Winds of Change
When President Biden officially proclaimed March 31 Transgender Day of Visibility, he acknowledged the discrimination, violence and hardship faced by transgender communities and called upon “All Americans to join the fight for full equality for all transgender people.” This just after Dr. Rachel Levine became the first openly trans person to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. She was appointed assistant secretary for the Department of Health and Human Services.
Earlier in March a group of child health advocates called upon President Biden to recognize April 8th as World Day for Child Sexual Abuse Prevention, Healing and Justice and to create a Presidential Commission to end sexual abuse against children. These changes would shine a light on a topic often considered too taboo to discuss. Breaking the silence around child sexual abuse would be a meaningful step in preventing future abuse and creating accountability.
While these political developments are exciting, we know there is a long way yet to go in our fight for equality. Special protections and substantial policy changes are still desperately needed for queer and trans people and survivors of violence. The Sum of Our Parts advocates for our communities by sharing firsthand accounts of Roseanne and Kelly’s resilience despite the insidiousness of trauma and discrimination.
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