It has come to my attention that yet again another attack on the existence of trans individuals are being brought to the forefront. 

I really must ask you. Who does this serve? Does it serve women? Because there are many women of all age groups who look different from one another: some are petite, some are large, some are more masculine, some more feminine, some with PCOS, and some who may not fit this picture perfect definition of what a “woman” is to others.

There are women who will be negatively impacted and scrutinized just for needing to simply use the toilet. There are women that will be harassed because they’re not “feminine” enough.

There are some women who will be followed into the bathroom by cis men who assume that they are not biological women because they’re “too tall” or “too bulky”. It’s already happened before. 

So, who does this serve? Who does this help?

Instead of focusing on marginalized individuals who simply would like to exist, live, love and be who they are, we could be focusing on more important matters like homelessness, abused youth, housing prices, or anything that could actually impact the lives of Virginians without revoking the rights from a small minority whose only crime is existing. 

Seriously, we just want to exist. I, as a transman, only want to exist. I have a girlfriend, a family, a career, and hobbies. I love music, anime, escape rooms, singing and helping people achieve their financial goals through my career. I am more than just a transman, but it is as if that is all that is seen. 

All I want, and all any of us ever wanted was to exist in peace. Not be in the middle of this useless political war that helps no one but those who wish to keep us divided. 

Please, for the sake of those who are already put down simply for being their authentic selves, oppose Petition 432. Just let us live in peace.