Words by Tess Becker
A new HBO Documentary raises awareness of trans rights, telling stories of what life is like for a group of trans people in New York.
The film, titled The Stroll, tells the story and history of transgender sex workers in New York’s pre-gentrified meatpacking district. It was a place where trans women congregated and forged a deep camaraderie to protect each other from harassment and violence.
The movie also works to broach topics of gentrification and the ramifications of laws like Mayor Rudy Guiliani’s “quality of life” initiatives.
Discriminatory legislation such as the “Walking While Trans” law was only recently overturned. As contention across the country has shifted south, this film looks to highlight trans people as more than political talking points.
The conversation around trans people in the US and allyship with queer people has been the topic of many Smiley News stories recently. That’s because of the far-reaching consequences of many of the laws that states are trying to put into place. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is tracking 491 anti-LGBTQ+ laws in the United States at the moment and while some, such as the Arkansas care ban, are being struck down, others are taking their place.
Charity check-in
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
GLAAD. GLAAD is a massive LGBTQ+ advocacy group that helps fight for queer people across the US. Consider donating.
Kids In Distress. This organization helps support at risk kids and families around the US. Find out more.
The Trevor Project. They focus on suicide prevention and mental health support for queer youth. Support them here.
