Making Carlisle Safe with the Non-Discrimiation Ordinance

It is hard to explain the experience of being trans. Since I am masculine-presenting, I face less outright criticism but I also do not experience acceptance. It is incredibly stressful to constantly be aware of my surroundings, my own actions and my presentation to ensure my emotional and physical safety. I do not want and should not have to bargain or barter for my security. By passing this ordinance, Carlisle would help me to feel safe and welcome. Without it, myself and trans people alike will face discrimination of employment, housing or service. This is not acceptable. We need to stand up for trans lives. We need to advocate for trans students, faculty, staff, administrators, and citizens. As a liberal arts college, we claim to be accepting and diverse. If that is a pillar of our community, then we must support the passing the Non-Discrimination Ordinance. By reaching out to the Carlisle community, we can create dialogue with the town and support those amongst us who need protection.

I want to make Carlisle safe for the trans students who arrive after I’m gone. I don’t want to leave this place worried that the experience of trans students will be a fearful and hidden one. While it may be hard for cisgender people to understand the discrimination that trans people face, it does not make that experience any less real. We need our cisgender allies to work with us to the benefit of all. Please, do not let this ordinance go unnoticed. Please be aware that the lives and safety of trans people are greatly influenced by legal protection.