By Robin S.G. Griffin
Most days in my depraved, transsexual lifestyle start the same: I wake up at 5:15 a.m. to pet my cat, have some coffee, and journal a little before I get out the door.
I bike down the street to a gym where I get to see a few friends and sweat a little before putting in my time at the office. After work, I do a few chores and relax for a while. Half the time I cook dinner, half the time my wife takes care of it.
Like you, I like to listen to music, play a game, or watch a show unless I make plans with friends. I try to write in my free time and then get to bed on time to do it all again.
It’s a simple life, but it’s full of joy and meaning for me. I’m not Christian anymore, but it feels like I’ve managed to find the kind of life King Solomon talked about in Ecclesiastes 5:12: “Sleep is sweet to the one who works.”
The simple fact is that most trans people’s lives are pretty normal — we’re human after all. So why is attacking us the number one priority of the incoming Republican-controlled government?
Republicans recently decided to welcome Delaware Rep.-elect Sarah McBride, who will be the first openly trans member of Congress, by introducing a resolution that would ban trans women from using restrooms at the Capitol. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has spoken in support of the measure.
Days later, Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas introduced the “Defining Male and Female Act of 2024,” which seeks to prohibit the federal government from recognizing trans people and lays the groundwork for further discrimination.
These cruelties come on top of a wave of anti-trans laws in statehouses across the country, a wave which continues to build in GOP-controlled states.
All this in a country where most families can’t afford surprise expenses of a few hundred dollars, where people call an Uber to the emergency room so they aren’t bankrupted by the ambulance bill, and where many workers would have toil for decades to earn what their CEO makes in a day.
Not to mention 2024 is on track to be the hottest year in recorded human history, leaving a wake of climate-driven disasters across the country.
There’s a lot going wrong in our world. So why are Republicans chasing down trans people?
Attacks on trans people are broadly unpopular outside Trump’s base, and we make up a small fraction of the population. Policies that make our lives better and safer — or even just leave us alone — come at essentially no cost to everyone else.
The fact of the matter is that Republicans are warming up for their bigger goals. If they can wipe away two decades of progress for trans people in a few short months, they’ll have playbook for overturning gay marriage by the end of the year.
If they can convince you to look the other way while they invade the medical history of trans people, maybe you won’t notice when they use the same authority to let insurance companies deny you coverage for a preexisting health condition.
They don’t care how normal my life is — or yours. The point is to crush anyone they don’t like and to reward their wealthy backers. I can’t say where they’ll stop, but I share Solomon’s cynicism from the back half of Ecclesiastes 5:12: “But the satiation of a wealthy man will not permit him to sleep.”
Robin S.C. Griffin is a development associate at the Institute for Policy Studies.
Nancy Skadden says
Thank you for your honest and frank comments. I need to learn more about trans people. Your article is helpful in that regard.
Yes it’s frightening and ridiculous at the same time what is being done to trans people. There are so many things that need attention that are more important and don’t discriminate against people living normal lives.
Deborah Coffey says
“So why is attacking us the number one priority of the incoming Republican-controlled government?” Because the MAGA base is made up of people that need to hate and punish others in order to make their lives meaningful and give them a sense of power? It doesn’t work, of course, but they don’t realize that…yet. More importantly, they don’t realize how much Trump and his Republican cronies despise them but, certainly know how to use them to gain their own power and money!
Thank you for writing, Robin. I’m sure you know that most of us understand that you are humans and we not only accept you for who you are but, we welcome you in our lives and in our communities. Keep the faith. Those of us that know how to love and have decided to love, are not standing by idly watching this awful hate and cruelty.
JimboXYZ says
Not sure what the “T” in the article is saying that anyone is taking their rights away. The standard day described remains a right. What isn’t a right is the concept of wearing a swimmer’s one piece unikini and winning events vs women for prizes, fame & fortune. Or getting into a fighting ring and beating up a woman under the guise of being something they are not over the technicality of a grey area for flawed DNA and relative birth defects. That just makes the Trans crazy, not athletically gifted or talented amongst their peers. I think they need to create another division, like weight classes
The normal lifestyle described is what anyone on planet Earth & in the USA generally faces. Stop trying to be more special than anyone else maybe. Republicans aren’t trying to take anyone’s rights away. Trans public bathroom bans are nothing more than the others that are mentally ill making life suck for one another. This is so less than 1/10th of a percent of anyone on planet Earth. I’m just surprised the LGBTQI’s haven’t tried to impose their own Constitution that supersedes the Standard USA Constitution ? Oh wait, that and other lobbies have made it a requirement that the delineations in legislation specifically be itemized because there are those that are heterosexually mentally ill that feel the need to preclude the other fringes of lunatics of the human race ?
jackson says
9 billionaires in the cabinet. Thats really draining the swamp. Lost count of the criminals.
Kat says
This reminds me of literature written during the holocaust where the author did not speak up when other groups of people were targeted. And in the end, when he was targeted, there was nobody left to speak up on his behalf. I feel angry that you and other minority groups are being targeted and I will not be quiet.
Al says
Nobody cares that your whatever you claim but you. Does a man who thinks he’s a girl have a right to go into the bathroom with my wife or daughter, try it and see. You can identify as a squirrel for all I care just don’t tell me have to believe it. My 3 year old identified as a t- Rex, she outgrew it. You need to outgrow your fantasy and join the real world. If you really are trans then cut it off or sew it up otherwise it’s just a game.
I Just Love Flagler Beach says
Martin Niemoller
“First they came for the Communists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Communist
Then they came for the Socialists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Socialist
Then they came for the trade unionists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a trade unionist
Then they came for the Jews
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Jew
Then they came for me
And there was no one left
To speak out for me”
JC says
On top of that, they need to learn to win the debate and minds of voters at the voting booth. Thankfully, a lot of voters think the LGBT agenda went too far in one direction.
Even I know some older LGBT folks who think the moment went too far. They just want to be normal people like everyone else, and not pushing an agenda regarding medications for children who aren’t even adults yet.
Sherry says
@al. . . “try it and see”, really? OMG! And, just what are “you” going to do about that public toilet situation , al?
Are you going to pony up extra tax $$$ to hire “Potty Police”? Then what are “they” going to do to enforce whatever “Stupid” laws maga comes up with? Are they going to require each and every person show their sexual organs or birth certificate to prove their gender before that person can go pee? Really? LMAO!
Laurel says
Al: Since you are an expert on the science of human biology, please tell me which bathroom a hermaphrodite should use. I’ve asked this question a couple times before, but the experts like you have yet to enlighten us. That, and I wonder if you are actually cognizant of the “real world.”
Your cut and stitch response was nasty.
Nancy N. says
Ah yes, there it is…the real root of opposition to trans identity…toxic masculinity. Thanks for the demonstration, Al. Can always count on you to be the bad example.
Nancy N. says
“Republicans aren’t trying to take anyone’s rights away.” <- meanwhile, women are afraid to tell their doctor when their last period was, women are dying from pregnancy complications due to lack of medical care, laws ban trans people from using public and school bathrooms, there's legitimate concern about gay marriage being returned to the states by a conservative SCOTUS, minority voting rights have been shredded, the GOP wants to end birthright citizenship, labor rights are being decimated, and there's even a conservative movement to end no fault divorce. So tell me again how Republicans aren't trying to take anyone's rights away?
Jim says
What does this gibberish mean: “Trans public bathroom bans are nothing more than the others that are mentally ill making life suck for one another. ”
It’s ignorance like you spout that provides the support MAGA needs going forward. You don’t even produce coherent sentences yet you pontificate like you’re some genius.
I’m glad I don’t go through life hating people for being different. I guess doing that gives you a feeling of superiority or something.
I’d go further in commenting on the rest of your sad attempt at commentary but I just don’t see the need to waste all of our time discussing stupid…
Land of no turn signals says says
Go live your life how ever you want just stop shouting and pounding your chest while standing on a soap box.
Pierre Tristam says
You mean like heteros do 24/7/365 everywhere we look? Have you watched, say, one tv commercial lately? Heard one sermon—or one bar joke (same thing, really)? Have you looked at the chromosomes dandruffing your own soapbox?
Deborah Coffey says
OMG. I can’t even process the ignorance in your comment. Republicans aren’t trying to take anyone’s rights away? Pull your head out…FAST!!!!!!
Janet says
When I read comments like yours my first thought is always to pray for your daughter and any other younger people in your life, because if, god forbid, any of them determines they are not exactly as you’d have them be, you’d have a difficult time loving them. It’s not a good look for a father. So very sad.
Kat says
You missed the point entirely, making you part of the problem rather than a compassionate human being.
Kat says
This was exactly what I was thinking of when I made my comment. Thank you for putting your hands on the actual quotation
Al says
We don’t need potty police, just men who will defend their families. Why dies it seem like women that defend these confused people? Do women like emasculated men so they can feel powerful? What has happened is that mentally ill people have been allowed to do whatever they want and they have the support of screwball.
I don’t care what you do just don’t try and make it seem normal. The big argument is these people will commit suicide if they don’t get their way, isn’t that a sign of mental illnes.
John Wallace says
I don’t care how one lives. The problem is when it’s all in your face. Why do we need a trans pride whatever day? Why do we need to openly display this lifestyle to the world? Why are my kids subjected to commercials & movies that amplify that lifestyle? Keep it in your life, I keep it in mine. That simple.
Al says
Nasty, really!!! If you’re a girl then be one. Wait I’ll identify as a woman then become a lesbian so I can date other women.
If I was in high-school I would be a girl everyday for third period gym, afterwards I’d shower with my girl friend or any other girl that wanted to join. If this sounds ridiculous to you then think of how ridiculous you sound with your opinion.
Quit hating real men and go have an affair, maybe you’ll learn to smile again.
NANCY SKADDEN says
I just want to arrange to get away from hateful comments. Can someone just tell me what button to push please?
Sherry says
So al. . . precisely how do you “envision” men defending their families for these circumstances? Do “real men” sit in front of the entrance to the ladies room with their rifle across their knees? What precisely are “men defending their families” going to do to stop those hoards of perverts from sexually assaulting girls and women in the ladies room?
Also, al, why is it OK in your mind that a “straight” man sexually assaulted a woman in a “fitting room” where she was changing her clothes? Why would you, or anyone, VOTE and elect as President that kind of “pervert”? Is it because he is “straight”? Is it because it was a fitting room instead of a restroom? Just how are you slicing and dicing perversion here? Where is your logic?
Please respond . . .
Sherry says
@john. . . I don’t know what commercials and movies you and your family watch, but I don’t see the “in your face” element that you do. Consider the possibility that too much Fox hyperbole on the subject just might be the source of your angst.
Laurel says
Al: From nasty to nutty.
Laurel says
1.6% of the population is in John’s face. He’s a very popular guy.
Sherry says
@john. . . I don’t know what commercials and movies you and your family watch, but I don’t see the “in your face” element that you do. Consider the possibility that too much Fox hyperbole on the subject just might be the source of your angst.
Sherry says
@al. . . what I read here is your maga “doubling down” on your nastiness. . . just like your lord and master trump. Do you really think that your chauvinistic lashing out at educated, intelligent, open minded, caring women gives you any credibility at all in this discussion space? Really?
Laurel says
He wants to become a trans, to become a lesbian, to date other women? What? Isn’t that a long, hard road to travel, to do something simple? What?
You can’t make this sh*t up. Or, can you?
What?
Nancy N. says
Gee John why do YOU need to go around displaying your cis hetero lifestyle to the world? Why is my kid subjected to commercials & movies that amplify THAT lifestyle constantly? Keep it in your life. I don’t want it in my face.
Proud Trumphole says
One solution to the bathroom problem can be simple.
Build public restrooms that hold only one occupant at a time, for anyone to use, and to be supplied for everyone. A parent can aid their small children, or just stand outside while the child is inside.
I seems to work everywhere I’ve seen it. Separate doors with just a sign designating a “Restroom”.
Sherry says
@Laurel, unfortunately some people are likely so far gone into Fox world and entrenched in their ignorant, close minded, hate filled reality that any kind of logical discussion with them is completely useless.
I do have sympathy for the females in ole al’s life though. I can’t imagine they receive the respect and understanding they would appreciate.
Sherry says
Thank You Nancy N.! Happiest of Holidays!
Joe D says
In reply to “I just love Flagler beach”:
That is a priceless quotation!
And very true…as you start looking away as personal freedoms are being taken away from others, because it DOESN’T affect YOU….eventually you’ll turn around and (as the quote states)…when they eventually work down the list of removing personal freedoms… to YOUR freedoms, by the reigning powers of THAT time (whomever they may be)…you won’t have anyone left to defend you! Everyone else has already been silenced…or WORSE…jailed (eg. teachers/librarians/ doctors/ non-profits/independent media)…it’s a VERY SLIPPERY SLOPE once the reigning powers start determining what freedoms they want you to have.
After the world barely survived Hitler’s rise to power on the messages of hate, scapegoating, racial and religious persecution…how can we even allow even the HINT of repeating those horrific times in even the simplest of ways!?!
I still like another quote ( I keep forgetting the author)…”Those that fail to LEARN from the mistakes of the past, are DOOMED to repeat them.”
I think of that quote over and over in my head as we watch the USA (and the world ) lose the basic tenants of ALL men (and women) are created EQUAL, with equal protection under the law, and the right to be left alone in their pursuit of happiness, as long as it doesn’t harm others. Why is this not the EASIEST thing to do? We haven’t learned it in several Thousand years! Let’s hope it doesn’t take several more thousands of years from now.
Ed P says
Update
Today, the president of the NCAA admitted that there are 10 or less transgender women competing. I can not imagine that anyone would want to take away the rights of the other 220,000 women competing for this sake of 10. This should be put in context that the trans community is so infinitesimally small compared to the over all population.
Estimates range from 300,000 to 600,000 trans women in the United States. Even if estimates are accurate or not, it does not warrant all the activists churning the waters and using it to divide our country.
Ever heard, “ we have bigger fish to fry”
Golly People like Charlie Baker( ncaa president) are the problem. Not the heterosexual females who don’t want to compete against men or look at their plumbing in the locker room.
Just think