HERE’S WHAT WE’RE DOING (that you can do, too):
Transgender Parents Day (November 5th)
This is a day to recognize transgender parents, as opposed to the traditional Mother’s and Father’s Day holidays. It is especially important to honor those transgender parents who feel isolated, alienated and unsupported. This day also recognizes parents who have a transgender child. If you know a transgender parent or parent of a transgender child who feels isolated in their family and/or community, reach out to offer your support.
Transgender Awareness Week (November 13th-19th)
This is a week-long celebration to lift up the trans community and raise awareness about the issues they face. During this week you can take some time to learn more about what it means to be transgender and how to be supportive. Here are a couple of helpful links:
Myths That Stigmatize Transgender People – Strong Family Alliance
Transgender and Non-Binary People FAQ – Human Rights Campaign
Why How We Talk About Gender Matters – 1A WAMU NPR
Transgender Day of Remembrance (November 20th)
This is a day to honor the memory of transgender people whose lives were lost due to anti-trans violence. There is typically a vigil held each year on this day to remember victims; look for one to attend in your community and stand as an ally.
CALL YOUR LEGISLATORS
Know what your state’s lawmakers are up to! Tell them what you think about it and what you want them to work on. OTHER MOTHERS are working on some resources to support making calls and sending letters (coming soon!). In the meantime, you can use tools the Human Rights Campaign has created to tell our members of Congress to pass the Equality Act — and you can use their form letter or write your own.
LEARN MORE
Check out what larger and broader organizations are up to and what actions and/or activities one might find appealing. For instance, the Human Rights Campaign has a “Count Me In” campaign with a list of small steps that are easy to take, such as “Sign the Pledge” and “Contact State Legislators.” They will ask you to donate money, but it’s not necessary to participate in these actions.
SHARE A BANNED BOOK
In recognition of NATIONAL BOOK MONTH this October, OTHER MOTHERS are establishing a mini lending library in our neighborhood that will include banned books. We’re currently in the early stages and will share any useful info or insight we might encounter.
Here are a few things we’ve already done:
OTHER MOTHERS VOTE!
There are LOTS of Municipal elections taking place. Check on your local elections (& primaries) so you can make your voice heard. If only a few dozen people show up to your polling place, BE ONE OF THEM. [Vote in NC on Tuesday, October 10th & Tuesday, November 7th, 2023.]
ID NOW REQUIRED TO VOTE IN NC.
NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY
Wednesday, October 11th, 2023
Many of us have come out in one way or another and that kind of visibility is important to continue and to grow as each person feels able. This year, OTHER MOTHERS have decided to COME OUT for ourselves AND in support of those with whom we stand. We invite you to come out in whatever way and to whatever extent feels safe and comfortable for you. We encourage no one to do violence or harm to themselves or any other person in the name of Coming Out. We’d love to hear about what you do for National Coming Out Day, and why these issues matter to you. Send us a brief testimonial and let us know if we can post it anonymously to our website. Your words matter! Add your voice to ours today.