DIVA spoke to Houston’s Normal Anomaly Initiative about the rise in anti-trans rhetoric
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY INKDROP
Earlier this month, the 2022 US Transgender Survey Early Insights report, conducted by the National Center For Transgender Equality, revealed their findings from the largest survey of trans people in the United States ever. The study revealed a disturbing surge in attacks against the trans community, with 30% reported being verbally harassed in the last 12 months.
With a number of states introducing anti-trans state laws, such as the Republican Women’s Bill Of Rights which would create legal definitions for “man” and “woman” based on their reproductive system, the trans community in the United States has seen their rights be threatened an alarming amount over recent years.
This is where The Normal Anomaly Initiative comes in – a Houston community-based non-profit organisation that works with marginalised communities.
The Director Of Programming at The Normal Anomaly, Joelle Bayaa-Uzuri Espeut, spoke to DIVA about the current climate. “2024 has seen not just an increase in visibility and representation in the Trans Community, but also an increase in anti-trans rhetoric, hate, and violence. This transphobic pushback is a response to the forward movement towards gender inclusion.”
Joelle continued: “Trans people are no longer feeling safe; whether it is due to the increased stripping of healthcare access, lack of economic justice, and rising anti-trans political attacks. Many within the Trans community are fatigued with the current state and quality of Trans life, and are opting to move to more inclusive states that are affirming to Transgender persons.”
10% of trans people have moved states due to discrimination according to the 2022 US Transgender Survey Early Insights report. Organisations like The Normal Anomaly are trying to change this, creating accepting and inclusive environments where everyone can feel safe.
The Normal Anomaly will be hosting their Black Queer AF Music Festival on 16 March to celebrate Black queer artists.
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