what you are, get it out of your head you are the only type of Trans person in town, but get it out to the LGB folks that we are human as they are, and show them you are capable of love.  Then, dialog with them and share with them, and give a hug while you are at it.

[eshaver]

That last sentence ought to be "should allow us."  Unfortunately, I don't think the lgb understand us any better than anyone else.

Not trying to be sarcastic , but Jamie , yer so right ! I used to think I was alone , then, I saw people like you . THANKS for sharing you're thoughts !!!!!!!!

Ellen

[justmeinoz]

Given the confusion that exists in the minds of a large part of the population of every country between sex and gender, we need all the support we can get really.  It wouldn't be any better if we  separated into 2 smaller groups.

[Shana A]

LGBT Unity and Trans Solidarity Part 2: Why We Must Stand on Our Own

Dec 07, 2012
By: Lorelei Erisis*/TRT Columnist–

http://www.therainbowtimesmass.com/2012/12/07/lgbt-unity-and-trans-solidarity-part-2-why-we-must-stand-on-our-own/

In the first part of this column, I presented my argument for why the "T" belongs as an integral part of the LGBT Community. Why we are stronger together than apart.

Now, though, I shall present my reasons why we need to also stand on our own as Trans People, united under a Transgender Umbrella, in solidarity with the LGB communities, yet a proud and distinct community ourselves. Why we must have our own vital and visible movement, though we march as an important unit of a bigger whole.

Their causes must be our causes, just as we hope that our causes will be theirs. That as the fight for same-sex marriage and an end of DOMA win major victories, our GLB allies will lend their considerable strength and backing to the still struggling Trans Rights Movement.