Columbia University Press’ Post

The Fight Against Hate: Standing with Trans Youth Today 🏳️⚧️ I don’t usually post about political issues, but today’s "1 Million March for Children" protest demands attention. This hateful movement is hell-bent on erasing queer-inclusive education, denying trans youth access to life-saving healthcare, and stripping away kids' ability to embrace who they truly are—all under the misleading banner of “parental rights.” Let’s call it what it is: a targeted attack on the most vulnerable in our communities, steeped in transphobia and fear of progress. Growing up, I had friends who identified as trans and non-binary but lived in terror of telling their families. I can’t imagine the additional weight of living in a world where organized movements actively try to shut down their existence, take away their autonomy, and deny their truth. These protests are not about "protecting children," as they claim—they are about erasing identities, policing bodies, and feeding prejudice. While I won’t be participating in today’s counter-protest in Halifax, I’m doing everything I can to spread the word and stand firmly against this toxic narrative. Trans and non-binary youth should feel celebrated, not scared. Every child deserves to grow up in a world where they can fully embrace who they are without fear of hatred or judgment. We’ve made incredible strides in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, but movements like this remind us how fragile progress can be. I'm using my platform to echo the fierce solidarity needed within our queer community to combat these regressive actions. We've fought too hard for freedom and self-expression to back down now. As a white, gender-fluid person living on the unceded territory of the Mi'kmaq, I recognize the privilege my voice carries. It’s my responsibility to use it wisely, to act with kindness every day, and to keep pushing for inclusivity in every space I occupy—from the workplace to wider community interactions. I stand in solidarity with those marching today and every day for the freedom to be who we are—without compromise. Let’s protect the next generation. Let’s reject the hate. #ProtectTransYouth #QueerSolidarity #InclusiveEducation #LoveIsStrongerThanHate

Reflecting on The Center's second annual Stop the Hate statewide convening, evaluation partner Nkauj Lab Yang of the statewide learning team highlights the importance of legislative education and relationship-building with government officials. Earlier this year over 26 partners gathered to learn key strategies, including the importance of making appointments with legislators and leaving impactful materials at assembly offices. Launched in response to the rise in hate crimes against Asian Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic, Stop the Hate has expanded to support all communities facing discrimination, including BIPOC, 2S/LGBTQ+, Muslim, Jewish and disabled individuals. In partnership with community based organizations, Stop the Hate also works to prevent and address hate incidents. Learn more about Stop the Hate on The Center's website: https://lnkd.in/gFivv4qC

 “LBTQI activists are changing the world. The work they do confronts the realities of violence and exclusion experienced by LBTQI people, in social attitudes, in institutions, in laws and policies, and in families and relationships.”    “Moreover, their activism often sits at the intersections of sexuality, disability rights, economic and environmental justice, Indigenous rights, black consciousness, anti-racism and more. That’s why donors need to look beyond the limiting borders of funding programmes to meet the needs and priorities of LBTQI groups and fund their innovative work.”    “If we want to see LBQTI groups not only hold the line against the rising tide of anti-rights politics, but also advance a radical politics of liberation, then we need to give them more and better resources to work with. #MamaCash #IntersectionalPride #LBTQIRights #Pridemonth

As we head into a new year, let’s call out the issues that need to stay in the past. Here’s what I don’t want to see in the sectors I care about: 🆘 Gender-Based Violence: Disconnected realities and vague definitions of GBV. If you’re not centering survivors and their lived experiences, then your policies aren’t worth much. It’s time to stop generalizing and start addressing the complexities of GBV in a way that’s meaningful and impactful. 🌏 Migration: Reports from countries that ratified conventions to protect women and minorities but then mention them once (or not at all) in a 70-page report. It's 2025. If you claim to align with international frameworks, show it; don’t just toss in a passing mention. 🌿Indigenous Rights: Indigenous cultures being picked apart like a buffet for spectacle. I’m talking about Haka performances or Amazigh traditions being stripped of their spiritual and cultural significance without any real recognition of land rights or sovereignty. This isn't a trend or a show. It's real life. Stop treating it like entertainment. 🧠 Disability Rights: The interchangeability of neurodivergence and neurodiversity without understanding the real depth of neurodivergence and everything it encompasses. Using these terms as buzzwords while erasing the real experiences and struggles behind them? Not okay. Let’s stop watering it down. 🎤 Youth Inclusion: Young people being treated like passive recipients of decisions made by adults. We need to stop tokenizing youth participation and give them real power to lead because youth are not just the future; we are the present and we should be included in it. Photo Credit: Unknown, credit to owner #DisabilityRights #Neurodivergence #Migration #IndigenousRights #GenderBasedViolence #YouthInclusion #SocialJustice #NoMoreTokenism #InclusionMatters #ChangeTheNarrative

It’s difficult to put into words how disheartened and outraged I feel right now. The divisive policies and actions we’re witnessing—rooted in sexism, Islamophobia, antisemitism, anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, and anti-immigrant sentiment—are tearing at the fabric of our society. Hearing about ICE raids in schools, homes, and hospitals in neighboring communities is especially disturbing. These spaces should represent safety, learning, and healing—not fear and violation. Now, more than ever, it’s crucial that we come together to support marginalized communities who feel targeted and unsafe. We must amplify their voices, offer resources, and advocate for a system rooted in justice, equity, and dignity for all. Here are a few ways we can take meaningful action: ✅ Support local organizations: Contribute to grassroots groups providing legal aid, resources, and support to affected communities. ✅ Contact your representatives: Advocate for humane policies and hold leaders accountable for actions that harm vulnerable populations. ✅ Educate and advocate: Share accurate information, engage in meaningful conversations, and work to dispel harmful stereotypes. This is not the time for silence or inaction. Together, we can create a society where every person—regardless of their identity, religion, or background—is treated with dignity and respect. Change begins with us. Below, I’ve included a list of impactful organizations in Massachusetts that are doing incredible work to support immigrants, LGBTQ individuals, Muslims, and Jewish communities: Immigrant Advocacy: • Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA) LGBTQ Support: • Keshet • Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC) • Boston Alliance of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth (BAGLY) Muslim Advocacy: • Council on American-Islamic Relations Massachusetts (CAIR-MA) Jewish Advocacy: • Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston (JCRC) • Boston Workers Circle Let’s continue to support one another, advocate for change, and stand united in the fight for justice and equity. #SocialJustice #ImmigrantRights #LGBTQSupport #AntiRacism #EquityForAll #StandTogether #CommunityAdvocacy #HumanRights #InclusionMatters

TW: Domestic Violence. In 2022, 184 women and girls were violently killed in Canada, primarily by men—averaging one life lost every 48 hours. Violence against women remains a pervasive issue, cutting across all backgrounds and settings. To combat this urgent crisis, it’s vital to understand its forms, consequences, and the far-reaching economic impacts. By educating ourselves and standing as allies to women and the 2SLGBTQ+ community, we can take meaningful steps toward a safer, more equitable future for all. 👉🏽 Swipe to learn how to be ally

Long post Alert: Based on true incidents 📢 The Third World and Forgotten Voices Yesterday, after a serene temple visit during Navratri, my child and I were returning home when a transgender person approached us for alms. With a smile, I handed her some cash. My son, puzzled by this, asked why I gave money when I don’t usually encourage giving to those seeking alms on the streets. As parents, we are constantly teaching through our actions, not just our words. I explained that my decision wasn’t impulsive. A few years ago, a transgender person had approached me similarly and, after giving her some money, she told me something that left a lasting impression. “When you help us, we bless you and your family. We have no families of our own, no loved ones to care for or pray for. But we will always remember you in our prayers.” How many of us, I wonder, can fully grasp the pain of not having a family, of being shut out from the basic bonds that most of us are lucky to have? This reflection led me to question more: Do we truly accept the transgender community as equals? Where are the schools or institutions that provide them with education, skills, and independence? Even if transgender individuals gain an education, who will offer them jobs that come with dignity and respect? We speak of progress, but can we claim progress if a whole community is forced to live outside of society’s norms, relying on alms to survive? It's not just about changing laws or policies; it’s about changing mindsets—seeing them not as others, but as part of us. The society doesn’t take the next step toward meaningful inclusion—creating spaces where they can learn, work, and thrive alongside everyone else. They are left behind because we haven’t built an infrastructure that accommodates their unique struggles. Until we reach a point where they are empowered to lead independent lives with respect, it becomes our moral and social duty to help in whatever way we can. So, the next time we encounter a transgender person seeking alms, maybe we can offer more than just money. Maybe we can offer a moment of respect, a smile, or a prayer for the day when they won’t need to ask for alms, but can instead stand alongside us with dignity. #EmpathyAndRespect #CompassionInAction #BuildingABetterSociety #BreakTheStigma #CommunityEmpowerment

It's International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Lesbophobia and Transphobia (#IDAHOBLIT). In so many places it feels like the world is stepping backwards and taking away the basic human rights of so many within the LGBTQIA+ community.   Just yesterday I saw the UK Prime Minister promote that it will be banned in schools from teaching children about #GenderIdentity that would take us back to the ways of Thatcher and section 28 from 1988!   From someone who was personally impacted by section 28 I can tell you firsthand how demoralizing, discriminatory and disheartening policies like this can have on kids.   It is already bad enough when you are trying to figure out who you are and find your tribe in school to then have essential care taken away as teachers are not able to support the questions you have only creates disconnect and a heightened mental state of being "not normal".   We need to continue raising our voices against these discriminatory views that will only continue to remove the human rights we as a community have fought so hard for.   Please don't sit in silence and let this trend continue, let us all stand up and raise our voices so future children do not need to face the same barriers and prejudices that we have needed to face. #lgbtqia+ #equalrights #humanrights #standup #raiseyourvoice #DEI #IDAHOBIT2024

We are just a couple of days away from 2SLGBTQIA Pride Month. This means that a lot.... A LOT... of companies, schools, nonprofits, governments, etc., will be proclaiming their allyship with the 2SLGBTQIA community. Most of them are not true allies. In fact, as violence against 2SLGBTQIA people -- and other marginalized communities -- increases, and as more elected officials propose anti-2SLGBTQIA legislation, these supposed "allies" either roll back their public support or stay completely silent. To be an ally of any marginalized community takes courage. Most companies, nonprofits, government, and especially, individuals in leadership, do not have courage. They only care about power and how people perceive them. You cannot be an ally of the 2SLGBTQIA community and vote for politicians and parties that dehumanize us. You cannot be an ally of the 2SLGBTQIA community and support businesses that throw money at the anti-2SLGBTQIA lobbying political machine. You cannot be an ally of the 2SLGBTQIA community and claim that trans and gender-expansive people do not belong to our community or insist they are not the gender and sex they tell us they are. The list goes on. I found the short article below quite informative on what performative allyship is and how you can take steps to become an actual ally of the 2SLGBTQIA community. As we prepare for 2SLGBTQIA Pride Month, I invite you to do some self-reflection, lean into the discomfort of the things you find out about your own approach to allyship, and commit to continue growing. #lgbtqia #2SLGBTQIA #Pride #PrideMonth #LGBTQAlly #allyship #2SLGBTQIAPrideMonth https://lnkd.in/gjTDFkbh

SO important. To further highlight the importance of this day, the importance of Pride, and ongoing work towards safety and equity for the #2SLGBTQIA community, I will share stats via Egale Canada below: 🏳️🌈 64% of 2SLGBTQI reported hearing homophobic comments daily or weekly at school. 🏳️🌈 30% of 2SLGBTQ youth have been the victim of cyberbullying, compared to 8% of non-2SLGBTQI youth. 🏳️⚧️ 79% of trans students who had been the victims of physical harassment reported that teachers and staff were ineffective in addressing transphobic harassment. 🏳️🌈 Significantly Lower: 2SLGBTQ youth who live in a community that is accepting of 2SLGBTQI people reported significantly lower rates of attempting suicide than those who do not. We need this. We safety, both physical and psychological, for the 2SLGBTQIA Community and we must continue working towards equity. #Leadership #WorkplaceWellness #Belonging #EDI #DEI Kristin Bower