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A sign reading "protect trans kids" at the 2018 Capital Pride Parade in Washington, D.C.
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"Protect trans kids" is a slogan used in support of the transgender rights movement with a focus on transgender youth. The phrase is often used in protests by transgender rights activists, being placed on signs and shirts. Professional athletes and entertainers have also been documented using or wearing the phrase in support of pro-trans rights sentiments.

Early history

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One of the earliest documented uses of the phrase came in February 2016, Caitlyn Jenner tweeted "Tell @SDGovDaugaard to protect trans kids by vetoing #HB1008," in reference to South Dakota House Bill 1008.[1] The bill's intended purpose was to restrict transgender students in South Dakota from using bathrooms and locker rooms that did not align with their sex assignment at birth.[1] Later that May, Capitol Hill Seattle Blog—a local news website centering on the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle—covered a local artist who created sigil and glyph art with the intention to "protect trans kids".[2]

The phrase "Protect Trans Kids" became an important slogan and rallying call during protests by trans rights activists in the United States in February 2017, following the Trump administration's revocation of "federal guidance established by the Obama administration that directed schools to allow trans students to use restrooms aligning with their gender identity."[3][4] The phrase was also used in a high volume as a hashtag (#ProtectTransKids) on Twitter in the days following online rumors and official news reports of the Trump administration's impending rollback.[5][6] Many public figures and businesses echoed the phrase following the Trump administration's revocation.[7] American singer Ariana Grande, for example, shared a post featuring the "Protect Trans Kids" slogan.[8] The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) also used the phrase in their online platforms.[9]

Use in activism

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The phrase has been used by transgender rights activists, either on signs or vocally via chants,[10][11] to protest legislation that would ban gender-affirming healthcare for transgender youth.[12] The phrase is also a common fixture in memes and selfies posted on social media platforms by transgender rights activists speaking out against perceived dangers of trans children toward cisgender children in public restrooms and other facilities.[13]

The use of the phrase on t-shirts has also been noted by media outlets. American schoolteachers have been documented wearing shirts featuring the phrase, in support of their transgender students.[14] Esther Byrd, a member of the Florida Board of Education praised a parent who reported a Tocoi Creek High School teacher as having worn a shirt with the phrase.[15] The teacher did not receive disciplinary action, though changed shirts after the school's principal provided them with another.[16] David Annis, founder of Trans Action Apparel and a Minnesota-based activist, began creating apparel that featured messages supporting transgender and nonbinary individuals, including one shirt featuring the "Protect Trans Kids" phrase.[17] Proceeds from the merchandise being donated to a local LGBTQ advocacy group.[17]

In 2022, American journalist and LGBT rights activist Sue Kerr distributed over 700 signs with the "protect trans kids" phrase throughout Pittsburgh, after a local teenager was the target of transphobic slurs.[18] City councilman Bobby Wilson later proclaimed September 12, 2022, as "Protect Trans Kids Day" in Pittsburgh.[19]

In June 2023, a joint transgender rights advocacy effort by the St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral in Seattle and the ACLU of Washington projected a light display reading "protect trans kids" on a church in Capitol Hill.[20]

Related phrases such as "Protect Trans Youth",[21] "Protect Trans Students",[22] and "Protect Trans Lives"[20] have also been used in similar manners during protest or to share pro-trans rights sentiments.

By athletes and entertainers

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Professional athletes and entertainers have been documented wearing clothing sporting the phrase, sometimes as a form of drawing awareness to trans rights issues. One of the earliest instances of this came in 2019 when American actor Don Cheadle wore a black t-shirt with the phrase while hosting on Saturday Night Live.[23][24] Many viewers positively received Cheadle's statement; the Human Rights Campaign also thanked him in a tweet.[24] Similarly, in February 2023, a member from the American folk rock music duo Indigo Girls wore a t-shirt with the phrase while performing on Tiny Desk Concerts.[25]

During the 2022 SheBelieves Cup, Catarina Macario and Andi Sullivan of the United States women's national soccer team (USWNT) wore athletic tape with the phrase around their wrists. The Athletic noted that the players' gesture occurred on the same day that Texas governor Greg Abbott issued a letter to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, asking professionals working with children to report to state authorities regarding the parents of trans children.[26]

In June 2023, Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve wore a t-shirt featuring the phrase during a game. The team's social media personnel also posted the phrase in a tweet.[27] Also in June 2023, Seattle Sounders FC sold a scarf with the phrase with proceeds donated to a transgender families support organization. The team's players also posed with the scarf prior to a Major League Soccer (MLS) match.[28] The largest Sounders supporters' group, Emerald City Supporters, also regularly display a "Emerald City Supports Trans Kids" banner at matches. During the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League final at Lumen Field, officials from CONCACAF attempted to remove the banner but were rebuked by Sounders staff.[29]

The phrase has also been used by entertainers outside of wearing it on their clothing. Following the fatal stabbing of Brianna Ghey, a British transgender youth, the phrase was echoed on social media. English singer Yungblud tweeted the phrase, in addition to speaking out against anti-trans sentiments.[30] Actress and comedian Margaret Cho also spoke out about trans issues, stating "We have to protect trans kids' lives" while guest appearing on The View.[31]

Wrestler CM Punk stated that he was criticized for sharing an Instagram post from a Chicago-based ice cream company; the post featured the phrase on an ice cream bar's packaging and also served as a fundraising initiative for the Chicago transgender community.[32]

Uses in media

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The phrase was seen in the 2023 animated film Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, featured written on a transgender flag in the room of Gwen Stacy.[33] The appearance of the flag sporting the phrase was cited as a likely reason why the film had its screening pulled from several theaters in Muslim-majority countries in the Middle East.[34][35]

Commentary

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Writing for National Review, Judson Berger opined that for "sponsors of [...] so-called 'anti-trans' bills" to succeed in passing legislation that calls for "restrictions on medical interventions for minors", they would perhaps have to "adopt, at least in spirit" the "Protect Trans Kids" phrase.[36] Berger additionally cited the opening text of the Idaho bill dubbed the Vulnerable Child Protection Act and wrote "If that's not 'protecting trans kids,' what is?"[36] The opening text of the bill stated that doctors would be barred from "performing surgeries that sterilize or mutilate, or artificially construct tissue with the appearance of genitalia that differs from the child's biological sex."[36] Indeed, upon signing the bill, Idaho's governor Brad Little discussed "protecting minors" from such surgeries or treatment.[36]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b Dockterman, Eliana (February 23, 2016). "Caitlyn Jenner Advocates for Transgender-Friendly Bathrooms". Time. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
  2. ^ "Under protection of the Hex of Obsolescence, Capitol Hill artist creates Problem Glyphs". Capitol Hill Seattle Blog. May 19, 2016. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
  3. ^ Tan, Avianne (February 23, 2017). "Calls to 'protect trans kids' after Trump administration reverses transgender bathroom guidance". ABC News. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  4. ^ Abbott, Taylor (February 27, 2017). "This Week in Politics: Trump announces new National Security Adviser, bathroom laws go to the states" (PDF). The Maine Campus. Vol. 135, no. 18. p. A5. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
  5. ^ Tobia, Jacob (March 23, 2017). "Why All Bathrooms Should Be Gender-Neutral". Time. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
  6. ^ Steinblatt, Jacob (February 23, 2017). "Hundreds Of Thousands Tweet To #ProtectTransKids". Vocativ. Archived from the original on February 24, 2017.
  7. ^ Reynolds, Daniel (February 25, 2017). "Doubt's Cancellation Is a Cruel and Ill-Timed Blow to Trans Visibility". The Advocate. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
  8. ^ "Stars Stand Up for Transgender Kids Following President Donald Trump's Bathroom Rule". Us. February 23, 2017. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
  9. ^ Goodman, Melissa (February 23, 2017). "Trans Rights Are Under Attack: Five Facts You Should Know". ACLU of Northern California. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
  10. ^ Liias, Marko; Nguyen, Joe (February 24, 2023) [February 19, 2023]. "What the right has wrong about caring for trans youth". The Seattle Times. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
  11. ^ Nguyen, Alex; Melhado, William (May 15, 2023) [May 12, 2023]. "Pivotal House vote moves Texas closer to banning puberty blockers, hormone treatments for trans kids". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
  12. ^ Miller, Daylina (October 28, 2022). "Florida medical boards back proposal to ban gender-affirming care for trans youth". WUSF. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  13. ^ Williams, Melvin L. (December 28, 2016). ""I Don't Belong In Here!" A Social Media Analysis of Digital Protest, Transgender Rights, and International Restroom Legislation". In Lagmia, Kehbuma; Tyree, Tia C. M. (eds.). Social Media: Culture and Identity. Lexington Books. p. 40. ISBN 9781498548588.
  14. ^ Carlisle, Geoffrey (December 9, 2022). "Educators: We Must Be Champions for Our Trans Students". EdSurge. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
  15. ^ Gancarski, A.G. (April 4, 2022). "Gov. DeSantis' Ed Board appointee deems 'Protect Trans Kids' shirt 'unacceptable'". Fernandina Observer. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  16. ^ Gardner, Sheldon (April 2, 2022). "St. Johns County teacher wears 'Protect Trans Kids' shirt, is asked to remove it". First Coast News. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
  17. ^ a b Yuen, Laura (June 17, 2023). "These Minnesota-designed tees supporting trans kids grew out of a dad's love". Star Tribune. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
  18. ^ Rosenfield, Jordana (July 7, 2022). ""Protect Trans Kids" signs spring up throughout North Side in support of local family alleging harassment". Pittsburgh City Paper. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  19. ^ Blackley, Katie (September 13, 2022). "Inspired by support of local trans teen, Pittsburgh celebrates 'Protect Trans Kids Day'". WESA. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  20. ^ a b Zavala Magaña, Daisy (June 27, 2023). "Seattle church projects nightly message from Capitol Hill: 'Protect trans kids'". The Seattle Times. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  21. ^ Blaff, Ari (April 6, 2023). "Idaho, Indiana Governors Sign Bills Prohibiting Gender-Reassignment Surgeries for Minors". National Review. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
  22. ^ "'Protect Trans Students': Fairfax Co. LGBTQ Pride Rally Resists Youngkin's Proposed Policy". NBC Washington. October 7, 2022. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
  23. ^ Seemayer, Zach (February 16, 2019). "Don Cheadle Makes Powerful Political Statement as 'Saturday Night Live' Host". Entertainment Tonight. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  24. ^ a b Jackson, Amanda (February 17, 2019). "Don Cheadle made a powerful statement with his wardrobe choice on 'SNL'". CNN. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  25. ^ "Indigo Girls in "Protect Trans Kids" T-shirt Are More Than "Fine" At Tiny Desk Show; And Queer Playlist From 10 Years of NPR Concerts: WATCH". Towleroad.com. February 8, 2023. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  26. ^ Yang, Steph (February 24, 2022). "USWNT closes SheBelieves Cup with win vs. Iceland in Texas; players don 'Protect Trans Kids' wristbands". The Athletic. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  27. ^ Miller, Ian (June 23, 2023). "Minnesota Lynx Head Coach Wears 'Protect Trans Kids' T-Shirt Courtside, Team Tweets Support". OutKick. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  28. ^ "Sounders FC holds annual Pride Match this Saturday with variety of matchday activities celebrating inclusion and the LGBTQ+ community" (Press release). Seattle Sounders FC. June 22, 2023. Retrieved August 2, 2023.
  29. ^ Evans, Jayda (May 27, 2022). "Sounders, OL Reign want to do the 'hard work' to spur change in the community". The Seattle Times. Retrieved August 2, 2023.
  30. ^ Taberer, Jamie (February 14, 2023). "'Protect trans kids': LGBTQs speak out after fatal stabbing of trans teen Brianna Ghey". Attitude. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  31. ^ Margaret Cho: 'We have to protect trans kids' lives'. The View. American Broadcasting Company. March 9, 2023. Retrieved August 3, 2023 – via abcnews.go.com.
  32. ^ Reber, Dylan (June 21, 2023). "Wrestler CM Punk Goes Viral Standing Up for Trans Kids From Inside the Ring". The Advocate. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
  33. ^ Stroude, Will (April 4, 2023). "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse trailer praised after fans spot 'Protect Trans Kids' poster". PinkNews. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  34. ^ El Hajj, Nick (June 16, 2023). "New Spider-Man film pulled from cinema programs in Arab world, possibly over transgender flag". AP News. Associated Press. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  35. ^ Stillman, Andrew J. (June 16, 2023). "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Banned in UAE, Likely Over Trans Poster". Out. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  36. ^ a b c d Berger, Judson (April 14, 2023). "Yes, Protect Trans Kids". National Review. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
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