In the fight for trans rights, where are the gay men?

During particularly difficult times throughout our history, other members of the LGBTQIA+ community showed up en masse to stand in solidarity with gay men. At the peak of the AIDS crisis, lesbian women showed up as nurses, funeral coordinators, and volunteers at places like Gay Men’s Health Crisis to help fight back as gay men died due to government neglect, societal stigma, and general homophobia. 

It’s widely understood in our community that trans women, particularly Black and Brown trans women, are the catalysts for our movement and the lead drivers for our advocacy. Trans and gender-expansive people are often the most unapologetic in demanding change in the conditions of our world, for the betterment of everyone. Now, as the United States is under far-reaching attacks on bodily autonomy, it’s time for gay men to show solidarity with these members of our community in the fights for healthcare, documents, access to public accommodations, and thus, the right to exist as trans people. 

"Simply put: In the fight for trans lives, gay men are missing in action"

More anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation has been introduced and passed in the last couple of years than ever before in the history of our country. This year, according to the American Civil Liberties Union, over 500 pieces of anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation have already been introduced. But not all of our community is in the crosshairs – at least not explicitly. The legislation attacking our community is singling out trans people, particularly trans youth. The Trump administration spent the first week in office singing a slew of Executive Orders redefining sex, attacking hospitals that provide gender-affirming care, and trans people’s ability to play sports. During these escalated attacks against trans people, where are the gay men? 

It’s not hard to imagine the response from gay men if this amount of legislation was introduced targeting their civil rights to live and exist in public spaces. The generations before ours showed us the way. They organised, protested, and disrupted institutions and people in positions of power for better healthcare, safety, and the right to love who we love. Tens of millions of dollars and decades of mainstream movement priorities were spent for the right to marry, often by sidelining the needs and asks of trans community members and leaders. But it’s clear the same urgency and fight for trans people is not there. Simply put: In the fight for trans lives, gay men are missing in action. 

As we celebrate another Trans Day of Visibility, we desperately need more action, solidarity, and support between gay men and trans people. Here are three ways gay men can start showing up for trans people.