An Open Letter to the Community:

As a lifelong resident of Stockbridge, I have witnessed the extent to which this town can support its members through community outreach and the connection among residents who regularly come together in a shared sense of community.

However, to my dismay, I have also heard harmful rhetoric from some I share this community with, especially against transgender people. From excuses for why transgender people should not be allowed to use the bathroom of their choice, to public Facebook comments condemning the promotion of transgender literature, to thinly veiled criticisms of transgender children solely for their gender identity, this thread has sewn its way into our lives.

As we close in on Transgender Day of Remembrance on Nov. 20, a day dedicated to honoring transgender people lost to senseless violence, these memories have persistently weighed on me. This year, the world is approaching this date under the weight of increasing discrimination against transgender people. In the midst of this turbulence, we should all extend our support to the transgender community, especially its youngest members.

It is not far-fetched to assume that people want their loved ones to grow up healthy, happy, and safe. Parents and guardians might expect their children to follow a similar path as their own, and it can be confusing, overwhelming, or frightening when their paths follow directions parents did not expect.

The best thing we can do in this scenario, and for all transgender people, is give them the space to understand themselves and explore their identities in safe ways, educate ourselves, and show them unconditional love and support as they navigate these tumultuous periods of their lives. They will be happier and healthier knowing they have people in their corner.

I have witnessed the extent to which this community can come together in unity and reach out to those in need; it is heartbreaking to think that some people may be excluded based on their identities. This Nov. 20, as thousands commemorate our transgender siblings who died unjustly, let us not contribute to the violence that has taken these community members; rather, let us consider the humanity we all share, open our community to everyone, and encourage diversity in its members. We are strongest when we all stand together.

And to any transgender people reading this: I see you, I hear you, and I am here with you.

Sincerely,

Your Neighbor

Letters to the Editor are included in the print edition of Stockbridge Community News when space allows. SCN does not publish letters of a political nature or that contain hate speech. SCN reserves the right to withhold and/or deny publication of a Letter to the Editor.