Words by Smiley Team
Trans activist Charlie Craggs has decided to turn a “negative experience into something positive" by fundraising for trans people to access self-defence classes.
Recent events have shown we still don’t live in a world where trans people can be safe, but Charlie is taking a step in the right direction, and sending a message that transphobia can’t be tolerated.
At the start of the year, Charlie shared a video – which has now gone viral – showing her being spat on in public, whilst travelling on the Tube.
It spurred her to set up a GoFundMe, a project which she had previously started before the pandemic, to give trans people access to free self-defence class and highlight why such abuse against trans people is a violation of human rights.
Writing on GoFundMe, Charlie wrote: “As the attack was happening all I could think is 'Charlie you stupid b**** why haven't you taken self defence classes yet', because sadly this is far from the first time I've been attacked for being trans and even more sadly it most likely won't be the last. It's part of life as a trans person."
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She continued: "This is why in Nov 2019 I started fundraising to run free self-defence classes for trans people by selling T-shirts, and raised a couple of grand. However, Covid hit a couple months later and I've been waiting for it to be safe to start running these classes since, but [a recent] attack was a stark reminder that I (and trans people in general) aren't safe, period, and I can't wait anymore, WE can't wait anymore."
Charlie said trans people need self-defence classes, and she wants to make it happen. "The £2k I raised in 2019 will kickstart these and keep them going for a bit, but renting spaces and hiring trainers is expensive and for these to happen long term (which they need to because sadly transphobia isn't stopping anytime soon) I could really do with some support," she wrote.
“It would mean the world. Literally anything, even a pound, would help.”
Donations have been pouring in, and at the time of writing, the fundraiser has reached almost £15,000.
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One person wrote: “Thoughtless, angry little bullies like this sad little boy don't win. We win, love wins and good people win. A brilliant spin on a horrible incident, well done Charlie."
Another said: “I donated because no one deserves to be spat on regardless of their gender.”
Someone else wrote: “Until society changes in the way it needs to, it is necessary for trans people to be able to protect themselves! Sending so much love!”
DONATE: You can make a donation to the fundraiser on GoFundMe, to help tackle transphobia.
SUPPORT: Support trans people by volunteering or getting involved with Mermaids, a charity helping gender-diverse children and their families.
