fauxtrots

We all feel it. The United States (and therefore the world, like it or not) is at a tipping point. A crossroads. A fork in the river. Whatever metaphor you prefer, it's clear that this is A Moment where change is possible.

There are years, centuries, in which nothing happens, and there are days [...] into which a whole lifetime is compressed.

- Adriaan Schade van Westrum

I dont know what's going to happen next; I dont think anyone does.¹If you think that you do, congratulations on your upcoming illustrious career as a stock trader. No spoilers! All I do know is that things are going to get worse before they might get better, especially for vulnerable populations like immigrants, disabled people, and trans people. Luckily us normal people dont have to worr- aw shit, I'm a trans people aren't I.

I'm scared. I have some savings, an escape plan, and people who support me, but none of that makes it easier, not really. Not when I'm constantly alert with my head on a swivel²And spending too much time on social media doesn't help., wondering if today is going to be the day I need to grab everything and go.

But the fascists haven't won yet. They're ascendant, and all of our "elites" and "institutions" have failed us, but (for my own sanity) I have to believe that the people are against them. Our strength is greatest when we work together and are in community with each other. I have been to two protests³The latest being against PA trying to gut SEPTA funding. Trans for trains! in the last two weeks, and they have both inspired me. But I also went to a friend's block party, shared a cake I made with my new neighbor, and got permission to distribute zines at my local coffee shop. The thing about a tipping point is that it's a moment of leverage for everyone, including us as leftists.⁴I'm assuming you're a leftist because, y'know, you're on my blog. If that's not how you identify, then maybe think about that. In times like this there are only fascists and antifascists, and the most dedicated antifascists are communists. Opportunities for real change appear during crises, we just need to have the wisdom to see them and the courage to seize them.

When we fight, we win. Trans lives matter. Solidarity forever.

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Footnotes

1. If you think that you do, congratulations on your upcoming illustrious career as a stock trader. No spoilers! ↩

2. And spending too much time on social media doesn't help. ↩

3. The latest being against PA trying to gut SEPTA funding. Trans for trains! ↩

4. I'm assuming you're a leftist because, y'know, you're on my blog. If that's not how you identify, then maybe think about that. In times like this there are only fascists and antifascists, and the most dedicated antifascists are communists. ↩