Cisgender allies write love letters to trans community: ‘You are loved’
The campaign was started by Not in Our Name. (Getty)
Cisgender people have written defiant letters of love and solidarity to the trans community in a bid to combat rising transphobia in the UK.
Activist collective Not In Our Name (NION) is urging trans allies to write their own letters of support as part of its ongoing campaign “Letters of Love”.
Originally beginning on Valentine’s Day, the campaign saw such popularity that NION plan to keep it going until 28 February.
The group, which first gained prominence for its open letter supporting the trans community, said it is also now extending the campaign’s remit to invite cisgender men the opportunity to show their support by popular demand.
“Too many trans people carry the weight of constant scrutiny, exclusion, and hatred,” NION wrote in a statement. “They read headlines that question their right to exist. They navigate systems that deny them dignity. They wonder if anyone truly sees them as human. We do. And we want them to know it.”
Letters must be a maximum of 200 words and can include specific notes to a trans person in someone’s life, a message to trans people in general, or a reflection of why solidarity with the community is so important.
“You don’t need to be an expert. You don’t need perfect words. You don’t need to have all the answers to complex questions. You just need to believe that trans people deserve kindness, safety, and the right to live without being blamed for harm they don’t cause.”
One example NION cites is from an individual named Emma, who writes to trans people: “Who you are is enough.”
“I can only imagine how tough things must feel right now but please know there are people out there who value all you bring to this world, whether they have met you already or are yet to be graced with your presence,” Emma writes.
Another letter from Helen reminds trans people that, while the “world is a crazy place right now”, they still have a right to be their “authentic self”.
A third, from Hilary, reads: “I hope to see change for the better soon. I know I love my trans friends and family, and I am sure you’re loved by people too.
“Keep going and take care of yourself. This L with the T will definitely keep fighting for you,” she added.
NION urges as many allies to write letters as possible, saying it is “one small way” to show support for the community.
“Trans people are constantly bombarded by toxic messaging that makes them feel like they are the problem. We refuse to let those be the only voices they hear,” they added. “Let’s make sure they hear ours too.”
If you are not transgender and would like to submit a letter, you can do so in the Google form here. Letters must be 200 words maximum.
