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Meet Akiea “Ki” Gross, the visionary founder of Woke Kindergarten. This groundbreaking initiative is redefining early childhood education through an abolitionist lens, championing liberation and resistance from a young age. Check out the video interview below (with M4BL Tea correspondent and digital organizer Cleopatra) as Ki shares their journey of creating Woke Kindergarten and explains the significance of abolitionist early education, particularly for Black, queer, and trans children. Discover how innovative tools like 60-Second Texts and Woke Wonderings make complex ideas accessible and engaging for kids. Ki also delves into the effects of recent anti-trans legislation on Black trans youth, the role of education in understanding systemic issues like the prison industrial complex, and the importance of teaching global issues from a young age.
From choosing books that connect to real-life struggles to involving children in shaping their futures, Ki’s insights are inspiring and essential for anyone invested in nurturing a more just and inclusive world. Don’t miss this deep dive into how Woke Kindergarten is paving the way for a brighter, more liberated future for all children. Learn more here!
It’s time to clear up the misconceptions about young Black trans folks. Disinformation like the idea that being trans or gender-nonconforming is just a phase or that supporting them might lead to regret only fuel discrimination and harm. The spread of disinformation and rampant transphobia, fueled by recent anti-trans laws and rhetoric, seriously impacts the mental health of young TGNCIQ (trans, gender-nonconforming, intersex, queer) folks. These harmful influences frequently lead to heightened anxiety and depression. It’s important to recognize these pressures and actively challenge the laws and narratives contributing to this harm.
Let’s correct these false beliefs and focus on what really matters: supporting and affirming young Black TGNCIQ folks. Read on to uncover the truth behind these myths and learn how we can all be better allies in supporting young Black trans folks in their fight for justice and affirmation.
Let’s be real—this myth is just another way to dismiss and undermine the lived experiences of young Black trans folks. They know who they are, even if the world isn’t ready to catch up. It’s time we stopped questioning their identities and started listening to them. Young trans folks aren’t confused—society is.
What’s actually dangerous is denying young trans folks the support they need to liven authentically. This myth is nothing but fear-mongering, rooted in ignorance and control. Supporting young Black trans folks isn’t about pushing them into anything; it’s about giving them the love and affirmation they deserve in order to thrive. It’s time to debunk this harmful narrative and be in solidarity with young Black trans folks.
Young Black trans folks don’t need anyone else to validate their identities—they know who they are. This myth tries to strip them of their agency and deny their right to self-determination. Age isn’t the issue here; it’s the unwillingness to accept and respect their truth. Let’s trust and uplift the voices of young Black trans folks, not silence them.
This myth erases the rich histories of gender diversity across cultures, including within Black and Indigenous communities. Trans and nonbinary identities have always existed in our communities and have traditionally been revered in many cultures; it’s colonialism and white supremacy that tried to erase them. We need to reclaim and honor these identities, not buy into the lies that say they don’t belong to us.
The regret narrative is overblown and weaponized to fuel anti-trans agendas. In reality, most young trans folks who are supported in their transitions experience significant relief and joy. The real issue here is the lack of support and the barriers that are put in their way. Let’s focus on creating environments where young Black trans folks can make informed, empowered decisions about their own bodies and futures.
At 16 years old, Trinity Neal made history as the first young person in Delaware to have gender-reassignment surgery covered by Medicaid. Trinity, who has known since the age of three that her body did not align with her gender, has spent the past 12 years living authentically as a girl. DeShanna Neal, Trinity’s mother, shares their story in her book, My Rainbow. In the book, DeShanna reflects on embracing Trinity’s authentic self, highlighting the trust and emotional connection between them that guided her support.
In an interview with Pride and Less Prejudice, DeShanna says, “Don’t just listen with your ears; listen with your heart,” emphasizing the importance of validating children’s feelings and learning from them. She also discusses how Trinity’s identity as a Black trans girl adds a unique layer to their journey.
Discover more about their bond by watching the heartwarming video below and exploring the powerful message of their book, which celebrates the richness of every individual’s unique existence and the profound impact of truly seeing and hearing one another.
Much like in recent years, 2024 has seen a distressing surge in anti-trans bills, with more than 550 introduced across the country. More than 20 states have enacted or proposed policies that target and harm young trans people, such as bans on gender-affirming care, making it increasingly difficult for trans youth to access the medical support they need. Additionally, several states have passed or introduced laws that restrict trans students’ participation in school sports, further marginalizing these young people and denying them equal opportunities. Access to bathrooms that align with young folks’ gender identity has also been targeted by these laws, creating significant barriers and exposure to discrimination for trans students in schools. Some states have even gone so far as to restrict the use of gender-affirming pronouns in schools and state-run facilities, contributing to an environment of exclusion and intolerance.
These aren’t just abstract policies—they have real, day-to-day impacts on the lives of young Black TGNCIQ folks. A recent survey from the Trevor Project found that 86% of trans and nonbinary youth said these bills have negatively affected their mental health. Many are dealing with increased anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation. Almost half of the young folks surveyed expressed that they face online harassment, and at least a quarter of the folks surveyed experience bullying at school. While a few states have implemented protective measures, such as banning conversion therapy and enacting “shield” laws to safeguard access to gender-affirming care, these protections are not yet widespread.
Black trans youth are bearing the brunt of these policies, which hit them harder and deepen existing disparities. The intersections of being young, Black, and trans make already-limited resources even more scarce due to systemic oppression. The impact of these policies jeopardizes the well-being of young trans folks, worsening their gender dysphoria and, thus, overall health. In some states, access to essential gender-affirming care, like puberty blockers and hormone therapy, has been severely restricted. These treatments are crucial for supporting trans youth. Yet recent policies have attempted to block or limit them, fueled by misinformation and biases against young folks’ autonomy.
Schools are also feeling the impact. Anti-trans laws have led to increased censorship, with some states banning trans students from participating in sports that align with their gender identity, or even stopping discussions about gender identity and LGBTQIA+ issues in classrooms. This fosters a hostile environment that wrongfully stigmatizes these topics, undermining the support and resources crucial for trans students’ success and well-being. According to a study by the UCLA School of Law, 93% of transgender kids ages 13–17 live in states with one or more laws restricting their rights.
As we approach the 2024 election, engaging with these issues is more crucial than ever. We recognize that there’s significant and justified distrust about voting within the Black TGNCIQ community, fueled by relentless anti-trans legislation and concerns about the sincerity of candidates’ commitment to their rights. Opposing the right’s escalating anti-trans rhetoric is necessary, as it intensifies the marginalization of Black TGNCIQ folks and seeks to divide and dehumanize us. It’s also important to recognize that voting, while not a cure-all, can be a powerful tool in our broader strategy for resistance and change. While it cannot guarantee safety on its own, it is a critical component of a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges faced by Black TGNCIQ folks. Our vision to End the War on Black Trans Queer Gender-Nonconforming, and Intersex People means advocating for the liberation of our communities, including our most resilient and powerful—who are often also the ones most vulnerable. Black trans kids are the future, and they deserve our protection, love, and unapologetic support.
As we wrap up this special youth-focused edition of The Tea, let’s reflect on the resilience and challenges faced by young Black trans folks. Their courage in the face of systemic barriers inspires us all. If you want to support young Black trans folks today, consider donating to organizations like The Young Women’s Freedom Center (California) or youth-founded LOUD Queer Youth Theater (New Orleans). For parents, caregivers, teachers, and anyone who loves Black trans kids, deepen your understanding by reading GLSEN’s Erasure and Resilience: The Experiences of LGBTQ Students of Color, a series of research reports that examine the school experiences of queer and trans kids of color. Let’s continue to stand in solidarity and support these incredible young people.
