In the 2024 election cycle, Republicans and their allies spent over $375 million on television ads targeting transgender Americans—far more than on any other single issue—weaponizing identity and demonizing a marginalized community for political gain. It wasn’t about policy. It was about fear. Conservative media did its part, flooding the airwaves with outrage and lies, manufacturing a moral panic to distract from real crises and win votes off the backs of a vulnerable minority.
"You were once a principled voice for progress. Now you’re a cultural weapon in the right’s war on transgender lives." — Plus, a warning for Democratic lawmakers
Aris, thanks for sharing the stories of Lucy and your brother with us. Both of them are tributes to strong people. Your bro is lucky to have you as a supporter even if it's from afar.
Aris, your essay was the perfect way to start TDoV today. Yes, our histories live in our bodies! I'm with you in wanting to be seen. As Leslie Feinberg said, “I live proudly in a body of my own design. I defend my right to be complex.” Thank you for lifting us all up today, including our inspiring trancestor, Lucy Saldani. Her example is hugely fortifying. Thanks to Troy, too, for clearly and consistently supporting trans folks on Qstack & beyond. 🩵🩷🤍🏳️⚧️🩷🩵
Thank you, Aris, for this wonderful essay and for shining a light on Lucy's story. We need these more than ever - and I admire your courage and wisdom enormously! Happy Trans Day of Visibility everyone!
In the 2024 election cycle, Republicans and their allies spent over $375 million on television ads targeting transgender Americans—far more than on any other single issue—weaponizing identity and demonizing a marginalized community for political gain. It wasn’t about policy. It was about fear. Conservative media did its part, flooding the airwaves with outrage and lies, manufacturing a moral panic to distract from real crises and win votes off the backs of a vulnerable minority.
✉️ 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗕𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗠𝗮𝗵𝗲𝗿: 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗨𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿—𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝗮𝘁𝗲
"You were once a principled voice for progress. Now you’re a cultural weapon in the right’s war on transgender lives." — Plus, a warning for Democratic lawmakers
https://patricemersault.substack.com/p/dear-bill-maher-you-used-to-speak?r=4d7sow
thank you for sharing this letter!
Thank you!
thank you for reading!
Aris, thanks for sharing the stories of Lucy and your brother with us. Both of them are tributes to strong people. Your bro is lucky to have you as a supporter even if it's from afar.
Thank you so much for saying so <3
Aris, your essay was the perfect way to start TDoV today. Yes, our histories live in our bodies! I'm with you in wanting to be seen. As Leslie Feinberg said, “I live proudly in a body of my own design. I defend my right to be complex.” Thank you for lifting us all up today, including our inspiring trancestor, Lucy Saldani. Her example is hugely fortifying. Thanks to Troy, too, for clearly and consistently supporting trans folks on Qstack & beyond. 🩵🩷🤍🏳️⚧️🩷🩵
It's my honor, I've never doubted for a moment that T belongs with LG&B+. Thanks, Keith! 🩵🩷🤍
That means a helluva lot, Troy. Thank you again!!!
what a perfect quote from Leslie ❤️ thank you so much!!!
So grateful for this moving essay, Aris. I will be celebrating Trans Day of Visibility by learning more about Lucy.
that's awesome, thank you so much!
Thanks for reading Gail!
Thank you, Aris, for this wonderful essay and for shining a light on Lucy's story. We need these more than ever - and I admire your courage and wisdom enormously! Happy Trans Day of Visibility everyone!
thank you, I'm going to try to digest this kindness from you slowly so it really sinks in