Drag is inseparable from trans history. In fact, trans realization in many cultures is in many ways isomorphic to modern drag. >
Because #TDOV is very much an effort to get cis folks to see trans folks' needs, the use of drag in celebrations give many a bit of pause. >
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In short, we are already afraid cis people see us as perverts, and linking drag to trans identity doesn't give us lots of confidence. >
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But, we cannot erase trans history. Köçekler, for example, as just as important to us globally as anything else.
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So including drag at a
#TDOV celebration is important. It is as important to our heritage as Stonewall or HB2. > -
But when drag is _so often_ performed in gay nightclubs, where it is used to mock women and trans folk, and is deliberately sexualized, >
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> in an effort to make trans folk uncomfortable, it makes a lot of trans folk feel like someone is taking TDOV away from them.
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So include drag if you must. But it *must* be aware of the harm it can cause. And you *must* respect the visceral discomfort it causes >
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in the people who are supposed to be celebrating. Use it to represent and celebrate our history. Let people have a safe space if needed.
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And most importantly, let's not pretend like exclusion doesn't already happen. And excluding some trans folks to make a safe space >
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for others is precisely what the trans POC community regularly needs, so that their voices and experiences can also be heard.
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So let it be a celebration. And let people opt out. And don't let cis folks think that this is everything we are. It's hard enough. Fin.
End of conversation
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