the best bike ride in a while

[sistawendy]

I was about three quarters done with my first lap around Green Lake this morning when I saw a lady a little older than I am with a t-shirt that said "PROTECT TRANS KIDS". I had to stop, turn around, and talk to her.
I said, "Once upon a time I was a trans kid. I appreciate your shirt."
"Thanks," she said, and I was off. I didn't see her on my second lap.

Maybe you think this isn't that big a deal, but let me tell you what Green Lake and the adjacent neighborhoods are like: whiter than average, even for Seattle; older than average; richer than average. You know what this implies: blander and smugger than average, as well. Visible queerness or queer-friendliness in my neighborhood is so rare that I write about it here.

So it was thrilling to see somebody near where I live taking a stand for people who need it so badly, people I know really well. I wonder how many times she's had to explain that shirt, or how much nasty lip she's gotten for it. Not many and not much, I hope. Because of how small the trans population is, help from people like her is even more vital to us than it is to the cis queers.

Comments

[mybeautifulwars]

That's awesome.

Where I live is very much a clashing of two worlds. It is a very, very old historic town with generations and generations "old money" and we've also been named numerous times in the top ten places to retire... so lots and lots of retirees that come and never leave.

However, we're also a big touristy place, and tourists regular come back to live here, which has steadily been drawing in a younger, more diverse population (that was much needed). Our art and music scene has exploded in recent years, and our historic downtown is definitely way more hip and eclectic and welcoming than it has ever been. I have appreciated the shift taking place in a positive direction where different groups and cultures and personalities are becoming more accepted here, and therefore are less hidden. I