T-shirt Activism Is back — And This Time It’s for Trans Rights
When is a T-shirt more than just a t-shirt? When it takes the idea of “statement piece” to a whole other level by not only showing support for a given cause, but benefiting those working towards that cause too.
Case in point: The revival of the “Let Trans Women Live” shirt, designed by Robyn Kanner and available for sale now on Cotton Bureau, with proceeds benefiting Trans Lifeline, a hotline staffed by trans people for trans people to support trans individuals — and help in suicide prevention in the community.
Missed the 'Let Trans Women Live' t-shirt? It's back! Designer proceeds to @Translifeline. ???? https://t.co/XZDVEcadTI pic.twitter.com/Hjej6Huf8k
— Robyn Kanner (@robynkanner) February 21, 2017
Honestly, buy the shirt too. I'm donating all the profits to @Translifeline. But they'll need way more. https://t.co/qVKg0qROCF
— Robyn Kanner (@robynkanner) February 23, 2017
Kanner, who by day is a UX designer with Amazon, is also the co-founder of MyTransHealth, a digital platform to help trans and gender non-conforming people find access to culturally competent and sensitive healthcare providers. The re-launch of her design in support of trans women was sparked by the Trump administration’s decision to withdraw the Obama administration’s guidance allowing transgender students to use the restroom at their school that aligns with their gender identity.
Kanner also posted a video to Twitter to speak to young trans students and to voice her support for Gavin Grimm, the trans high school student who is about to appear before the Supreme Court regarding his Virginia community’s school board preventing him from using the bathroom at school that is reflective of his gender identity.
I'm sharing love and all of my support to Gavin Grimm and trans youth everywhere. We've got your back ❤️. #StandWithGavin #ProtectTransKids pic.twitter.com/ynpMIPdjtV
— Robyn Kanner (@robynkanner) February 23, 2017
Kanner also noted:
This isn't the first roadblock trans people have faced and it won't be the last but we will stay alive and win.
— Robyn Kanner (@robynkanner) February 23, 2017
Author and professor of English at Barnard College in New York Jenny Boylan, a trans woman, also took to Twitter to speak out against the Trump administration:
I was offline for 8 hours. Now this. Trans students, I am fighting for you. I promise. You are beautiful and deserve love and protection.
— Jenny B. (@JennyBoylan) February 23, 2017
Also, @nytimes and others: we're not using the bathroom "of our choice." It's the one "of our truth."
— Jenny B. (@JennyBoylan) February 23, 2017
Trans students don't "choose" a bathroom like ketchup. We wish to go where we fit in, where we will be left alone, and where we are safe.
— Jenny B. (@JennyBoylan) February 23, 2017
Noted author Janet Mock, also a trans woman, took to social media too:
I was a trans student. I know how vital it is to feel safe, welcomed & affirmed. Equal access enabled me to attend, stay & thrive in school.
— Janet Mock (@janetmock) February 23, 2017
To young trans folk: Remember this is your school too. You deserve equal access, affirmation & education. You belong. Nothing is wrong w you
— Janet Mock (@janetmock) February 23, 2017
Support orgs that build leadership & support young trans/queer folk most impacted: @FIERCENYC @YouthBreakOUT @HetrickMartin @Door_NYC
— Janet Mock (@janetmock) February 23, 2017
Posted by Janet Mock on Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Since the announcement, social media has been inundated with those voicing their opposition to the administration’s move with the hashtag #ProtectTransKids.
Repeat after me.
You are valid. You are loved. You have our support.#ProtectTransKids #TransRightsAreHumanRights pic.twitter.com/5DbQMuOq29— Renee (@enchilayas) February 23, 2017
the real issue surrounding the transgender bathroom situation is about allowing trans people to simply exist. #protecttranskids pic.twitter.com/ELShHESEUX
— Tyler Oakley (@tyleroakley) February 23, 2017
I am a boy and I belong in the boy's bathroom. I'm also a child, and my genitals are none of your business. #ProtectTransKids pic.twitter.com/WHEZfeG69O
— aj (@ajlarsenn) February 23, 2017
They're kids. They're persons like you and me. Stop hurting them. Stop killing them, please. #ProtectTransKids pic.twitter.com/QwlwbljfDB
— d r i u (@imdrewsaster) February 23, 2017
Does your account support the protection of TRANS kids? #ProtectTransKids pic.twitter.com/vmViICsA5O
— ㅤ (@Blurredlmj) February 23, 2017
Be you. #ProtectTransKids pic.twitter.com/4bDkA7TEEP
— Jamie ????️???? (@jamietrj) February 23, 2017
SPREAD LOVE AND ONLY LOVE #ProtectTransKids #ProtectTransYouth pic.twitter.com/k5L2cqMSf9
— ryan (@ryannminajj) February 23, 2017
Y'all are going to have to do more for trans people than post a pastel background to fit your aesthetic. #ProtectTransKids pic.twitter.com/pBG3AQ38El
— rue (@FRIDAKHALIFA) February 23, 2017
Oh, and there’s a T-shirt saying just that as well:
show some ❤❤❤ to trans ppl by getting this sweet shirt from boboacademy (it comes in black too!) #protecttranskidshttps://t.co/JTBzzDIidN pic.twitter.com/aDVVE0PhbW
— s w e a t y (@spaceboundziggy) February 23, 2017
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