New York, New York (TRANSLASH.ORG) March 14, 2021—As a critical Supreme Court ruling on abortion looms, today TransLash Media launched Trans Bodies, Trans Choices, a month long film series and storytelling initiative centering the importance of reproductive justice for transgender, non-binary, and gender-non conforming people. Through Trans Bodies, Trans Choices this Transgender Month of Visibility, trans people will use their voices to reveal the personal stake that this community has in critical conversations about abortion, acesss to fertility and other reproductive services, as well as the full range of issues surrounding body autonomy. Trans Bodies, Trans choices seeks to end the invisibility of trans people when it comes to choice through the power of personal narrative.
On March 14, 21, and 28 a new five-minute short film will premiere, highlighting the journeys of individual trans people as they navigate intensely personal issues around choice and abortion access through medical, as well as legal systems, often hostile to their very existence. These will be distributed across TransLash digital and social media platforms, including YouTube, as well as those of partners and supporters.
The release of each film will be followed by weekly activations online including TransLash Podcast, Instagram Live and Twitter Spaces conversations. The series will culminate in a virtual Trans Bodies, Trans Choices town hall co-hosted by the National LGBTQ Task Force on March 23. The Trans Bodies, Trans Choices campaign will conclude on March 31, Trans Day of Visibility.
"At TransLash we believe in telling trans stories to save trans lives. There is nothing more essential to our existence than the ability to control our own bodies, this includes reproductive health, fertility, and abortion access. However we are often invisible when it comes to the discussion about reproductive justice, including choice. With the impending decision by the Supreme Court, we felt it was vital to underscore what's at stake for trans communities in this debate; especially those at the intersection of race, disability, and economic justice. That's why we launched Trans Bodies, Trans Choices," said Imara Jones, Founder and CEO, TransLash Media.
"Reproductive rights are human rights. We all have a right to respect, dignity and to have our full humanity affirmed. At the National LGBTQ Task Force we have long worked at the intersection of reproductive rights and LGBTQ rights, as an issue of bodily autonomy and sexual freedom that affects us all. We are thrilled to partner with TransLash and amplify the stories of our trans and non-binary siblings who find themselves under attack and as we fight back against attempts to roll back reproductive rights from the state level all the way to the Supreme Court," said Kierra Johnson, Executive Director, National LGBTQ Task Force.
"The path towards justice includes a world where Trans peple's reproductive decisions, including abortion, takes place in thriving communities that are safe, affirming, and affordable. This will be a fight for the long haul, and it will take all of us. That's why we're building a long-term, sustainable network rooted in community and resilience that works to ensure people seeking abortions are met with consistent values, compassion, and adequate resources when calling an abortion fund," said Adaku Utah, Organizing Director at National Network of Abortion Funds
"The National Birth Equity Collaborative stands with the Transgender community in the fight for body autonomy and reproductive freedom. Each human being has the right to fair and equitable health care but also must not have those rights diminished by gender, race or economic standing," said Dr. Joia Crear-Perry, President and Founder of the National Birth Equity Collaborative. "TheTrans Bodies, Trans Choices campaign offers Trans people the unique opportunity to share their stories in a way that celebrates, empowers and invokes change."
"At a time when trans rights—and lives—are under attack and at risk of erasure around the country by right-wing bigots and biases, it's more important than ever to say loud and clear: trans rights are human rights. As well, it's more important than ever to ensure that movements for justice of all kinds, including reproductive justice, don't commit the same erasure. That's why Women's March is so proud and honored to be partnering with TransLash for the organization's "Trans Bodies, Trans Choices" initiative—and to be working to ensure that transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people are centered in both the narrative and the fight for abortion specifically and bodily autonomy writ large. As the Supreme Court prepares to take a sledgehammer to our rights, defending ourselves—and building a better future—together isn't just critical. It's the only way forward."-Tamika Middleton, Managing Director, Women's March
Three stories will be told through the anchor, short-film series.
"My Abortion Saved My Life" (March 14)
Cazembe Murphy Jackson (he/him), a Black trans activist living in Atlanta, Georgia, shares why his access to abortion was vital to his life. After developing severe depression following a sexual assault, and quickly learning he was pregnant, Cazembe's abortion saved him from suicide. In the first short of Trans Reproductive Justice, Cazembe's story demonstrates the life-saving urgency of abortion access.
"I Didn't Think I'd Make It" (March 21)
After an accident with a partner, Stann (they/them) tells their story of seeking an abortion in southern New Mexico. After receiving an abortion, Stann was able to use that experience with their doctors to argue the case for a total hysterectomy for trans-affirming care. Their experience explores the importance of both reproductive and gender-affirming care for body autonomy in medical care.
"Trans Bodies, Trans Choices" (March 28)
After an unplanned pregnancy and unsuccessful Plan B contraceptive, Jack (they/them) sought abortion access in southern Florida. Already an experience that brought on strong feelings of gender dysphoria, Jack's abortion was made worse by dealing with transphobic health professionals. Now, they advocate for trans inclusion and diversity training for abortion providers. Their story highlights the need for care providers to include transgender and non-binary patients in their understanding of reproductive access.
About TransLash
TransLash is a media non-profit which uses the power of journalism and personal storytelling to center the humanity of trans people at a time of social backlash. We do so through film, our Webby-nominated podcasts, a zine, as well as digital and social media platforms. We believe that narrative brings people together and ends ignorance that fuels hostility. That is why we tell trans stories to save trans lives. Learn more about our work at www.translash.org .
About National LGBTQ Task Force
The National LGBTQ Task Force advances full freedom, justice, and equity for LGBTQ people. We are building a future where everyone can be free to be their entire selves in every aspect of their lives. Today, despite all the progress we've made to end discrimination, millions of LGBTQ people face barriers in every aspect of their lives: in housing, employment, healthcare, retirement, and basic human rights. For more information go to www.thetaskforce.org
About National Network of Abortion Funds
The National Network of Abortion Funds builds power with members to remove financial and logistical barriers to abortion access by centering people who have abortions and organizing at the intersections of racial, economic, and reproductive justice.
About National Birth Equity Collaborative
The National Birth Equity Collaborative (NBEC) is a fiscally sponsored program of the The Praxis Project, a 501(c)(3) public charity. Founded by Dr. Joia Crear-Perry, NBEC is one of the nation's leading experts and an advocate for change in the Black maternal health and infant mortality crises. NBEC's mission is to create transnational solutions that optimize Black maternal, infant, sexual, and reproductive wellbeing. We shift systems and culture through training, research, technical assistance, policy, advocacy, and community-centered collaboration. Visit www.birthequity.org for more information.
