End The Stigma

Published: 22 May 2019
Written by Ariana
Categories: Blog

10,000

Thank you for 10K followers Instagram. That’s amazing. I’m humbled at the number of people that decide to follow my life. As I look at out at you all in this post, I have something I want to say. My social media presence on various platforms has always been about showing through my modest successes and growing happiness that #transgender people are human beings who can overcome #hatred #bigotry #stigma #socialmediaattacks #discrimination & more to just be themselves and soar and defy and live and love and win.

There are many people that follow me who must not carefully read my hashtags and once in a while send me shocked messages such as “wait, you’re trans? What does that mean for you exactly?” (an actual recent dm I recieved) #waityouaretrans

The stigma of being attracted to, wanting to date, or loving a transgender woman, causes fear and shame in far too many people (not just men). You are attracted to us. You should be. We are all pretty amazing people and over time we find our strength, confidence, and a power which emanates from us and translates to a beauty flowing from within that attracts people of all persuasions. I get it. Among several other gender classifications, I date transgender women too because we are the bomb. The difference is, I will proudly proclaim that I date transgender women and far too many people out there keep their attraction hidden, are wrongly ashamed of it and will even attack or kill to keep it a secret.

Stop this nonsense. Accept your love of transgender people as normal because it is. Then, decide to protect us by no longer staying silent when friends or family throw out disgusting messages of #transhate or poke fun at a friend who hits on a girl that “might be trans.” Abolish the use of the terms in your friend group that demean us or make us seem less than human. When you hear those terms being used, tell your mate to cut it out and that you think it’s wrong to hate on people. It’s as simple as that, acknowledging we are people!

To those that are attacking and killing transgender women (more often than not transgender women of color).. you are weak, cowardly, and afraid. Attacking good people (whether physically or through social media) does not protect your reputation or save face. It makes you a monster. If you are concerned with showing strength and being respected, then protect transgender women. Prevent attacks and hatred by ending the stigma one conversation at a time. Speak up and support us through truly loving and cherishing us, then you will have my respect.

I know that because of this message I will likely no longer have over 10,000 followers as some take issue with what I’ve said here or suddenly realize I am trans and experience #symptomsofthestigma. I just hope you will hear me. We need you. Please see how your inaction in everyday circles with your friends hurts us all and please change your ways. If after reading this you are still following me, then please take a hard look at ways you can begin to change things.

Say their names. These are the women who died from gunshot wounds in just the last week. They didn’t deserve this. None of us do. We are people. Beautiful, strong, loving people.  #endthestigma

Muhlaysia Booker – say her name

Michelle “Tamika” Washington – say her name

Claire Legato – say her name

Link to related news story..