Daniel Trujillo, a high school junior in Arizona, has had a relatively smooth first month of school. Engaging in his passion for music by participating in two jazz bands, Daniel is also a member of his school’s March for Our Lives chapter, advocating for gun control. However, the Trujillo family has faced challenges living in Arizona, where anti-LGBTQ+ legislation has been threatening their sense of safety. Daniel’s mother, Lizette, has been actively fighting against anti-LGBTQ+ bills in the state for years, frequently traveling to Phoenix to testify against such legislation.
The family focuses on creating a safe, accepting community in Tucson, where they live. Daniel’s parents go to great lengths to ensure that he is surrounded by other trans individuals. They attend a progressive church with a Black trans pastor, and Lizette leads a support group for parents of trans youth. The Trujillo family spends time with other families of trans youth at a community space, discussing the impact of Arizona’s anti-LGBTQ+ efforts. Despite the challenges they face, the family continues to fight for their rights and safety.
The upcoming presidential election and potential re-election of Donald Trump pose significant threats to transgender rights. Trump’s Project 2025, aimed at rolling back protections for trans individuals, highlights the importance of the election. Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris promises to restore access to abortion and protect women’s rights. A Supreme Court case, L.W. v. Skrmetti, will impact the legality of gender-affirming care for trans youth, with implications for transgender rights nationwide.
The ACLU’s “Freedom To Be” campaign shares the stories of trans and gender-nonconforming youth, emphasizing joy and intersectional identities. The Gender Liberation Movement, founded by Black trans activist Raquel Willis, aims to bridge the gap between trans rights and reproductive rights movements. Organizers highlight the connections between attacks on marginalized communities, especially in the realms of bodily autonomy and self-determination. Restrictions on reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ rights are intertwined, affecting vulnerable communities.
Activists, including Daniel and Lizette Trujillo, are preparing for the Gender Liberation Movement’s march and festival in Washington D.C., showcasing the importance of intersectionality in the fight for rights. Advocates seek to break down societal expectations and celebrate the beauty of diverse identities. The movement emphasizes that systemic issues, from reproductive health care access to immigration, intersect with trans rights. Activists hope to build on momentum from past movements and create a more inclusive society for all individuals.
Lizette Trujillo’s advocacy is driven by a commitment to protecting the next generation of transgender youth. She and Daniel have witnessed firsthand the anxieties and fears that trans children face due to political decisions and legislation. The Trujillo family is dedicated to supporting and caring for each other, regardless of the outcomes of elections or legal battles. They continue to fight for their rights and the rights of all transgender individuals, striving to create a safer and more accepting world for future generations.
