Trans People Are Sacred (And That's Why They're Under Attack)
Trans People Are Sacred (And That's Why They're Under Attack)
A Podcast Preview
I’m publishing a new podcast episode any day now! In lieu of a newsletter, I’d like to share the introductory monologue with you.
I talked to YM Carrington (aka SistaYiddishkeit) and Dr. Eli Lawliet (aka The Gender Doula) about transness as a spiritual experience.
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Thanks for reading!
Trans and non-binary people have always existed. Let’s start there.
While it’s hard to apply modern, English words like “transgender” or “non-binary” to people from outside the West and especially to people from the past, we can look at countless examples of people who are gender non-conforming, gender fluid, and otherwise outside of the cisgender binary.
To me, this is the most convincing case for trans and non-binary inclusion in our modern society. Lots of societies across history have arrived at the idea that gender isn’t as simple as “XX or XY” (in fact, we now know that even chromosomal sex isn’t so simple). But this rarely gets talked about in any manner of depth within popular discourse. When it is, it’s brought up simply as a “gotcha” to conservatives, but we never really sit in this idea that transness is something that has existed for as long as gender has.
Like, here’s a trend that I’ve noticed. A lot of the commonly-cited examples of gender-expansive people throughout cultures didn’t just exist, they were important figures in their communities. Take Hijra people, for example: they’re a legally-recognized third gender in India with a special place in Hinduism as having the power to bless or curse people. Or, the multiple two-spirit traditions across many American Indigenous cultures, who usually held special traditional and ceremonial roles. Or, the Sangoma, Zulu healers who used divination, herbal medicine, and other rituals to cure illnesses, and often wouldn’t identify as either men or women.
Why is gender-expansiveness so closely associated with special power? Is gender just an individual experience of personal identity, or is it something more communal, something more spiritual than we in the West think of it as? And more importantly, if trans & non-binary people have always existed, why is it that conservatives want to crush us so badly?
If you’re not aware, literally hundreds of bills limiting trans people’s right to access life-saving medications and surgeries have been proposed in the United States past year, in the largest coordinated attack on trans existence in recent history. Political commentators like Jordan Peterson and journalists like Abigail Shrier have called trans people “a contagion”, and conservative talking heads like Tucker Carlson and Matt Walsh work exceedingly hard to tell their fans that not only are there two genders, but that the gender debate has long been settled in favor of a simple, binary, patriarchal viewpoint.
What’s going on here? Are these types of attacks brand-new, or have we seen them before? Essentially, what IS transphobia? And what is it about gender-expansive people that’s so threatening to cisgender people? (Not you, of course, if you’re cis and listening to this. I’m sure you’re one of the good ones.)
Here at Rule 63, we try to advance trans discourse beyond the “Trans 101” to understand the complexities of systemic oppression around gender issues. In this episode, I want to introduce the idea that trans people are not only valid in their identities, but are actually really significant figures in society. Because intellectually knowing that trans people have always existed is different from understanding that trans people are powerful, and why big institutions like world governments want to regulate us out of existence. I also want to share with cis people just how important it is to take a hard look at their own gender, and I want to affirm for our trans listeners, especially our trans listeners of color, just how powerful they really are.
Luckily, I know just the people who can help me do that. Dr. Eli Lawliet, aka The Gender Doula, is one of the first people with a career in providing emotional and spiritual support for those who want to get a better understanding of their gender. Eli describes his work as full-spectrum support for those who are exploring, questioning, or transitioning their gender. Eli also offers a variety of workshops, classes, and resources related to transition, gender exploration, and personal growth through a trans lens. Talking to Eli about gender and spirituality was really enlightening!
And, because there is SO much to talk about when it comes to gender and spirituality, this will be a rare Rule 63 two-guest episode!
YM Carrington is a Black, trans, Jewish activist and content creator who focuses on anti-oppression, liberation, and accessibility. They have a lot to say about how transphobia is intertwined with other systems of oppression, and how we can all work together to fight against the shared threat of fascism.
So! Without further adieu, my name is Anna Marie, PhD, and welcome to Rule 63!
Currently Reading
People have been responding well to my new zine syllabus! I even inspired one other person to make their syllabus into a booklet at the last minute. This feels AMAZING!! Let’s see if I can make time for ASEE and AICHE Ed Div this coming season…
“The New, New Black Gay Renaissance” by Cary Alan Johnson (Lit Hub)
Watch History
This one is a Nebula exclusive, but Polyphonic just dropped a companion essay to Pink Floyd’s 1975 album “Wish You Were Here”. Running the entire length of the album, it actually plays the full album while covering the full story of its creation. This one made me sit in silence for a full 10 minutes after watching it, that’s how good it was.
Passing a portal (from the video game Portal) through itself is technically possible and that messes me up.
Bops, Vibes, & Jams
In my pre-class survey, I asked my students for restaurant and music recommendations. They successfully turned me on to Daniel Caesar, Hailey Knox, and more. Expect more Young People Music in the coming weeks.
Laura Jean (no, not that one) is back to destroy my heart.
And now, your weekly Koko.
That’s all for now! See you next week with more sweet, sweet content.
In solidarity,
-Anna