This morning, SCOTUS voted to overturn Roe v. Wade, ending the constitutional right to abortion in the United States. Though few of us at Trans Resistance are surprised by this decision, we are angry and sad. We are angry and sad at the attack on our bodies- an attack that has gained increasing traction, from bans on life-saving gender-affirming healthcare for youth in 15 US states to this most recent decision. A few of our takeaways:
It is crucial that resistance to this curtailing of individual rights be led by TQBIPOC people, people with disabilities, and poor people. If you are privileged and especially if you are white- even and especially if you are angry- please be a listener and an accomplice.
All restrictions on bodily autonomy are connected. We are all connected. This decision is connected to the irresponsible Emily Bazelon article in the New York Times on gender affirming care, is connected to healthcare rollbacks and bans, is connected to right wing extremism, is connected to and the result of racism, ableism, sexism, transphobia, homophobia, etc. Each issue is distinct and important, but they are part of a network of oppression driven by capitalism and white supremacy.
When they come for one, they come for all. Clarence Thomas explicitly stated in his opinion that same-sex marriage and LGBTQ rights could also be rolled back. All issues are connected. If they can take this away, they can take anything. This is not a reason to despair- we don’t have that luxury. It is a reason to resist.
Reporting on this issue must be inclusive. Abortion access and care is not exclusively a women’s issue. We stand in absolute solidarity with those who seek abortions, with those who have had abortions, with those who are afraid, with those who resist. We are Trans RESISTANCE because we push back against the tide- this is why we’re marching tomorrow. Come join us on June 25!