Nothing About Us, Without Us

Have you noticed the rise of identity politics in everyday life?

Pride is no exception. This year, we have seen the autonomy of identity being whipped into a feeding frenzy by politicians, the media, and sadly the Supreme Court. This has been compounded by yet another flakey government, that is choosing to weaponise trans people’s existence for political clout.

The energy as we moved into what should be a celebratory and educational period for our community, has felt very isolating and inflammatory. To be spoken about, to have decisions made about us, without being involved is inhumane.

Autonomy over our own existence, is a basic human right, but for so many marginalised people it is not always insured. In what world has anyone else known what is right for us than ourselves?

That this is even a question that I have to ask is utterly ridiculous.

Which is why it is so important to remember the phrase “nothing about us, without us” which comes from disability activism. It reminds us both within the community, and outside, that when talking about marginalised communities, we have to speak to those communities.

Every year that I have worked with and for the trans community, I have stressed the importance of inclusion. We have to be consulted, involved, and most importantly listened to. This is the only way to make positive change, and if you’re failing to include us beyond the L&B then you have some serious work to do.