In the snapshot Maram posted, I could not help but empathize with gender binary communities. I personally have never been told if I went to this bathroom my options are, fight, killed, or fined. Its utterly upsetting that these laws are written, voted and passed on, then followed by a certain demographic of people. More than likely the ones who voted these laws to be in place. I wonder if they hink that they are providing a service to the public by shaming others who have lived tormented in their skin and finally came out, in their OWN SKIN? Fearmongers prey the weak to manipulate the masses into these beliefs. To have the fear of someone potentially killing you to use the bathroom is the probably the most frightening experience one must endure. A lasting fear. Fear that is forever replaying.
I feel this short book is trying to educate the readers on the injustices and marginalization the communities face. Alok created the timeline of events that take place in adolescence, puberty, and adulthood. The readers are put in the shoes of these individuals and the pain, oppressions, and terror. I really reflected on times that I take for granted for being a hetro-white woman.
To have the fear of being beaten because you may have went to dinner with friends, had something that upset your stomach and you have to go immediately but cant because there are laws mandated against your rights to go to the bathroom? Play sports, rent from a certain place, being provided adequate healthcare without being mistreated by your physician, your “family” thinking it’s a phase, peers not understanding or you yourself not even understanding. These people also think the LGBTQAI+ is a mental illness. The discrimination and acts of our what could potentially induce a mental illness.
These inhumane acts are being enforced by those who cannot comprehend the irreversible mental anguish oppressed communities face or even care. These are also cis white men who have felt entitled, or maybe threatened by the gender binary. Education would benefit those who choose ignorance greatly. I forgot, they limit the understanding of gender binary discussions from curriculums because they are not important.
