The Protect Trans Kids Project (#PTK) is needed now more than ever. Thus, Pittsburgh LGBTQ Charities is reinvigorating this public show of support for the trans community.
You can request a sign, sticker, or pen at this link. There is no charge for these items, but we do rely entirely on donations.
#PTK took a step back after 7 individuals and entities (including me and my blog) were named in a defamation legal action in June 2023. Defamation law is a tricky thing. We all consulted attorneys. And realized if/when it moves ahead, we will face significant legal fees even with significant pro bono support. That support will not come from the #PTK project funding. PLC is not named in the defamation case.
But we couldn’t keep juggling all of the balls, so we took a step back.
Also, we do not know what is being identified as defamation. That’s how odd PA defamation law is. No need to try to figure it out; we’ve got the best lawyers. The real need is to resist by continuing to speak up for trans kids in our communities.
There are several new reasons to revisit the project.
- Pennsylvania legislators have introduced at least eight bills that would harm trans kids.
- Two local school districts (South Side in Beaver and Pine-Richland) are wrestling to impose anti-trans school policies. Pennsylvania has 500 school districts.
- Anti-trans violence against youth is increasing, including incidents where the assailants are also youth. Nex Benedict, Alex Franco, Jacob William, Siyag Woodland, Brianna Ghey to name a few. This blog post has more details.
- The relentless rhetoric tied to the 2024 elections will only worsen in the upcoming months.
How to help
- Request a sign for your home.
- Request stickers to distribute to your friends.
- Encourage neighbors to do the same.
- Purchase a full box of 50 signs to distribute in your community (divide the costs with neighbors.)
- Request stickers and pens for your show or event.
- Offer your business or home as a distribution spot in your community. We currently have Aliquippa, Brookline, Butler City, Carnegie, Etna, Fox Chapel, McCandless, Swissvale, and the Northside
- If you need replacement stakes for your current sign, we have those, too.
We are proud to have created 2000 signs, 2500 pens, and 10,000 stickers for distribution.
Visibility matters. There are too many people who cannot safely display a sign. If you CAN display a sign, you must. For them. For all of us.
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