We Are All Different, We are all Beautiful.
I was supposed to be in North Carolina this week for Highpoint Market (where my furniture line was debuting). But, in light of the recent HB2 legislation that has passed there, I chose not to attend. The Hb2 law requires transgender people to use bathrooms based on their biological sex (not their gender identity) and limits the rights of LGBTQ citizens to sue if they are discriminated against in the workplace (meaning also that someone could be fired in North Carolina for being gay or transgender).
While I haven’t ever faced discrimination based on my gender identity, my racial identity doesn’t fit neatly into boxes provided to me by institutions. I have been checking multiple boxes for years since I’ve never felt like one box told the whole truth about who I am. And whatever small struggles I’ve dealt with because of my multiraciality, I have no doubt that my struggles pale in comparison to folks in the LGBTQ community that are forced to try and conform to old-school social mores and notions about gender.
I’m writing about this today because I believe that this needs to be a mainstream conversation. And while I’m still learning about all of these issues, I believe in my heart that everyone has the right to feel safe to be who they truly are. I believe that race and gender identity are not binary, and that diversity is beauty. We are all different. We are all beautiful. We should be respecting, celebrating, protecting and honoring our differences.
I just signed the Transform California pledge to “oppose any efforts to single out transgender or gender non-conforming Californians for discrimination or disrespect. And to learn and share more about the lives of transgender people in California and the issues they face.” I hope you will join me.
Thank you for taking action on this. I know it is hard as a small business owner to miss any opportunity to support your work, but this issue needs all the support it can get. Thank you!
Good for you, Justina!
Thank you for being a voice for equality.
This is why you are so loved. Standing true to yourself and to others. A bold move, one that should be followed. I’m on that pledge.
<3
Brava! ??
Go Justina go!!
Beautiful – well said. Diversity is beauty. Thank you for having the courage to speak out on these issues. So many people see wrong and do nothing, it is refreshing to see action.
CLAP CLAP CLAP ! (big APLAUSE for you)
Thank you for bringing this conversation to “mainstream” audiences. Not sure if you know this, but my dissertation is/will be on transgender youth and risk and protective factors…so, I’m happy to continue the conversation with you anytime. Brava on taking a stand :-)
Xox,
Tink
That’s amazing Rach I had no idea! Would love to talk more about this and I can’t wait to get over there to meet our new munchkin!! <3!!
I love that you are walking the walking and not just talking the talk! Bravo!
Word, word, word! Definitely check out the work being done on the ground by organizations like Southerns On New Ground (SONG) http://southernersonnewground.org/.
Yes!
Beautifully said Justina! Thank you!
Amen!
So glad you shared this, Justina! This legislation is absolutely awful, and is so harmful – I’m glad that you and others are speaking out against it.
Well said Justina!!
Justina, that was a bold move for a young entrepreneur. Good for you, friend.
Thanks for writing this. As a North Carolinian I just want to say that every single person I know is MORTIFIED by our state government. Please know that this law doesn’t represent us all in this lovely state!
Dear Justina, this past week has been the busiest of the year for me, but I’ve come back to this post almost daily to sit for a moment with your words. I can’t quite express with words how moved I am by your courage, principles, and conviction. I imagine that, as a young entrepreneur, you must have struggled with missing out on a good market opportunity. You inspire me. Thank you for the beauty you breathe into this world, through your art, your design, and your personhood.
Hi Justina –
I’m catching up on blog reading, and came across this beautiful post. Thank you so much for speaking up about such an important issue. I know it can be hard as a businessperson to speak up on ‘political’ or ‘controversial’ issues. As a physician whose practice includes many transgender patients, it is heartbreaking to see legislation like this that is so hurtful and discriminatory, but it helps to see these kind supportive words.