The racist, Islamophobic and anti-migrant riots taking place across England are a disgrace. Our Black, brown, Muslim and migrant siblings within the trans community are once again being placed in danger. Our friends, colleagues and neighbours beyond the trans community are being placed in danger.
Racism, Islamophobia and anti-migrant sentiment did not suddenly spring up last week. It has always been there and has been stoked on social media, in the press, and by the politicians who claim to represent us. We are deeply proud of all the trans people standing up to protect their communities, despite the risk to themselves.
The people pushing this rhetoric are, on the whole, the same people pushing transphobic misinformation. It’s the same “culture war” – a euphemism which hides violence that now cannot be denied – and at its root is the same core set of beliefs about who is and isn’t a valued member of our society and who gets to decide.
To our Black, brown, Muslim and migrant siblings: We stand with you and will always stand with you against oppression and violence. Nobody should feel afraid to leave their home or be terrorised whilst in their home.
To the media and politicians: You did this. All those who gave in recently to the idea that ‘stopping the boats’ is a national priority, and those who have been whipping up a haze of bigotry for decades. It’s on you to sort it out and repair the damage that has been done. Stop the anti-migrant rhetoric, stop the Islamophobic rhetoric, stop the racist rhetoric and take action that will prevent this from ever happening again.
To white people in particular: Check in on your friends, colleagues and neighbours who are being impacted by this disgusting show of bigotry and hate. See what you can do to help them feel safer. Reflect on how you actively confront and disrupt racism, Islamophobia and anti-immigration sentiments in your daily lives. It’s our collective responsibility to make our communities safer and inclusive for everyone.