TransLiance groups to convene in Salisbury March 31
Rehoboth/Dover and Salisbury TransLiance will host an Easter Sunday potluck picnic with music by Madam from 3 to 5 p.m., March 31, at Pemberton Historical Park, 5561 Plantation Lane, Salisbury, Md.
International Transgender Day of Visibility is observed March 31 each year.
Struggles for transgender people are ongoing. Research shows that in states with restrictive laws, the number of hate crimes on K-12 campuses has more than quadrupled since the onset of a divisive culture war that has often centered on the rights of LGBTQ+ youth. Churches, schools, healthcare providers and 501c3 nonprofits dedicated to the binary have no inclusion, advocacy or social justice for the transgender community. It is a challenge at best to work with schools and hospitals if they are solely dedicated to the sexual binary and condemn the biodiversity of gender identity.
Recognizing the true history and resilience of trans and nonbinary people, the event will honor Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old nonbinary Oklahoma high school student who was tragically bullied to death. According to the Human Rights Campaign, Nex’s family members trace part of their roots to the Choctaw Nation and were on a journey to understanding more about Nex’s identity – like many other parents of transgender and nonbinary youth. On Feb. 7, 2024, Nex was brutally and viciously beaten inside a school bathroom and later succumbed to that violence as so many trans people do, through suicide. CNN recently cited studies in the U.S. showing that 82% of people who identify as transgender said they considered killing themselves, and 40% have attempted suicide, with the highest numbers of suicides among trans youth. Studies also indicate that in areas where trans children are accepted, they have a suicide rate consistent with cisgender people at 8%.
To find help for oneself or a loved one who may be considering suicide, call 211 or go to delaware211.org.
The American Psychological Association has adopted a landmark policy affirming evidence-based care for transgender, gender-diverse and nonbinary children, adolescents and adults, noting that recent legislative attempts to obstruct access to psychological and medical interventions for such individuals put them at risk of depression, anxiety and other negative mental health outcomes. APA also affirms the essential role and legal rights of parents and caregivers to ensure the well-being of children and adolescents while honoring their expressed gender identity, including being involved in healthcare decision-making, and supporting developmentally appropriate youth self-advocacy.
Attendees are asked to bring food or nonalcoholic libations. A presentation will take place in the outdoor amphitheater. Guests may bring their own chairs, tables, blankets or picnic baskets. The event is outdoor and weather dependent.
For answers to questions, email transliance@gmail.com.
