4 Ways to Support Drag Artists & Transgender People Right Now
Currently, there are nearly 500+ pieces of legislation targeting drag artists, trans people, and trans youth in America. There is no time but NOW to show up and show your support. This is not an exhaustive list of ways to enact allyship, but here are four suggestions of how you can make an impact today:
1. SUPPORT LOCAL DRAG
SHOW UP to virtual and in-person drag shows! Invite your friends, support the venue, and TIP GENEROU$LY!
SHOW LOVE on social media! Like, Share, Save and Comment on posts by local drag performers. It’s FREE, fast, and really does help performers show up in algorithms and get booked.
OFFER RESOURCES like rides or escorts to and from gigs to make sure your drag friends arrive safely.
2. SUPPORT DIRECT ACTION & LEGISLATIVE PUSHBACK
SHOW UP to local rallies/protests. Your presence matters! (If you don’t know where to find them, see #4)
SPEAK OUT make public comments at legislative hearings and call/write to your city, county, state and national lawmakers
DONATE to artists and community organizers in states with more widespread support of drag bans. Tennessee & Arkansas have passed laws banning drag; Arizona, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and West Virginia have introduced anti-trans and anti-drag bills. Remember: it’s always better to give money directly to individuals in need vs big nonprofits (although nonprofits need support too!)
3. TALK TO YOUR COMMUNITY
BE VOCAL, LOUD, UNRELENTING about your support of queer & trans rights to cisgender and straight people, both on social media and IRL!
DON’T SHY AWAY from verbal conflict; your voice has a better chance of getting through to dissenters, especially if they are your family members or people you know personally.
VOLUNTEER with local queer and trans-led organizations in your area. In the SF Bay Area, some fantastic organizations to get involved with include: The Transgender District, Transgender Law Center, El/La Para TransLatinas, Our Trans Home SF, National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR).
4. DON'T STOP LEARNING
BE PROACTIVE; don't expect your queer & trans friends to educate you!
GOOGLE IS FREE: continue to research and learn about the struggles of trans & queer people to access gender-affirming and mental healthcare, obtain sustainable employment, adopt or birth children, get married, etc.
USE translegislation.com to stay up-to-date with new legislation and acts of violence targeting trans and queer people.