One thing I am sadly learning these days is that terrorism is an effective tool to enact political change in this country, so long as it is terrorism from those who claim to defend the Christian conservative family values.
In the past months we have seen two major multinational corporations walk back their stances when they encounter backlash from the far right. First we saw Bud Light partner with transgender TikTok star Dylan Mulvaney which prompted swift and intense vitriol from death threats, threats to boycott Bud Light (I’ve been boycotting Bud Light for most of my life but that has to do entirely with the quality of the beverage), to Kid Rock shooting a bunch of bud light with a rifle. Anheuser Busch’s response was a lackluster letter posted to twitter and two marketing executives placed on leave.
Yesterday, it was reported that Target and some of its employees have been the targets of threats from far right groups and individuals over some of the Pride products that Target had for sale in preparation for Pride. Instead of taking a stand and protecting its employees and marginalized people Target has removed some of the most controversial products from its shelves, including trans inclusive swimwear that aid in tucking or binding.
What lessons are we to take from this? That we can trust in our corporate overlords to have our best interests at heart? Absolutely not. We’ve learned that it’s more profitable to immediately bow down to hate groups with fascistic tendencies rather than risk shareholder profits. If you or they think the threats will stop at this, you will be sorely mistaken. The far right/white national hate groups have always been tacitly welcomed in this country because it helps keep the status quo in power.
I am so sick and tired of the platitudes from many in places of power giving lip service to quality and equity yet when push comes to shove the trans community gets left behind.
Last week, Journalist Erin Reed, who keeps a very informative blog about all the transgender and queer news, updated her Anti-Trans Legislative Map to have Florida listed as Do Not Travel, a new category for her site. Shortly afterwards numerous organizations like NAACP and the HRC followed suit and issued their own Do Not Travel warnings about Florida. It is beyond not safe for transgender people, it is openly hostile. Probably in response to these warnings Florida Republican Senator Rick Scott issued a travel advisory saying “Florida is openly hostile toward Socialists, Communists, and those that enable them”.
If all of this wasn’t bad enough, the Proud Boys and Patriot Front are planning on escalating their attacks on LGBTQ+ businesses and events leading up to and during Pride Month. Somehow, in the US these groups are not listed as terrorist groups.
My fellow queers and allies, be safe out there. Be proud, be you. And don’t back down in the face of hate.
Yikes! Move to Mexico!