How to Get People Energized in Support of Trans Communities.
Young Americans and their families are outraged by the increase in anti-trans legislation. Here’s how they are controlling the discourse.
Anti-Trans legislation is passing at an alarming rate in 2022. The majority of which is affecting young Americans as child protections are framed as the primary reason for controlling, monitoring, and restricting expressions of gender identity. This has led to a rise in political engagement among Gen-Zers online - they are calling on leaders in their communities, parents, and legislators to protect them.
BIG TAKEAWAY: Young people respond most to trans rights messages emphasizing their support for their peers and demanding action from their legislators, exclaiming #TransRightsAreHumanRights.
Conversations surrounding hatred and disgust with anti-trans legislation are minuscule compared to those expressions of support for trans rights.
Americans under 35 are the most active in supporting trans rights and declaring action.
Gen-Z is active, and their efforts to organize and willingness to speak out drive the need for #ProtectTransKids.
SLEEPER TAKEAWAY: Mama-bears have come out to play, using their platforms to organize for their children.
According to data collected by Step Up, a non-profit organization dedicated to tracking the anti-trans legislation crisis currently sweeping the United States, there has been a stark increase in the number of anti-trans legislation in the last year. When looking at the number of bills over the previous year, we see that 2022 has remained consistently high in the volume of legislation. Following the trend of legislation, we see expressions of anticipation, disgust, and anger mirrored in the online discourse.
Of the many anti-trans bills proposed, two have recently been successful, and many are speaking out about their fears.
For example, in Texas, Governor Greg Abbot has declared that gender-affirming healthcare should be considered child abuse and be investigated as such.
In Utah, the legislature has passed a bill banning trans student-athletes from participating in sports that align with their gender identity.
However, this discourse about anti-trans legislation is minuscule compared to discussions about trans rights. There is a much larger universe, 9x larger to be exact, passionate about ‘trans rights,’ addressing the legislation but more focused on uplifting trans experiences and offering support in several ways.
The narrative of supporting, promoting, and protecting trans-rights appeals more to a younger audience, the majority of whom are under 35.
While this audience is generally thought of as uninvolved politically, with some even unable to vote yet, on this, they are prepared to engage. They organize, speak out, and call on the people in their communities to vote out the leaders attacking the trans community.
This has led moms across the country to organize for children. They are joining groups like Free Mom Hugs and the Church of Prismatic Light to provide spaces for trans youth to feel safe, protected, and supported. #ProtectTransKids is the most used hashtag among self-identified moms in the discourse.
Bottom line: If you want to energize people in support of the trans community, you need to appeal to a younger demographic. This includes the youth most impacted by harmful legislation and guardians. Spreading the narrative of trans rights as fundamental human rights should be promoted and afforded to all, especially to children.