We stand with trans people.
The same misogyny and harmful gender roles that still box in women after all these years also box in trans people, and their box is smaller. On every measure, trans people face more harm than women (or virtually any other demographic!), but steadfast trans leaders, from Marsha P Johnson to Janet Mock have paved the way for equality for all of us. That is why the Maine Women’s Lobby stands in solidarity with our trans neighbors, now and forever.
The attacks from the White House over the last six weeks on the lives and dignity of trans people are appalling, and just as shocking are the attacks in the last week here at home. People in positions of power are choosing to use that power to humiliate and degrade trans people, and even more unforgivably, trans children, making them targets of online and in person harassment and doxing.
We will do everything in our power to counter this hate - and you can help. First, reach out to your legislator to demand that they speak up publicly against anti-trans rhetoric, and to hold their peers accountable. There are many resources for this in our Take Action Toolkit at MaineWomen.org.
Second, do not engage. Engaging with far-right, transphobic content—whether by commenting, sharing, or even hate-watching—only amplifies it. Social media algorithms thrive on engagement, no matter the intent. Every comment, even one calling out the misinformation, pushes their message further.
Instead, resist the urge. Report it. Block it. Then soothe yourself by supporting trans voices and organizations that counteract the harm. Find a new trans or LGBTQ+ creator to follow; like and share content from trusted sources; make a gift to locally led trans organizations. Let’s focus our energy on building power, not feeding the outrage machine.
In the coming months, there will be many anti-trans bills in the State House. The majorities in the House and Senate will likely ensure that none of these will pass. But there will be a lot of news and chatter about these bills (that is what their sponsors are hoping for!). We will keep you updated in our bill tracker and our weekly Legislative Round-Up - but we will be taking our own advice, and not sharing or amplifying fears, and following the leadership of our LGBTQ+ and trans community leaders.
