LGBT members and allies demonstrate for trans rights
LGBT members and allies gathered to show support for transgender rights in the wake of reports that the Trump administration is reviewing the legal recognition of transgender individuals nationwide.
Faith and visibility were the predominant themes of the transgender visibility demonstration held on Saturday outside the Cache County Courthouse.
“I wanted to have some type of demonstration in Cache Valley so our trans community can know that there are people here that care about them and will validate their experience,” said Desiree Chavez, a social work student at Utah State and the primary organizer of the event.
The demonstration focused around speakers from various backgrounds talking about trans issues and experiences, followed by a march on Main Street by demonstrators. Speakers offered a variety of trans perspectives as well as perspectives from members of multiple Christian denominations.
“I felt it was important to reach out to trans individuals in organizing this event. Representation from the person with the lived experience is necessary to be seen,” Chavez said. “It is their story to tell. I want the trans community here in Cache Valley to feel safe, loved and valued for who they are.”
Chavez said the event was heavily influenced by the religious makeup of the Cache Valley community, and the barriers it has created for trans individuals. April Dana, a trans woman from Hyde Park and former member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, challenged church members to stand up for trans rights.
“One thing the LDS faith likes to talk about is the oppression they had in the early days of the church. They need to remember that they had many people helping them overcome this oppression, people that didn’t necessarily agree with the church or its teachings,” Dana said. “This is kind of my call out to the church. You might not agree with the queer movement, and that’s fine, that’s your choice, but it is your job as someone who has overcome that oppression to help others overcome this oppression as well.”
Dana’s message was interrupted by someone in a passing car who shouted “God hates you all.”
Following Dana’s speech, Chavez briefly paused to address the mood following the heckler’s outburst.
“I don’t know who heard that … I love every one of you out there, even the ones I haven’t met,” Chavez said. “This is why we’re doing this, right here.”
Sierra Allen, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, offered warmth toward trans members of the community.
“It’s not new that there has been a lot of contention and struggles of understanding between the queer community and the LDS church,” Allen said. “I can’t speak for everyone in the church, but as your friend, neighbor and classmate, I want to tell you — you are loved. There are members that care, and who will help and listen.”
Many of the trans individuals that spoke shared their personal experiences of life in Cache Valley as they transitioned, and the persecution and support they have received.
“I’ve lost a ton of friends also by doing this, which is ok, because I have gained some wonderful friends — friends that treat me as a woman, that treat me how I want me to be treated and are so accepting of me,” said Natalia Larsen, a trans woman native to Cache Valley.
The demonstrations provided not just visibility but also education opportunities as speakers discussed their own experiences and outlined positive ways to help trans individuals. Dana targeted the pervasiveness of gender roles even in the LGBTQ community.
“It doesn’t matter if somebody comes out as female and they might not look female or they might not even choose to look female, and that’s fine, that’s their prerogative completely,” Dana said. “That doesn’t lessen that they are a woman because they don’t choose to conform to that gender role. We don’t expect our cis friends to conform to gender roles, we need to stop with our trans friends.”
After the speakers finished, demonstrators marched down Main Street, waving signs of support and chanting “Hey hey, ho ho, transphobia has got to go.”
Chavez said the demonstration was intended to increase awareness as opposed to protest the Trump administration.
“I want this to reach all cultures and backgrounds, not just people who are already supportive,” Chavez said.
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