You hit the nail on the head and hammered it in. I fully understand and agree and that’s why it’s so difficult for others, who don’t or haven’t experienced it to understand the situation, consequences and (sometimes) terror.
As an out, proud and loud trans woman in Utah, “Thank You!”
Your second point, solidarity with the trans community, has a large economic component. Utah’s economy is largely tourism driven (think ski industry and all those state and - five - National Parks).
Law makers here might not miss a few trans people coming to the state but they sure as hell are going to miss the Sundance Film Festival. The Festival didn’t say it out loud but they ended their 46 year residence in Park City right after this last year’s hateful legislative session. They’re moving to Boulder, Colorado where none of their queer/trans attendees and content producers have to worry about Utah’s hateful laws.
Sundance was also a loud signal to the rest of the country. Utah’s legislature is hateful and petty. Don’t spend your money here when Colorado is right next door.
I lived in Boulder for a couple years. I think I’d like it better if it wasn’t a college town. I was a counselor at a residence for severely disabled autistic people. Challenging but loved working with those people.
Very well written.
If you have the energy it’d be great to see this in a mainstream magazine.
To be shared with all of those who just don’t get it.
I’d love to!
You hit the nail on the head and hammered it in. I fully understand and agree and that’s why it’s so difficult for others, who don’t or haven’t experienced it to understand the situation, consequences and (sometimes) terror.
As an out, proud and loud trans woman in Utah, “Thank You!”
Your second point, solidarity with the trans community, has a large economic component. Utah’s economy is largely tourism driven (think ski industry and all those state and - five - National Parks).
Law makers here might not miss a few trans people coming to the state but they sure as hell are going to miss the Sundance Film Festival. The Festival didn’t say it out loud but they ended their 46 year residence in Park City right after this last year’s hateful legislative session. They’re moving to Boulder, Colorado where none of their queer/trans attendees and content producers have to worry about Utah’s hateful laws.
Sundance was also a loud signal to the rest of the country. Utah’s legislature is hateful and petty. Don’t spend your money here when Colorado is right next door.
I was so happy to see Sundance move!
Strangely, I have never been to Colorado. It’s right next door, but 🤷🏻♂️
I lived in Boulder for a couple years. I think I’d like it better if it wasn’t a college town. I was a counselor at a residence for severely disabled autistic people. Challenging but loved working with those people.
I really get this - passing might give physical safety, but not psychological safety. Thank-you for writing about this 🙂x
I mentioned this essay to a nonbinary friend, and they immediately said, "solidarity." They get it.