**Content Warning: This email discusses death and discrimination against
the trans and non-binary community.**

Indivisibles,

Today is the 25th annual Trans Day of Remembrance, a day dedicated to
honoring the memory of those whose lives have been lost in acts of
anti-transgender hatred and violence. That there is even a need for such
an occasion underscores the importance of acknowledging and addressing the
systemic injustices faced by the transgender community.

To better understand the gravity of this occasion, consider taking a
moment to read [ [link removed] ]Advocates for Trans Equality's annual Remembrance
Report. Learn about the history of today, and read the stories of trans
people whose remarkable lives were lost too soon -- and who deserve to be
remembered fully, with their own names, identities, and stories. When
you’re done, come back to this email and find out what you can do to make
sure there are less and less names on that list each year. 

From Remembrance to Action

Despite representing a small fraction of the population, the trans
community has been unjustly targeted by a barrage of misinformation and
harmful political rhetoric, especially from Trump and his band of bigoted
miscreants. [ [link removed] ]Over 650 anti-trans bills were introduced into state
legislatures this year, while Republican campaigns spent more than $215
million on ads that demonize the trans community and anyone who supports
them. 

It's important that we recognize these divisive strategies for what they
are: attacks on the dignity and rights of individuals simply striving to
live as their true selves. 

We know why Trump and other Republican officials push their transphobic
agenda -- by scapegoating trans folks and blaming them (and other
vulnerable communities) for all of society’s problems, corrupt politicians
create an “us vs them” mentality meant to focus public resentment on some
demonized “other” instead of on the ones who hold the power to create
meaningful change. 

However, despite the absolute deluge of attacks on trans rights, the power
of local activism has proven incredibly effective in pushing back and
smacking down harmful legislation. Across the nation, grassroots movements
have successfully countered state-level legislation aimed at eroding the
rights and dignity of trans and non-binary people. 

For example, [ [link removed] ]activists in South Dakota successfully defeated a bill in
2021 that would have banned transgender athletes from competing in school
sports. In Kentucky, advocates have worked tirelessly for years to get
conversion therapy banned in their state -- [ [link removed] ]and it finally happened
this September, signed into law by Gov. Andy Beshear.

These victories exemplify the crucial role that allies and progressive
voices play in amplifying support for the trans community and pushing back
against efforts to legislate them out of existence.

So, what can you do to fight for the trans community in the fraught times
ahead? 

* [ [link removed] ]Donate to organizations like Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE).
Formerly 2 separate entities, A4TE is the organization that was formed
when the Trans Legal Defense Fund and the National Center for Trans
Equality merged earlier this year. These were 2 of the largest trans
rights organizations in the country, and they’ve now combined their
efforts in an attempt to double the collective power and influence of
their organizations. A4TE will continue to push back against draconian
attempts to legislate trans rights, and it is more important than ever
to make sure they have the support and funding they need. 
* [ [link removed] ]Read the new Indivisible Guide.  Whether you live in a blue, red,
or purple state, your strategies for protecting vulnerable communities
and pushing back against harmful legislation are contained inside. 
* [ [link removed] ]Check out our new toolkit, “Democrats Safeguarding Democracy: A
Blueprint for Blue States”. Even in blue states, there is more to be
done to protect LGBTQ+ individuals, especially trans people, and to
Trump-proof our communities ahead of a second Trump term. Now is the
time for bold action. If you're in one of the 15 Democratic trifectas,
write to your governor today to demand stronger protections for the
LGBTQ+ community and decisive measures to fight back against Trump,
MAGA, and their dangerous agenda.
* [ [link removed] ]Join an Indivisible group, or [ [link removed] ]start your own. There is always
strength in numbers. By collaborating with other local organizers, you
amplify the impact of your efforts. There is an Indivisible group in
every state and almost every congressional district. Find yours today,
or start one in your area. 
* If you are already part of an Indivisible group taking on anti-trans
legislation, talk to your organizer about what grants we have
available to support this work or email [email protected].
We know that organizing campaigns against this kind of legislation
takes time, planning, and resources. Our [ [link removed] ]GROW Grants program can
provide financial support for your grassroots lobbying efforts. With
your turf organizer and fellow Indivisibles, plan out what supplies,
communications tools, and general expenses you will need in order to
effectively combat this harmful legislation at your state capitol.
Then, research [ [link removed] ]GROW Grant rules, and apply for a grant to cover
those costs.**

Lastly, let this day be a reminder to reach out to the trans and
non-binary people in our lives -- to check on them, support them, and
affirm our unwavering commitment to their safety and rights. The fight for
equality and protection is far from over, but together, we stand
indivisible in our resolve to safeguard the dignity and humanity of all
individuals, regardless of gender identity.

In solidarity, 
Indivisible Team

** PLEASE NOTE: Every state has different lobbying laws and reporting
requirements for legislative advocacy, so please familiarize yourself with
[ [link removed] ]your state's lobbying rules and ensure you are/would be spending below
the reporting threshold for a nonprofit advocacy group. GROW Grants cannot
be used to fund partisan work on state or local elections. If you have
questions on this, please reach out to [email protected].

[ [link removed] ]Indivisible Facebook

[ [link removed] ]Indivisible Threads

[ [link removed] ]Indivisible Instagram

[ [link removed] ]Indivisible TikTok

[ [link removed] ]Indivisible Mastodon



You can unsubscribe from this mailing list at any time:
[link removed]