How Are You Centering Trans Joy?
My first newsletter! Be ready to smile.
Girls, Gays, Theys, & Allies,
Hey hey! It’s KB Brookins, your pro-trans news dealer. I hope this newsletter finds you eating good food and taking deep breaths. Turn your stress-brain off. This is nothing but good news.
First & foremost, welcome to Trans News That Doesn’t Suck. Once a week, I will send you a video + a list of positive trans news that I’ve found on the web.
The concept for this newsletter came from a video series I started on Instagram last month that has kind of taken off. Laverne Cox reposted! Some of my favorite creators have followed me! In the age of widespread anti-transness, this newsletter is a safe haven for transgender people and our allies.
Thank you for being here <3 Now, onto the video!
Trans News: The Video
This week, I decided to platform two women’s sports bars: 1972 (Austin, TX) and Rikki’s (San Francisco). It’s a cute phenomenon I’m noticing across the country! In the age of trans spaces being nonexistent, and folks using “protect women” as justification for transphobia, it’s refreshing to see two women’s spaces openly say that they’re trans-inclusive. Now, let’s get into this list :)
Trans News: The List
A study shows that gender affirming therapy is linked to lower depression in trans adults. Many of us knew this already, but it’s nice to have proof/something to turn to in debates!
I’m really enjoying Clean Slate, a new TV show starring Black trans trailblazer Laverne Cox! Fingers crossed for a 2nd season.
A judge temporarily blocked a Montana law that restricts trans people’s use of bathrooms in public buildings. Yay!
The Lilac People is an amazing novel by trans writer Milo Todd that you should buy! A synopsis: “A moving and deeply humane story about a trans man who must relinquish the freedoms of prewar Berlin to survive first the Nazis then the Allies while protecting the ones he loves.”
A federal judge ruled that Texas A&M's ban on drag performances violated the First Amendment. Love to see this in the lone star state!
Bookpage published a list of 20 amazing books to read for Trans Day of Visibility. You may see one familiar name :)
Washington and Illinois both made it easier for trans people to change their legal documents. This is major, y’all!
Three Ohio judges temporarily blocked a ban on gender-affirming care for minors and a ban on trans women and girls from participating in women’s sports. Congrats to the American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU of Ohio and the global law firm Goodwin who litigated this!
A judge blocked Trump’s anti-gender affirming care executive order. Woo!
A national trans sports ban bill died. Hopefully, U.S. legislators move on from this!
A 400-page report from three European countries was just released, reaffirming the importance of gender-affirming care for trans youth. The pro-trans news being international, y’all.
A court in Osaka, Japan rules gay marriage ban unconstitutional. Woo woo!
That’s all, folks. What did I miss? How are you creating trans joy this week? Let me know in the comments.
Till next time,
KB