Regardless of Talarico’s recent statements on trans people, Paxton cannot be rewarded for the extreme suffering he’s inflicted on me and tens of thousands of Texan trans kids.
Unfortunately, these are the choices we are given as voters. As distasteful as it is, we are always stuck choosing the lesser of two evils. Still like Barack Obama’s former views on gay marriage, Talarico’s views can change given time and education on the subject. I’m not a Texan, and plan on never setting foot in the state due to it’s politics, but even my views can change, given time and change in the great state.
I've watched this whole situation closely from a distance (Arizona) since that February 2022 event. In some ways it was THE turning point where anti-trans politics took off running. I cannot imagine that any self-respecting trans Texan would do anything other than what was necessary to keep Paxton from gaining further power, especially federal power where he'll take his "stone the queers to death" ideology to a national audience. And all because Talarico got backed up against the wall and forced to answer the two most loaded gotcha questions of this culture war - sports and surgeries for trans kids, two things that rarely happen anyway. Paxton and his ilk are not actually worried about sports and surgeries for kids, that's just what gets media play. They want to make transition illegal for everyone of every age and punishable with hard prison time, at best. Like... trans people and other leftist voters cannot keep getting sucked into immaterial nitpicking of the politicians who do on a base level support our right to generally exist when the same cannot be said for the other side. It's sad that our political choices are this literally existential, but they are, and we have to suck it up and act accordingly.
Claims of child abuse: loving parents/guardians and medical professionals working together to support a child's sense of self and belonging.
Actual child abuse: denying medical care to children and inflicting psychological terror.
It's so sad that it can be so clear to some people, and so twisted to others. Stories like yours should help clarify for those unsure. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you very much for sharing your story. As a trans woman from Wisconsin, my heart absolutely breaks for what you endured, and it makes me furious beyond comprehension that Paxton hasn’t been cut down tiers of pegs by Democrats. I’m a politician, so I’ve become acutely aware with quite a bit of what Ken Paxton has done to destroy the lives of trans people in Texas, so it disgusts me to the core that he’s not being constantly attacked for his hateful discriminatory policies by Democrats. He’s an easy target to punch holes at, and I promise you I’ll do my best to throw shade at him. He deserves it and much more.
I’m running for United States Senate from Wisconsin in 2028, and I solemnly swear I will make lives better for trans people throughout the entire country, if it’s the last thing I do. ❤️🔥✊🏼🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️
Aleksandra, that's a heartbreaking story. I'm so sorry.
Thanks for giving us such an important perspective on that race. I admit to being frozen with indecision at times. I feel like I'm watching from a lifeboat (because I fled the country) as the ship is starting to groan and go down - stern in the air, props spinning, passengers jumping overboard, smokestacks belching steam. I really have a hard time processing all that has been happening these past weeks. But we'll keep fighting this monster! And yes, as you know, we can fight from abroad also.
Thank you for sharing your story, the world is a better place with you in it and your work is far from done. You could not be more correct about the evil that is Paxton, it is my sincerest hope enough will see through him and prevent more suffering. I also believe Mr. Talarico will do right fo all marginalized groups.
Democrats jumping on the anti-trans bandwagon because they think it will help them win elections are sadly mistaken. It’s like “moving to the center.“ It enrages me. I’m not surprised, but am disappointed this is Talarico’s position. Just like abortion is healthcare, gender-affirming care is healthcare. And it is up to parents. Not politicians. And the whole “boys in girls sports” thing is just a fucking anti-trans trope. There’s honestly no such thing. It’s like “partial-birth abortion.” A dog whistle designed to confuse people and cause them to demonize what they don’t understand.
I first of all want to tell you how eloquent of a writer you are. The article was amazing.
And second of all I was quite enamored of James Talarico when I saw him on the Jimmy Kimnel show. I had no idea of the statements he made about trans folks in sports and gender affirming care! Thank you for that.
I know I would do anything to stop Paxton from getting elected but the alternative now makes me less happy about the choice.
I am in California so I won't be voting there. We Have our own anti- trans person in Gavin Newsom.🤬
Unfortunately, these are the choices we are given as voters. As distasteful as it is, we are always stuck choosing the lesser of two evils. Still like Barack Obama’s former views on gay marriage, Talarico’s views can change given time and education on the subject. I’m not a Texan, and plan on never setting foot in the state due to it’s politics, but even my views can change, given time and change in the great state.
I’m glad you are here, and thank you for sharing your story.
as a trans Texan who gratefully escaped Texas before her egg cracked, I say "do whatever it takes to keep Ken Paxton out of office"
I've watched this whole situation closely from a distance (Arizona) since that February 2022 event. In some ways it was THE turning point where anti-trans politics took off running. I cannot imagine that any self-respecting trans Texan would do anything other than what was necessary to keep Paxton from gaining further power, especially federal power where he'll take his "stone the queers to death" ideology to a national audience. And all because Talarico got backed up against the wall and forced to answer the two most loaded gotcha questions of this culture war - sports and surgeries for trans kids, two things that rarely happen anyway. Paxton and his ilk are not actually worried about sports and surgeries for kids, that's just what gets media play. They want to make transition illegal for everyone of every age and punishable with hard prison time, at best. Like... trans people and other leftist voters cannot keep getting sucked into immaterial nitpicking of the politicians who do on a base level support our right to generally exist when the same cannot be said for the other side. It's sad that our political choices are this literally existential, but they are, and we have to suck it up and act accordingly.
Claims of child abuse: loving parents/guardians and medical professionals working together to support a child's sense of self and belonging.
Actual child abuse: denying medical care to children and inflicting psychological terror.
It's so sad that it can be so clear to some people, and so twisted to others. Stories like yours should help clarify for those unsure. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you very much for sharing your story. As a trans woman from Wisconsin, my heart absolutely breaks for what you endured, and it makes me furious beyond comprehension that Paxton hasn’t been cut down tiers of pegs by Democrats. I’m a politician, so I’ve become acutely aware with quite a bit of what Ken Paxton has done to destroy the lives of trans people in Texas, so it disgusts me to the core that he’s not being constantly attacked for his hateful discriminatory policies by Democrats. He’s an easy target to punch holes at, and I promise you I’ll do my best to throw shade at him. He deserves it and much more.
I’m running for United States Senate from Wisconsin in 2028, and I solemnly swear I will make lives better for trans people throughout the entire country, if it’s the last thing I do. ❤️🔥✊🏼🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️
Thank you for sharing your story that you should not and have never had to go through. Fuck every politician who throws trans kids under the bus.
I’m so sorry you had to go through all of that. I’m glad you are here 🖤
I am so sorry you went through that. Hugs to you
Aleksandra, that's a heartbreaking story. I'm so sorry.
Thanks for giving us such an important perspective on that race. I admit to being frozen with indecision at times. I feel like I'm watching from a lifeboat (because I fled the country) as the ship is starting to groan and go down - stern in the air, props spinning, passengers jumping overboard, smokestacks belching steam. I really have a hard time processing all that has been happening these past weeks. But we'll keep fighting this monster! And yes, as you know, we can fight from abroad also.
This young transgender human being points out with clarity the starkness of the “all or nothing” position that I see so many taking
It makes me angry to read about the completely unnecessary pain that was imposed upon you by this wicked man. I wish you peace.
Thank you for sharing your story, the world is a better place with you in it and your work is far from done. You could not be more correct about the evil that is Paxton, it is my sincerest hope enough will see through him and prevent more suffering. I also believe Mr. Talarico will do right fo all marginalized groups.
I’m a parent, and I’m heartbroken for your pain. But thank you for sharing
Democrats jumping on the anti-trans bandwagon because they think it will help them win elections are sadly mistaken. It’s like “moving to the center.“ It enrages me. I’m not surprised, but am disappointed this is Talarico’s position. Just like abortion is healthcare, gender-affirming care is healthcare. And it is up to parents. Not politicians. And the whole “boys in girls sports” thing is just a fucking anti-trans trope. There’s honestly no such thing. It’s like “partial-birth abortion.” A dog whistle designed to confuse people and cause them to demonize what they don’t understand.
I first of all want to tell you how eloquent of a writer you are. The article was amazing.
And second of all I was quite enamored of James Talarico when I saw him on the Jimmy Kimnel show. I had no idea of the statements he made about trans folks in sports and gender affirming care! Thank you for that.
I know I would do anything to stop Paxton from getting elected but the alternative now makes me less happy about the choice.
I am in California so I won't be voting there. We Have our own anti- trans person in Gavin Newsom.🤬