Disclaimer: The following is a letter to the editor. It represents their personal views on this issue. RVA Magazine is committed to providing a platform for community voices on important local matters. The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of RVA Magazine, its staff, or affiliates.
Written by Heaven-Leigh Kennedy, The People’s Diva
From the start, you’ve made it clear: transgender Americans do not belong here.
But here’s the thing — we are Americans.
Why are we not entitled to our liberties, just as you are?
How can you oppress people who simply want to live, to thrive, to pursue happiness on their own terms?
Isn’t that what we all want?
I’m American — can’t you hear my cry?
A child, born with inalienable rights called democracy — yet you doubt the celestial power of their humanity, and make them responsible for every shadow in our nation.
A political game, a pawn cheated.
This game is rigged from the start, unless you call every player to the table at your twisted soirée.
A banquet of lies, offering charcuterie boards of usurpation served on fine bone china, crafted in the USA, so full of pride.
Inside a haunted house of cards, you cannot hide.
Such a sly fox, hiding behind cards that built your mansion of shame.
Supporters voluntarily take their stance — one card at a time, they fall in line, your flock of misguided readers.
In faith and devotion, they hold firm your foundational pillars, eyes wide shut to the fall of a union you taught them to hate, mistrust, and blame.
No data, no facts.
Misinformation is your touchstone, stomping doubt into the land of the free.
If your facts and calculations were true, I’d support you, too.
But your math does not add up. No matter the sound bite, or how much you bark, I won’t dine on your poisoned cuisine.
Your entry fee requires a bend of the knee — that’s a price I’ll never pay.
Excuses lay blame on the marginalized as you play bait-and-switch with the travesties you commit.
I will never pay — today nor any day.
These uneducated voters, infatuated with your appeal, are forced to swallow their pride like it’s their last meal.
Metamorphosis ensues: cards become guards, keeping the hounds at bay.
In earlier days, your guards lapped up every syllable you uttered, rooting out the light from a darkness so great you could see it from outer space — or from within your camp of despair.
Hunters close in, and the game is far from over.
Now we sow our seeds, highlighting your unappealing platform, stuffing your pockets with profits from very questionable resources.
About 34,800 adults in Virginia identify as transgender, yet over 40% have faced discrimination in employment or housing — simply for being themselves.
In 2023, we saw attempts to restrict gender-affirming care and limit trans rights in schools, pushing many back into the closet or out of their homes.
In early 2024, a transgender teacher in Richmond was placed on administrative leave amid controversy over DEI policies.
A recent report found that 75% of trans students in Virginia feel unsafe at school due to their gender identity.
Despite these struggles, Richmond passed protections for trans employees in city departments in 2023 — a major step forward.
This world has gone insane. Good is bad, bad is good.
Remember the days when no American was left behind?
That horrid day Lady Liberty was facedown in the dirt — we all called to action, arm in arm.
We lifted her back to her pedestal, and she stands tall today.
We promised each other it would never happen again — yet the threat is from within.
It’s time.
Take the table.
Deal the cards fairly, for everyone is welcome to pursue the liberties granted to each American — and it starts with you.
No more allowing people to go unchecked who were placed in positions to keep us safe.
But I’m not safe — just because of who I am.
Yet I’m American.
Shouldn’t that trump any doubt, no matter my choice to conform?
Isn’t this my birthright — the American way?
This is my urgent cry:
Please help me before I disappear — an American just like you, entitled to the same liberties that made us the red, white, and blue.
Freedom is not free if it leaves out you or me.
Let’s make sure no one disappears — not in Richmond, not in Virginia, not in OUR America.
Main photo by Thiago Rocha
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