Mastodawn

Cait the Proud Trans Woman

A thought for trans allies in this time:

You often ask us what you can do to help. Well, here's something you can do. Wear trans badges, buttons, pins, scarves, whatever you've got. Explicitly. I wanna see that blue and pink EVERYWHERE.

Because the more of you cis folk do that, the safer we will be in crowds and such. It will mean that wearing a badge of support for trans people doesn't necessarily out that person as trans.

"But wait," you're thinking maybe, "if I do that, people might think *I* am trans!"

Well, why is that a problem for you? Would you be offended by someone thinking you might be trans? Would you be scared? Welcome to our world.

This is your time, cis people. You were all ready to call yourselves allies when it didn't matter more than changing your PFP background. Now the rubber meets the road. We need you. We need your help to normalise our existence to other cis people. It could save lives.

If someone accuses you of being trans (imagine being *accused* of existing while trans?), don't deny it. Ask why it matters to them. Keep calm.

#LGBTQ #trans #allies

@oldladyplays I don't know... if it's that dangerous to wear a trans badge outside, I'll just not wear a trans badge outside.

I don't have to endanger myself for something as inconsequential as a stupid button on my clothing. It's strange to expect other people to endanger *themselves* too just to fight for my right to safely wear a button; that I could just take off without any issue and – poof – the whole danger is gone.

@nano_ @oldladyplays that's a strange thing to say. Maybe you can take off your transness but many can't at all or can't without crippling dysphoria

@Exandra @oldladyplays A button on my clothes is fortunately not my transness.

Cait the Proud Trans Woman 3d ago

@nano_ @Exandra

So the sole reason you replied to this thread is to piss on the idea?

Well, thanks for your contribution. Very enlightening and useful.

@oldladyplays @Exandra Purely symbolic activism about non-issues is dangerous and annoys me to no end.

What about actually doing something meaningful to combat queerphobia or support trans people, rather than fight diligently for the utterly irrelevant human right to cease taking off pins you know might endanger you in public?

It's just middle-class slacktivism at its finest. Do you think the actual nazis would have given a single crap about non-Jews wearing stars of david in solidarity?

Cait the Proud Trans Woman 3d ago

@nano_ @Exandra

You mean like my day job, educating cishet people about queer issues?

Fuck your sneering jerkiness. If you don't see the value, then move the fuck along. You don't need to piss on other people's work; that's just HELPING the goddamn fascists.

Puncha Not See 3d ago

@oldladyplays @nano_ @Exandra

🙏🏽❤️🫂💜

[witchzard]3d ago

@nano_ @oldladyplays @Exandra Yes, the nazis would've given shit about it - if enough non-jews had done exactly that!! Exactly that!! Because then, there would've been way less nazis.

Kagan MacTane (he/him)3d ago

@nano_ The original post already explained how this helps, and yet you persist in calling it "purely symbolic"?

Cis people wearing trans emblems, and then challenging transphobes' assumptions, *does* combat queerphobia, and does support trans people.

@oldladyplays @Exandra

Charles ☭ says trans rights 3d ago

@nano_ @oldladyplays @Exandra

Did you intend to refer to the king of Denmark here or?

Of course it made a difference that gentile Danes were in solidarity with Jews. The death rate in that country was a lot less than other occupied countries. Most Jews escaped. Their neighbours helped them.

Honestly, arguing that saving real people's lives only mattered as far as how it impacted the feelings of Nazis is not only absurd but offensive.

Ryan Castellucci

@nano_ @oldladyplays @Exandra it is not symbolic for cis people to wear trans pride swag

Sebastian Zdrojewski 3d ago

@ryanc @nano_ @oldladyplays @Exandra imagine those endangered of walking out, because of their pure existence. I received a pin from a friend, wearing it on my work backpack. It had a backlash in some places. Even among family. The pin stays. If you want to see what people really think, do something as small as wearing a pin, and see how badly they react. It can be eye opening, and explain why small acts can become large revolutions.

Rachel B 2d ago

@nano_ @oldladyplays @Exandra The Nazis did in fact care about the choice of non-Jewish Danish people to wear the star of David and it did directly disrupt their genocide program. But this is not analogous because the Nazis were *forcing* Jews to wear an identifying badge, whereas (some) trans people are *choosing* to wear a pride badge.

@oldladyplays @nano_ oh nano is one of these:

https://lgbtqia.space/@alice/113807777433351231

🅰🅻🅸🅲🅴 (🌈🦄) (@alice@lgbtqia.space)

There's a type of reply-guy that crawls out of the woodwork when I post anything that might inspire others to take action, and they're deceptively insidious. Regardless of the topic, they sound like this: Alice: I don't own a gun because they're for killing and I'm not a fan of killing. Bob: Then only the bad guys will have guns. Alice: I deleted my Facebook account. Bob: If the good people leave then the bad guys win. Alice: I'm openly queer so others know they're not alone. Bob: You'll make yourself a target. In every instance, they defend the shitty state of things by discouraging action and change. It's a reply that is designed to support the default, the current power structure. It's a type of reply meant to de-fang movements. I've posted about this before, but apparently it bears repeating. Fighting for something takes energy. Change takes sustained energy and momentum. These types of interactions sap energy. They're not posting anything openly disagreeable, they're just dropping little doubt caltrops, little concern anchors—making it harder to keep fighting, harder to gain momentum. If you're about to jump into a thread and concern troll, don't. I'm fucking sick of it. The rest of us don't have the time or energy to drag your dead weight along. #ReplyGuys #Concern #Trolling #Change

LGBTQIA.Space

Rhona Redtail 3d ago

@nano_ @Exandra @oldladyplays it may as well be. Because there’s a very good chance that if certain people have their way, you gunna be trans in your own head only. No clothing, makeup, or anything that might indicate transgender or later, gay.

Frank (he/him)3d ago

@nano_ @oldladyplays
I read the op as a call to action for cis folks, not trans folks. Personally, I think it's long past time for cis folks to take up the fight.
My 6'2" 210lb cisgender white gay male self will absolutely wear trans colors. Let them come for me.

Prof. Catherine Flick 3d ago

@oldladyplays are there any good trans run shops to get such badges etc from (I’m in the UK) - would like to get some in solidarity but also want to support trans owned business rather than an opportunist

Anarchic Teapot ⚧️3d ago

@CatherineFlick @oldladyplays May I recommend this one? https://www.jamiebgall.co.uk/shop

Shop | Geeky Pins | Scotland | Dr Jamie Gallagher

Geeky science and rainbow enamel pins badges.

jamie-gallagher

@anarchic_teapot @CatherineFlick @oldladyplays I love these pins, I have quite a few of them, they are amazing quality and are also supporting a charity for LGBTQ+ homeless people.

Matt 🔶 (LordMatt)3d ago

@anarchic_teapot @CatherineFlick @oldladyplays These are great. My basket is already fuller than my budget. New shiny things for my bag shall be ordered soon.

Prof. Catherine Flick 3d ago

@anarchic_teapot @oldladyplays lovely! I have a few coming in the post ❤️

Matt × 🇳🇴 🇺🇦3d ago

@anarchic_teapot @CatherineFlick @oldladyplays I can also recommend The Pin Prick. https://www.pinprick.shop/shop/27383671/trans-nonbinary-pride

The Pin Prick • London, UK • LGBT Rainbow Gay Pride Pins (and more!)

Subtle Minimalist LGBT Rainbow Gay Pride Accessories

The Pin Prick • London, UK • LGBT Rainbow Gay Pride Pins (and more!)

Steffi Jên 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏳️‍⚧️1d ago

@anarchic_teapot @CatherineFlick @oldladyplays Oh dear, I should not have clicked through to Jamie's shop 😕 Too many fab pins!!

Christine Burns MBE 🏳️‍⚧️📚⧖3d ago

@CatherineFlick @oldladyplays QueerLit in Manchester have a great range of badges, t-shirts, flags etc... that you can buy online. Go to their site, tap the menu icon in the top left and browse 'Pride Accessories andClothing". See the range of enamel pin badges for example https://www.queerlit.co.uk/collections/enamel-pins

Enamel Pins

Alex@rtnVFRmedia Suffolk UK 3d ago

@christineburns @CatherineFlick @oldladyplays

for months I've had a "Mr Skittles" air freshener hanging in my car, although its long run out I keep it there (and put another cheap air freshener behind it) as its both in trans flag colours but also "under the radar" (I'm not sure if whoever designed it knew the significance, but given they could have picked any colour it does make me wonder..)

(it is the mascot of Dodo juice, a detailing supplies company from Essex, dodo in pink/blue)

Prof. Catherine Flick 3d ago

@christineburns @oldladyplays thanks! They’re out of stock of a lot (and trans pins especially!) but I will check back later!!

Christine Burns MBE 🏳️‍⚧️📚⧖3d ago

@CatherineFlick @oldladyplays Yes, I noticed that. It says something.

Daniel Durrans 3d ago

@CatherineFlick @oldladyplays The Ethical Giftshop in Sparks Bristol has quite a few things. Not sure if they are trans run though.

They don’t have a website other than this: https://linktr.ee/theethicalgiftshop

theethicalgiftshop | Instagram | Linktree

Linktree. Make your link do more.

Linktree

@CatherineFlick @oldladyplays same but in the us

Darwin Woodka 3d ago

@Mik3y @CatherineFlick @oldladyplays

Yup, we need US based shops too!

Lisa Melton 3d ago

@oldladyplays This. 💯

Charlie O’Hara 3d ago

@oldladyplays in all honesty I’d rather them donate to trans orgs or write to their nation’s state reps. Wearing a T-shirt just gives allies a way to ally without putting in work.

Cait the Proud Trans Woman 3d ago

Yep, those are useful too. I don't see anywhere that I said "do this and you're good forever, don't do anything else". I suggested a way people could *get started* supporting trans people, by making us less targeted.

Why do people feel the need to come along and just piss on the idea? If you don't see the value, then just move along and get on with your day.

Charlie O’Hara 3d ago

@oldladyplays ah, I see. Well, good luck with the idea.

Michelle Hughes 3d ago

This is a great idea, even if it does make picking up fellow trans girls a little more complicated.

[witchzard]2d ago

@MegaMichelle @oldladyplays 😂😍🫶

blobcathearttrans

Nisaa (she/her)3d ago

@oldladyplays Thank you. I just ordered a pin and extras to share.

JW Prince of CPH, Radicalized 3d ago

@oldladyplays Again: Thanks! I've been worried wearing trans / queer stuff when I'm about as boringly cistraight as it gets might be inappropriate - guess I'll be shoppin' 😊🏳️‍⚧️

Matt 🔶 (LordMatt)3d ago

@oldladyplays That's why the rainbow flag Professor Elemental badge is on my bag. I'm huge (and old) so I double-dog dare you to have a problem with my badges.

Darwin Woodka 3d ago

@oldladyplays I got called " the gayest grandma ever" for my trans support gear and I wondered how they knew about my grand cat.....

@oldladyplays I was more worried about a stolen-valor kind of problem, but if that’s not a worry, I’m all in. THANK YOU for this post!

Mark Connolly 🍻 🚴🏼‍♀️ (he, him, his)3d ago

@oldladyplays I don’t get out that much, but I’ve just added a flag to my profile. 😀

🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈✊🏿✊🏾✊🏽

JimJamJoo 🏳️‍⚧️ 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿3d ago

@oldladyplays my collection of trans T-shirts grows weekly, I have a big trans tattoo on my forearm (and the trans flag scheduled for my leg in a few weeks) and have been inspired tonight by another post, I’ve just ordered these earrings 😀

Parsnicketty 3d ago

@oldladyplays this. In addition to providing protective camo, kids growing up in this hostile climate need to see allies.

If this didn't matter, we wouldn't see corporations dropping DEI like a hot pan.

internetsdairy 3d ago

@oldladyplays I do this. I know my kid likes to see that a lot of his teachers have rainbow lanyards. There's obviously other important stuff to do but no harm in signalling support and acceptance.

@oldladyplays I started wearing a progress pride pin on my bag... if it helps others know that im with them, then I hope it helps ❤️

Sensitivityi 3d ago

@oldladyplays will do 🩷🌈

Hot Dog Water - lament config.3d ago

Mentioned in another thread about a citizen sleuth of the Tucker Carlson variety approaching me to check my baritone and suss-out my potential sexual danger to his golf-guy being.
He used the premise I look like a guy that knocked on his door to alert him to a water leak.
Lived here 20 years, walking dogs that way the last 3.
And no one else in the nazihood looks or wobbles or rants to himself like my tall hairy self.
I'll be wearing pigtails today, as they keep my neck cooler.

uncomfortably numb 3d ago

Utah recently banned the flying of pride flags on government buildings.

Summit Pride Foundation is coordinating a RAISE THE FLAG effort, where we will supply local individuals and businesses with pride flags that they can display throughout June 2025, Pride Month. We hope to fill the Wasatch Back with rainbows and send a clear message that LGBTQ+ people are still welcome in the Wasatch Back and Utah. The support of our allies will be critical in this effort.
#pride #lgbtq

Pavid Dreston 3d ago

@oldladyplays I do think supporting trans rights and people is important but I don't wear badges in support of anything, I normally wear mostly black or orange and yellows because I like these colours and I almost never wear anything with any label. I do always challenge any asshole behaviour anywhere I go I can't really help it and I am supportive to my trans friends and I try to have wholesome and challenging discussions with new acquaintances too.

Pau Amma 3d ago

@oldladyplays Tempting suggestion. This being a different country, I will first reach out to trans people I know here to get a feel how they would receive it. If they don't object, and since you provided some conversation script elements (Hi, autist here. Thanks for doing this.) I may well go ahead with it.

crazyeddie 3d ago

@oldladyplays Since all of us are actually genderless now, anyone displaying an affect with traditional gender implications is in fact trans.

cwicseolfor 3d ago

@crazyeddie @oldladyplays “You’re born naked, and everything else is drag.”

Krampus 🌰3d ago

For anyone else rolling through here looking for a pin or sticker I thought this one was cool https://www.etsy.com/listing/1292750953/fight-for-trans-rights-enamel-pin-queer

LeonianUniverse😁3d ago

@oldladyplays Time to find a shop that sellls trans pins and other types of things to wear, if I'm gonna do this, I'm gonna do it right, I'm not trans, but I sure as hell am an ally.

Darrell Hilliker 👨‍🦯♾️📡3d ago

@oldladyplays @HornyShitposts OK. Yes. I want to do this. Good resources for trans badges, pins, etc?

Romance? Reviews!2d ago

@darrell73 Hm, I think it depends on location, in my area they are sold at the art supply stores and the independent bookstores and such. They also may have them at your local queer community center (US and Canada listings at https://www.lgbtqcenters.org/LGBTCenters)

TFed 🍉🌻3d ago

@oldladyplays thanks for this info. i was misunderstanding the concept

i thought i cant wear 🏳️‍⚧️ because i'm not part of this tribe, but i will look for blue and pink everywhere

as sign of my support

neocat_trans_cute