November 17, 2016
Writteny By: Gina Duncan, Transgender Inclusion Director

TRANSFORM FLORIDA

In light of the tense cultural and political environment across the country, we are reaching out to you to reaffirm and grow our commitment to transgender advocacy, equality, respect and support. Many in the transgender community across political lines and identities have voiced anxiety and concern about the future. We want you to know that we see you, we value you and we will continue to work to protect you and the values that guide our work.

The reality of what has happened in America is hard to accept. As we awaken to a completely new political climate, many in our community are reeling, and fearful for their personal safety and that of their families. We must now deal with a President who campaigned on division and fear and a Congress controlled by hostile, conservative Republicans. The Vice President-elect is a known homophobic, transphobic, evangelical extremist dedicated to stripping us of our rights and protections. We come to the reality that this truly is a nation divided. That many of our ‘friends’, neighbors and family members voted for divisiveness, fear mongering, segregation and discrimination. And to the realization that so many of our fellow Americans believe in a ticket that espouses racism, xenophobia, transphobia, demeaning women and intolerance of diversity.

The crosshairs of discrimination are now trained on the Transgender Community. We can either be frozen in fear and despair or we can rededicate ourselves to reshaping our nation. Let us remember that there are some rays of hope in this dark time. North Carolina Governor McCrory, who targeted the trans community, was ousted. Returns show that the majority of our voting population did not vote for Trump and that our young people denounce the divisiveness of this election, and believe in a nation of tolerance, fairness and inclusiveness. That youthful passion is a good start.

What we do in Florida has a direct impact on our national elections. More importantly, what we do in Florida has a direct impact on the quality of the lives of all who live in Florida.

Let us start that movement now. Instead of being reactive, instead of bracing for the hate, instead of posturing for turning back discrimination, let us take the offensive. Let us lock arms with our brothers, sisters and allies and let’s meet the oncoming wave of hate with an advancing wall of collaboration and mobilization. It is time to put in motion a movement that will change the course of our state, and the direction of our culture. We will be visible advocates and we will educate. We will rise up against bigotry and hatred in any form, in any situation. We will not be shut out of society or segregated in public places.

In the end we will prevail. RIGHT ALWAYS PREVAILS. By choosing the difficult right path instead of the easy wrong road, we can, and we will make a difference for ourselves and for generations to come.

Equality Florida’s Transgender Inclusion Initiative, TransAction Florida, is asking you to make your voices heard and to join us in this movement. Everyone is welcome and everyone is needed. This initiative will be called “TRANSFORM FLORIDA.”

It is time to put in motion a movement that will change the course of our state, and the direction of our culture. These are the steps we will take and the goals we hope to achieve as we move onward to full equality for all:

1. Grow our numbers. Register below so we can connect with you and organize in every city in Florida.
2. TRANSFORM FLORIDA STARTS THIS NOVEMBER 20, 2016 - The Transgender Day of Remembrance and Visibility
3. Organize our messaging and coordinate our efforts statewide.
4. Hold regular educational sessions, town hall rallies and lobbying efforts when needed. Personal ID educational seminars needed asap.
5. Help us grow the statewide Transgender Resource Guide.
6. Create a statewide network of support and fellowship.
7. Hold an annual Florida Transgender Advocacy Summit

We need your involvement. It is not a time to be frozen in fear. It is not a time to sit on the sidelines. It is time to TRANSFORM Florida! Onward TransEquality!

Join the movement! Register below by December 1st, if you would like to be informed and involved, or to be a community organizer, a contact person responsible for mobilizing your city or county.