As election day nears in the United States it can be a stressfull, scary and anxious time for everyone. As such, the moderators and I felt it important to say a few words.

Remember that your voice is essential. Every vote counts, and showing up to the polls empowers our community and influences the change we deserve. If you have not yet voted, please ensure you have a plan.

The National Center for Transgender Equality offers an excellent checklist aimed specifically at trans voters. It contains instructions for what to do on voting day, as well as information to show to poll workers that advocates for your rights. Please print and carry the document with you.

Stay Safe While Voting

For those of you voting in person, prioritze your safety. Bring a friend if possible, stay aware of your surroundings, and remember it’s okay to leave and return another time if you feel unsafe. If you ever feel threatened, don’t hesitate to contact local authorities or seek a safe space nearby.

Crisis Support

If you or someone you know needs immediate support, here are some US-based resources (from GLAAD):

We do not consider the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline a safe resource for the trans community due to their history of involving local law enforcement without the caller’s consent, which can result in indefinite detainment.

Mutual Aid and Support

Reach out for support or mutual aid if you need it. This community is available to all who need to discuss issues, get something off their chest, or find support. We allow mutual aid requests with prior approval from the moderation team, so reach out to us. In addition, the following communities and resources are available for mutual aid or support:

The best mutual aid and support is local. We encourage everyone to research trans advocacy groups around them, local queer facebook pages, and keep connected with their community.

A Personal Note from Emily

As someone watching from Australia, I want you to know that you are not alone in this. The international community is watching this election closely, and most of us feel a deep anger that your rights can be and are on the ballot.

This specific trans community and each member is extremely important to me. You make the world a better place. I care deeply about your safety, your voice, and your wellbeing. No matter how things seem right now, know that there’s a global community standing in solidarity with you, holding hope, and offering support in every way we can.

Please stay safe, take care of yourself, and reach out for support when its necessary.

  • SopEnglish
    7·
    17 days ago

    That disclaimer isn’t good enough and it implies that not all cops are dangerous. I live in a place with about the ‘least’ amount of cop violence and queerphobia and I have friends who have been beat up and harassed by the cops for being queer.

    Don’t normalise cops in trans spaces, it can get people hurt.

    • dandelionEnglish
      5·
      17 days ago

      Can confirm, I have a trans friend IRL who was followed into a parking lot by an off-duty police office and physically assaulted by him unprovoked. It’s fair to assume no police are safe for trans folks.

    • Sterile_Technique@lemmy.worldEnglish
      4·
      17 days ago

      Well fuck, sorry to hear that. I live in the cousin-fuckingly deep south and have always kinda hoped that shit was better in the more sane states.

      Addendum:

      Bring a CIS vanilla ally, and if shady shit happens, get the fuck out of there while they make the call.