The Iowa transgender teen made an emotional plea for her 18th birthday at the Capitol, urging lawmakers not to remove the rights of individual transgender people. High school senior Kayde Martin shared deep concerns about the future of Iowa’s trans rights and spoke to lawmakers in tears.
“I’ve lived with my family for 18 years, attending school and it really bothers me that this is the focus of our nation,” Martin said. His words were a call for empathy, understanding and fairness.
Martin’s speech was part of a greater effort to suspend the ultimately passed law, making Iowa the first state to abolish anti-discrimination protections, particularly for transgender people. The new law has attracted the attention of the public as it underscores the ongoing struggle for civil rights within the LGBTQ+ community.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2q9qchflhau
“Good morning, my name is Kayde Martin. Today I will speak not only for myself, but for many other trans young people in Iowa,” Martin began. “I was born on February 27, 2007. Today is my 18th birthday. I stand before fighting for the same basic civil rights that all Iowa deserve by humanely asking you to vote for this bill.”
Martin, who will be attending the University of Iowa in the fall, shared his desire to live independently without fear of discrimination. He expressed his dissatisfaction that it appears that women’s rights advocates, especially those who advocate for women’s rights, especially those who advocate for women’s rights, are selectively doing so.
“I’ve heard people talk about women’s rights. Why does women’s rights seem to be protected only when they are used to oppose the transgender community? Where is the same protest about women’s choices in women’s physical autonomy?” Martin asked.
Growing up in a Christian family, Martin used his faith as his faith for respect and love for all people, regardless of gender identity. “Good Christians know that the Lord is what he judges,” Martin said, defending his understanding of kindness and judgment. “No one knows the plans of his Heavenly Father.”
He concluded his emotional speech with a sincere plea to lawmakers. Don’t take away my rights just because you don’t agree with who I am. Being a transformer is not a choice. It is the reality that comes when you learn to understand yourself and love yourself. ”
Martin sought a civil discourse that allowed people to pay more respect than division. He expressed hope that the Iowans could come together despite their differences to avoid further division of the nation.
His plea reflected the feelings of the thousands of people who together with him protested the bill. Despite widespread opposition, the state’s Republican-controlled Congress quickly followed the bill, with most Republicans supporting the law along the party’s lines. The bill, which has been widely criticized by Democrats and LGBTQ+ supporters, includes provisions that allow discrimination against transgender and genderless individuals in housing, employment and credit.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds (R) signed the bill and defended it as “common sense” law. “It’s common sense to acknowledge obvious biological differences between men and women,” Reynolds said at the signing ceremony. “But unfortunately, these common sense protections were at risk, because civil rights law blurred the biological lines of gender.”
But, as Republicans argue, the law doesn’t actually protect women and children. Research shows that cisgender men are responsible for most of the harm caused to women in sports than transgender women, citing factors such as lack of funding and support for women’s athletic programs. Critics argue that the bill does little to protect women and children, but instead targets the transgender community.
Iowa Democrats, including Rep. Iamewihtendahl, the state’s only trans lawmaker, condemned the bill. Wichtendahl said the purpose of the law is to “eliminate us from public life, condemn our existence, make our existence illegal and push us back into the closet.” Wichtendahl added, “The authors of these bills want us all harm,” highlighting the wider impact that the law has on the lives of transgender individuals.
The fight over trans rights across Iowa and across the nation is far from over as Martin and other LGBTQ+ advocates continue to promote equality and protection from discrimination. The outcome of this Iowa law could set dangerous precedents for other states considering similar laws, highlighting the need for ongoing activity and awareness.
Martin’s brave position at the Capitol reflects the struggles many trans young people face when navigating a world often hostile to their identity. His message serves as a reminder that the fight for equal rights for all, regardless of gender identity, is underway, and requires similar collective efforts by individuals, communities and lawmakers.
Source: Gayety – gayety.co
