Here's Monday's Hero: Erin Reed

If I’m going to introduce you to douchebags every Saturday (it’s a new theme of mine), I’ve got to share the folks who inspire me too. Of course, my number one hero is JJ, who came out as trans when they were 11 and has been incredibly brave ever since.

But it might surprise you to know that just because someone is trans does not mean they want to be an activist. Sure, you might be forced on many occasions to advocate for yourself, but you might actually not have the personality or temperament suited for activism. JJ is more interested in their academics than activism.

Let’s face it: activism is stressful. REALLY stressful. You’re saying things people don’t want you to say. You’re looking violence dead on. And you’re taking on a lot of complicated dynamics and systems, meaning you’ve got to back yourself up with a lot of research and facts. That takes time and tenacity.

Introducing ERIN REED, a transgender woman who somehow manages to report on trans issues 24/7; specifically, she tracks on a day by day basis all of the antitrans legislation that has been on the upswing these past few years.

I know it can’t be easy to be her, but she makes it look easy, and I love her.

Her energy and relentless pursuit of trans justice is not only inspiring: it gives me hope.

My god, I think I might be, for the first time in my life, fangirling.

YOu can find Erin in the Morning on Substack here.