Prismatic Queerdom Address on SB140 by Her Grace, the Duchess of Grant Park
It is the third time this year I have come to you all, my loyal neighbors of the Duchy of Grant Park and the Prismatic Queerdom. But it is of utmost importance that we act now, as swiftly as possible, in contacting our local representatives in the state of Georgia. Your district house representative and your senator. Call, send letters, send emails.
Last night, I was asked to talk before a crowded Zoom meeting presented by Moms Demand Action. While their mission is a “grassroots movement of Americans fighting for public safety measures that can protect people from gun violence” this meeting also tied into the rights of queer people. I heard from people like Laura Judge and Sen. Sally Harrel from the 40th district on the progress of the bill, and the effects just its discussion were already having on the citizens, and specifically queer youth, of Georgia.
Senate Bill 140 continues to make its way into becoming law. If this bill were to become law, the effects are chilling.
The bill “blocks trans youth from receiving hormone replacement therapy, as well as prohibits medical professionals from performing certain surgical procedures at hospitals and other licensed healthcare facilities, [and] is one step closer to becoming law.”
While I am no political expert, what I find chilling is the thought if the law was contested and fought all the way to the Supreme Court, the fear is how the court would rule.
The other, more immediate concern is the public health crisis the passage of this bill will cause. For those parents who are able to leave, we will see them leave the state. For those who are not, or even more so for teens in affirming households, this is a mental health crisis waiting to happen.
To my fellow trans, gender-expansive, and non-binary teens - I ask for you not to despair. To not feel hopeless.
To my friends already making plans to leave the state, I would love to ask you to stay and support them, but I also must ask that you do what’s best for you and your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
When I was a young queer person myself, I remember the dread of coming out to my parents. Of keeping a go bag, filled not only with clothes in case my parents found out my secret, but also a permanent solution I would most certainly regret. While my coming out was not by choice, I still remember the fear that gripped me the night before. The choices I contemplated in my head. The sobs my own father heard, and came into my room to comfort me, to tell me no matter what it was, it would be ok.
And, luckily, it was when I told them the next day. Our family, my family, is far from perfect, but when the time came my parents acted out of love and concern for me, their child.
Just like the parents of trans and nonbinary children who are pursuing medical options. They want what is best, and has been proven to be medically safe and necessary according to WPATH and other medical professionals.
The more chilling question that does deserve an answer eventually is what is the endgame of these bills and legislations, that take bodily autonomy away from its citizens. And at what point is enough enough?
I will continue to say this to anyone who presents a threat to queer, trans, and nonbinary people, whether I have power or little to none - I will continue to fight on behalf of my community.
And I say again, let my people live.
