In Solidarity With Community During COVID-19

Dear Beloved MTPC Family and Friends,

As human beings wired for connection and community, we are being asked to go against our nature (for some…shout out to the introverts!) and practice social distancing. As MTPC, like some others #WorkFromHome, we are reminded of the unique experiences of some of our community members.

Those already in physical, emotional and/or psychological isolation, migrants, low wage workers, sex workers, artists, musicians, folks working in gig economies, folks who can’t work from home, those living paycheck to paycheck, those living with no paycheck, folks with disabilities and/or living with a chronic illness, our elders, our family members and friends who are incarcerated, loved ones who are at increased risk for suicide. We hold them in our hearts, as we ask:

How do trans and gender-expansive people safely connect to community when those living at the furthest edges of marginality do not have access to the internet, technology and/or structural support? How are trans and gender-expansive people taken into consideration in relief efforts and funds? How safe is social distancing in unstable housing or in relationships where there is abuse? How will trans people receive appropriate and affirming care when the government and local officials are declaring a delay on non-urgent procedures? Transgender health and gender-affirming care may be seen as non-urgent, even cosmetic when in fact, these procedures are essential to saving lives. What does safety really look like the government and local officials are using “health and safety” to increase surveillance on vulnerable communities?

There are so many more questions than there are answers. Yet, we hold on to hope even when we feel helpless. Transgender, nonbinary, two-spirit and gender-expansive people are some of the most resilient, resourceful beings in existence! No matter how society (cough: colonialism) has tried to squash us, we have made it through history. But at what cost?

There is nothing like a crisis and uncertainty to show who we really are as individuals and a society. We have found ourselves in a time, where more than ever we need each other. This is a time of innovation and creative social connection. This is not the time for human rights and civil liberties to be eroded. Please do what you can to stay informed, flatten the curve, fight against anti-trans rhetoric and legislation, and fight against anti-Asian racism and xenophobia. Do what you can to stay as safe as possible, and be kind!

In Resilience,

Tre’Andre Valentine,

Executive Director

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Posted on March 23, 2019