On Trans Rights

It's taken me a few days to work out if I want to talk about this issue publicly at all. There was a part of me that worried that speaking out would be seen as performative, especially as a cisgender man. After a couple of days of deliberation, I realised that I cannot remain silent on this issue.

I'm sure many of you will have already heard the abhorrent news that came from the UK's Supreme Court, removing trans women from the legal definition of a woman in the UK. This senseless, hateful decision was brought about by a group of people who are the worst and least tolerant of us, bankrolled by a number of people who are vindictive, spiteful, and utterly closed minded- the chief amongst them being JK Rowling.

It's not my place to speak on behalf of trans people, and I do not wish to claim that I feel their pain and hurt as deeply as they do, but I wish to make this clear- I am pained that this decision was made. As a queer man who knows and loves a fair amount of trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people, and as a human capable of the most basic of empathies, I am hurt and angered by this decision too.

To make it clear to anyone reading this who may still be in the dark. Trans rights are human rights. Trans people deserve happiness, the same as everyone.

MorrowForge has been founded by myself alone, but I set out on this journey knowing that I want this site and the MorrowForge banner to welcome queer and neurodiverse people with open arms. I want to collaborate with the best and the brightest in the space. I want you to share your stories with the world. It will take time, it will take effort, but MorrowForge was founded to be a haven for anyone and everyone who has ever felt othered. Historically we are the people who have caused the most change and created the most beautiful art, and I will not let a minority of people extinguish that flame.

If you don't agree with me, I'm not going to apologise for this post. In fact, if you don't agree with me, you can quite frankly leave and never look or listen to anything MorrowForge produces. Could I lose a few potential customers? Sure. Would I want transphobes and spiteful, bitter people being customers? Absolutely not.

I can't promise my trans brothers, sisters, and siblings that the world as a whole will realise how small minded and bigoted they're being any time soon- but I want you to know that you are loved, you are valid, and you are always welcome here. I'm a firm believe that a person should be judged by their actions, not who they are.

If you're struggling with the news, and would like to talk to a professional, I'd recommend checking out Mermaids, who offer support for trans, non-binary, and gender diverse people here.

Thanks for reading, Dan