Trumps attacks on the LGBT Community aren’t just hurtful. They are deadly.

Megan Cleland
Aug 28, 2017 · 2 min read

A little over a year ago, I watched attorney general Loretta Lynch look into the camera, with the Department of Justice seal behind her, and say to the transgender community ”We see you, we stand with you, we will do everything we can to protect you“.

I remember thinking, “She has no idea how many lives she’s just saved”.

What a difference a year makes. Now, we have a president who attacks the transgender community in a twee

I can’t speak to the practical damage a ban on transgender service members would have on our military, I’ve never served. Nor can I speak directly to the transgender experience. I can however, speak to the damage it will have on that 9 year old kid in Iowa, or Kentucky, or Nebraska who already knows they are different and just heard their President say “We see you, and you are worthless.”

I was that kid.

Nearly 25 years later, I can still remember my step-father’s voice saying

“All gay people should be lined up and shot. When you’re older you’ll understand.”

I remember how in an instant I went from thinking I was different, to knowing I was different.

I remember that feeling of being completely, entirely, impossibly alone.

I remember the years of suicidal thoughts that followed when I realized that being gay wasn’t something I could wish away. That I couldn’t pray it away.

I remember my first suicide attempt.

And my second.

And I was one of the lucky ones.

You see, it’s impossible to overstate just how dangerous Trump’s rhetoric is, regardless of policy. What’s even more heartbreaking, is that we won’t ever know. I suppose that’s the nature of shame. That kid in Nebraska isn’t going to tell you why they chose to end their life. That’s the whole point. Never having to tell anyone they’re different.

They are terrified that the world will see them, and tell them they are worthless.

A few weeks ago, I attended Senator Merkley’s rally in support of transgender service members. I stood with Indivisible Oregon, a group of activists and friends who remind me everyday of how important it still is to speak louder than hate. Now with the recent marches by white supremacists and movement toward the implementing the transgender ban I write this to urge everyone to speak out as loudly and as often as possible against this bigoted policy and to counteract Trump’s rhetoric.

There’s a kid out there that really needs to hear you.

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Megan Cleland

Written by

Organizer with Indivisible Oregon

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