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A Time of Remembrance

First they came for the Crossdressers, and I didn’t speak up, because I wasn’t a Crossdresser.

Then they came for the Drag Kings, and I didn’t speak up, because I wasn’t a Drag King.

Then they came for the Transsexuals, and I didn’t speak up, because I wasn’t a Transsexual.

Then they came for me, and by that time there was no one left to speak up for me.

As you can see, the message of the Rev. Martin Neimoller, a German naval officer and later anti-Nazi theologian, have universal application. The antipathy to discrimination against those who are viewed to be different than ourselves is not a trait found only in Germany during the 1930s and 40s. Too often, Americans are quick to say, “Well that’s your problem not mine.” It is too easy to see discrimination focused on others and not see it as an attack on all of us. Racism, sexism, homophobia and transphobia differ in the targets of the discrimination but all share a common cause: ignorance, fear, hatred, bigotry and prejudice. And it is why whites must fight against racism; men must fight against sexism; heterosexuals must fight against homophobia; and gays and lesbians must fight against transphobia.

“Absent Comrades” is a solemn toast that is shared by members of the profession of arms to remember our fallen brothers and sisters. Today, on the Transgender Day of Remembrance, all of us need to take a moment to reflect on our lost transgender brothers and sisters who were killed because of hatred, ignorance and bigotry. These losses go unreported in the media, unacknowledged except by the small circle of friends and family of the deceased, and all too frequently, unlamented by our society at large.

Why? Because discrimination against sexual minorities, based on sexual orientation or gender identity or gender expression, is still condoned by our country. In fact, laws such as DOMA, Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, and the military regulations pertaining to transgender service, all grounded in ignorance, send a strong message from our government that some of us are not as worthy as our fellow citizens. When the government – one of the people, by the people, and for the people – can define a whole group of Americans as second class, depriving them of the duties, obligations and benefits of citizenship, then it is no wonder that some, fueled by hate and prejudice, will feel license to attack us.

In refusing to acknowledge the humanity of our transgender citizens, we forget who we really are. We are a people founded on a radical idea: that each of us is free and endowed with unalienable rights such as life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. One’s gender identity or gender expression does not forfeit these rights. Therefore, on this day to remember the lives of our brothers and sisters, family and friends and to recognize the contributions that transgender Americans make to our society, all of us need to recommit to making sure that this wonderful country of ours really is governed by all of the people – including the transgender ones.

We also need to take a moment to recognize that transgender patriots are standing the watch and manning their posts today all around the globe, often under enemy fire and in harm’s way. Sharing their comrades’ hardships but doing so in enforced silence and at a terrible additional sacrifice of their self-identity. As we hopefully move forward to the end of DADT, we must acknowledge that other regulations will still remain in place that keep these patriotic individuals from serving openly. For those currently serving they need to know that the demise of DADT does not end their silence. That struggle goes on.

These modern-day heroes follow in the footsteps of thousands of others who have served a nation with unrequited love since the Revolution and our founding. As the season of the holidays is upon us, take a moment to tell these wonderful folks how grateful you are for their service and dedication.

11-20-10 By Paula Neira, RN, CEN, Esq., LT, USNR (1985-1991) |