PDF Summary:Tomorrow Will Be Different, by Sarah McBride

In Tomorrow Will Be Different, Sarah McBride shares her journey as a transgender woman—from coming to terms with her identity and reaching self-acceptance, to navigating the complexities of transition and her advocacy work. McBride details her personal milestones and challenges, shedding light on the realities transgender individuals face.

The book also explores McBride's activism, from advancing legislation to protect transgender rights in Delaware, to her historic speech at the 2016 Democratic National Convention. Throughout, McBride champions increased representation while honoring those, like her late partner Andy Cray, who spearheaded efforts toward LGBTQ equality.

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Leveraging Her Story and Political Relationships to Support the Legislation

McBride strategically utilized her existing relationships with elected officials to advance the cause of transgender equality. Recognizing the power dynamics at play, she leaned on her personal connections to make it harder for those in positions of authority to dismiss her and, therefore, the requirements of transgender individuals.

Furthermore, McBride emphasizes the importance of coalition-building, working alongside groups like HRC and leveraging the public support of figures like Governor Markell and Attorney General Biden. This strategic approach helped to normalize the bill, countering the narrative pushed by those against LGBTQ rights that transgender rights were a fringe issue.

Other Perspectives

• Personal relationships might lead to accusations of favoritism or bias, which could be used by opponents to discredit the legislative process or the legitimacy of the cause.
• Relying on personal relationships might not be a sustainable or replicable strategy for others without similar connections.
• While coalition-building can be effective, it may also dilute the specific goals and messages of individual organizations if not managed carefully.
• The influence of Governor Markell and Attorney General Biden might be overstated if the public does not view them as influential or credible on this issue.
• The strategy's success in countering the narrative as a fringe issue might not translate into long-term or widespread acceptance; it could be perceived as a top-down approach that lacks grassroots support.

Overcoming Opposition and Misinformation From Anti-LGBTQ Groups

Anti-LGBTQ groups, spearheaded by a Delaware organization, played on public ignorance and fear to oppose the bill. They disseminated misinformation, particularly about bathrooms, suggesting that ensuring rights for trans individuals would increase sexual assault. McBride describes their tactics, like releasing a fear-mongering advertisement depicting a predator trailing a little girl as she enters a restroom.

In response, the author and her allies tirelessly debunked these arguments, emphasizing that the legislation simply shielded trans individuals from discriminatory practices, not predators. They highlighted the existing laws already addressing such crimes and pointed to the lack of evidence for these claims in states with similar legislation. Throughout the legislative debates, McBride challenged these baseless accusations, exposing their prejudiced origins and grounding her rebuttals in both facts and personal experiences.

Context

• Fear-mongering is a common strategy in political campaigns, where emotional appeals are used to sway public opinion, often bypassing rational debate.
• Such tactics can stall or derail legislative efforts by shifting the focus from the actual content of the legislation to hypothetical scenarios, often requiring advocates to spend additional resources on countering misinformation.
• In states where similar protections have been enacted, studies and reports have shown no increase in public safety incidents, countering the fear-based narratives used by opponents.
• Police and other law enforcement agencies receive training to handle cases of sexual assault, ensuring they are equipped to investigate and prosecute these crimes effectively, independent of any new legislation regarding transgender rights.
• The fear of increased sexual assault is often based on stereotypes and misinformation rather than empirical evidence, highlighting the importance of education and awareness in combating these myths.
• Misinformation can have a significant psychological impact on marginalized communities, contributing to stigma and discrimination. Addressing this is part of the debunking process.
• Legislative debates are formal discussions where lawmakers consider the merits and drawbacks of proposed bills. These debates are crucial for shaping public policy and often involve testimony from experts, stakeholders, and the public.
• McBride could have referenced legal cases or precedents where similar laws were implemented without negative consequences, reinforcing the argument with historical context.

Advocating for National-Level Rights for Transgender Individuals

This section moves from McBride’s state-level work to her broader national efforts for transgender rights. It highlights her transition from working behind the scenes as a policy expert to becoming a public spokesperson for transgender rights. This culminated in her historic address at the 2016 Democratic National Convention.

Advocating for Federal Legislation Prohibiting LGBTQ Discrimination

McBride moved to Washington, D.C., to work on LGBTQ rights for the Center for American Progress. Her experience there led her to embrace a more ambitious agenda, advocating for a federal bill offering comprehensive safeguards against discrimination. This strategy was a departure from the long-standing approach of focusing exclusively on job safeguards. This incrementalism, McBride argued, was not serving LGBTQ+ people well.

McBride worked with allies in other organizations like the Human Rights Campaign and with members of Congress, eventually helping to lay the groundwork for the introduction of the Equality Act, a bill that would offer wide-ranging protections for LGBTQ people nationwide.

Context

• This is a progressive public policy research and advocacy organization in the United States that focuses on a wide range of issues, including LGBTQ rights, and provides research, policy recommendations, and advocacy support.
• Comprehensive bills often face significant political challenges, including opposition from those who believe such measures infringe on religious freedoms or who oppose expanding civil rights protections.
• Many countries have adopted comprehensive anti-discrimination laws that cover multiple areas, providing models that demonstrate the effectiveness of such approaches in protecting LGBTQ rights.
• Advocates for comprehensive legislation argue that a single, overarching law can provide consistent and universal protections, reducing confusion and ensuring that all individuals are equally protected under the law.
• Working with established organizations provides access to experienced lobbyists and strategists who understand the complexities of navigating the legislative process in Congress.
• Achieving bipartisan support is often crucial for the passage of significant legislation like the Equality Act, requiring collaboration and negotiation with lawmakers across the political spectrum.

First Openly Transgender Speaker at 2016 Democratic National Convention

In a historic moment, McBride became the first transgender person to openly address a significant political party gathering when she spoke at the 2016 Democratic National Convention. Her speech combined personal anecdotes, calls for policy changes, and a broader message of hope and resilience. This brought trans visibility to a new level, inspiring the community, energizing allies, and challenging the pervasive negative stereotypes.

The author describes the whirlwind of media attention surrounding her speech, the emotional weight of standing on that stage, and the realization that she was making history. She recounts seeing her mother and father among the audience, recalling Andy's encouraging words of affection, and feeling empowered by the knowledge that her voice was making a difference.

Practical Tips

• You can enhance your communication by incorporating personal anecdotes when discussing topics you're passionate about. Start by jotting down three personal experiences that have shaped your views. Next time you're in a conversation about a topic related to these experiences, share one of your stories to illustrate your point, making your message more relatable and impactful.
• Volunteer to speak at local community events or offer to host a workshop on your area of expertise, ensuring you record these sessions for online distribution.
• Create a personal ritual to ground yourself before speaking in public. This could be a series of deep breaths, a short meditation, or a set of affirmations that you recite. The goal is to establish a sense of emotional stability that you can call upon when faced with the daunting atmosphere of a large audience.
• Create a visual timeline of your achievements. Use a tool like an online timeline maker or simply a piece of poster paper to map out the key moments in your life where you felt you were making history. This visual representation can serve as a powerful reminder of your growth and the impact of your actions.
• Record your speech and share it with close ones for feedback before the actual event. This can simulate the experience of having a supportive audience and provide you with constructive criticism. You could use a simple video recording tool on your phone and send it to a few trusted individuals, asking for their honest opinions on your delivery and content.
• Start a tradition of sending "Monday Motivation" messages to friends or colleagues. Use the start of the week to send out a positive, encouraging text or email to help set a supportive tone for the week ahead. This not only helps others but reinforces your own habit of looking for the positive and sharing it.
• Start a voice journal to track the influence of your spoken words. Each day, record a short audio clip expressing your thoughts or feelings about a particular subject. After a week, listen to the recordings to identify patterns in your speech that convey empowerment or lack thereof. Adjust your tone, volume, and word choice in future recordings to cultivate a more empowering voice.

Continuing Andy's Health Care Advocacy After Passing

McBride continued the work that Andy Cray had been so passionate about: fighting for health-care access for LGBTQ individuals, including transition-related care. Continuing Andy's legacy, she focused on advocating for insurance coverage and protection against bias in medical settings.

Inclusive, Affirming Health Care For Transgender Individuals

A primary area of focus was combating discriminatory health insurance exclusions that denied coverage for gender-affirming medical services to transgender individuals. McBride notes that these prohibitions were particularly harmful because they singled out trans individuals for an unequal standard of care.

She emphasizes that most care associated with transition is medically essential and already offered to non-transgender individuals. Insurance companies, however, arbitrarily excluded these treatments based on the prejudice that identifying as transgender is not a valid medical condition. McBride highlights the efforts of advocates, including Andy's work, which led to policy changes in states and at the federal level that mandated inclusive, affirming healthcare for trans individuals.

Context

• Advocacy groups and individuals have played a crucial role in challenging discriminatory practices through legal action, public awareness campaigns, and lobbying for policy changes. These efforts have been instrumental in shifting public perception and policy towards more inclusive healthcare practices.
• Without insurance coverage, the cost of gender-affirming procedures can be prohibitively expensive, creating significant financial barriers for many transgender individuals seeking necessary care.
• Speech therapy to modify voice pitch and resonance is used by transgender individuals and also by non-transgender individuals who may have voice disorders or have undergone throat surgery.
• Policy changes can vary significantly between states and the federal level, with some states enacting more progressive measures while others may lag behind or resist changes.

Identity, Self-Acceptance, and Impact of Transgender Equality Movement

This section brings together the themes of identity, self-acceptance, and the broader impact of the movement for transgender equality. It details McBride’s own transformation from internalized shame to outward pride and her dedication to using her platform to empower others.

Transforming Insecurity Into Pride and Courage

The author's personal journey demonstrates the transformative power of accepting herself. McBride transformed her own internalized guilt and apprehension into something that strengthened her, using her experiences to uplift and empower others. This section details her evolution from striving to "pass" as a cis woman to embracing her trans identity.

Embracing Her Transgender Identity

McBride describes the empowering realization that being transgender is not a weakness or something to downplay, but rather an inherent part of her identity that she can celebrate. This section captures her shift from aspiring to assimilate with cisgender individuals to recognizing the importance of visibility and representation.

This change came about through the help of her community, the love of Andy, and her own personal growth. She recognizes the privileges she has as a white transgender woman, but also stresses that her being seen as herself opens doors for others. In highlighting her own transgender identity, she hopes to change hearts and minds, making it easier for those with less privilege to do the same.

Context

• Community support can play a crucial role in empowerment by providing acceptance, understanding, and shared experiences, which can help individuals feel less isolated.
• Visibility can lead to increased economic opportunities by breaking down barriers in employment and encouraging inclusive practices in workplaces.
• Love, whether from family, friends, or partners, can offer unconditional acceptance and affirmation. This emotional support is vital in countering societal stigma and internalized transphobia, helping individuals feel valued and understood.
• White transgender women may have better access to resources such as healthcare, legal assistance, and community support, which can be crucial for transitioning and living authentically.
• By being open about their identities, individuals can help dismantle societal barriers and prejudices, paving the way for future generations to live more freely.

Using Her Platform to Affirm Trans Life

McBride emphasizes the importance of using her platform to challenge harmful stereotypes surrounding transgender individuals. Whether through writing, speaking, or even sharing a selfie on social media, she strives to humanize the trans experience, allowing others to see her, and all trans people, as complete and complex human beings.

She recounts the overwhelming hate she experienced after posting that infamous selfie from a North Carolina bathroom. While challenging for her at the time, she learned from that experience that the attacks stemmed from the insecurity and fear of people trying to bully and silence her. This realization further empowered her to continue her work, recognizing how her voice and identity could push for change.

Context

• Historically, media representation of transgender people has been limited and often negative, contributing to widespread misconceptions.
• Through public speaking, McBride can directly engage with diverse audiences, creating opportunities for dialogue and education that can dispel myths and promote understanding.
• Social media platforms can amplify both support and hate, making them powerful tools for advocacy but also exposing activists to significant personal attacks.
• Experiences of adversity can often lead to increased support from allies and the community, reinforcing the importance of collective action in social justice movements.
• By using her platform, McBride can influence public policy and advocate for legal protections and rights for transgender people, contributing to systemic change.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Transgender Leaders

Throughout her journeys, presenting at schools and LGBTQ conferences, McBride highlights the importance of connecting with trans youth. She emphasizes the powerful impact of visibility and representation on youth grappling with their sense of self.

Connecting With Transgender Youth

McBride details her interactions with trans youth like Lulu, Finn, and Stella, noting their different journeys, their resilience, and their optimism. She writes that these meetings reminded her of the significance of her contributions.

They also underscored the dramatic shift in how trans individuals are able to express themselves and live authentically. Trans kids like these are being raised with acceptance from family members and often even their schools. These supportive environments, coupled with increasing public awareness and acceptance of trans identities, allow them to ask questions like "What do you like best about being transgender?" instead of focusing solely on bias and hardship.

Practical Tips

• Create a digital storytelling project to share diverse experiences of resilience and optimism. Use social media or blogging platforms to feature stories of individuals from the LGBTQ+ community, focusing on positive narratives and personal growth. This not only spreads awareness but also creates a repository of inspiring journeys that can educate and uplift others.
• You can foster a supportive environment by creating a 'safe space' sticker or sign that you can display on your door or window. This symbol can signal to trans kids and their allies that your home, classroom, or business is a welcoming and affirming place. For example, design a colorful decal with inclusive language and symbols that represent diversity and acceptance, and place it where it's visible to visitors.
• Create a personal policy to include your pronouns in email signatures and social media profiles. By normalizing the sharing of pronouns, you help foster an environment where trans individuals can share theirs without feeling singled out. This can be as simple as adding "(he/him)," "(she/her)," or "(they/them)" next to your name in various online and offline personal identifiers.
• Create a positivity journal focused on gender identity where you write down one positive aspect of being transgender each day. This practice encourages a shift in perspective towards recognizing and celebrating the unique experiences and strengths that come with being transgender. For example, you might note the resilience you've developed or the sense of community you feel.

Empowering Young Trans People to Embrace Their True Selves

The author’s encounters with trans youth highlighted a generational shift toward greater acceptance and recognition of transgender identities. She contrasts those experiences with her own childhood, marked by internalized shame and an absence of positive role models.

McBride emphasizes the importance of creating space for trans youth to live true to themselves. This includes advocating for policies that protect transgender students from discrimination and harassment in schools, ensuring access to age-appropriate care, and fostering environments where trans identities are celebrated and affirmed. Through these efforts, McBride hopes to pave the way for a society where no young person has to endure the fear and isolation she felt as a child.

Context

• Internalized shame can lead to mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. This is often exacerbated by a lack of supportive figures or communities.
• Living authentically means being able to express one's gender identity without fear of judgment or discrimination. For trans youth, this involves being recognized and respected for who they are in all aspects of life, including at home, school, and in the community.
• A safe and supportive school environment is crucial for academic success. Transgender students facing discrimination may experience lower academic performance and higher dropout rates.
• Medical organizations, such as the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), provide guidelines for healthcare providers to ensure that the care offered is safe, ethical, and supportive of the youth's gender identity.

Optimism and Resolve Amid Setbacks

The final section of McBride's book discusses how important it is to remain hopeful despite setbacks, while acknowledging the grief and anger over ongoing discrimination.

Recognizing Sorrow and Anger Over Ongoing Discrimination

McBride reflects on her grief over Andy's death and the anger it ignited in her. Unable to direct her frustration at an individual or even at the cancer that affected Andy, she found herself enraged that society robbed Andy of a full life and perpetuated prejudice and intolerance. This anger, she writes, was a motivator, fueling her advocacy with a feeling of urgency.

The author’s experience underscores the importance of acknowledging both the personal and societal impact of prejudice, highlighting the deep wounds it inflicts, not just on individuals but also on our collective humanity. This pain should not be ignored or minimized; it strongly underscores the pressing nature of our efforts and the need to continue the struggle for equality.

Context

• Andy was Sarah McBride's husband, who passed away from cancer, which deeply affected her personal life and advocacy work.
• The emotional impact of discrimination can lead to feelings of anger and grief, which are common responses to systemic injustice and personal loss.
• Anger can be a driving force in social movements, providing the emotional energy needed to sustain long-term efforts for change. It can help maintain focus and commitment to a cause.
• Prejudice affects social cohesion, leading to divisions and tensions within communities. It can hinder collaboration and mutual understanding, which are essential for a harmonious society.
• Media and cultural narratives can either challenge or reinforce prejudices, influencing public perception and societal norms.
• The concept of intersectionality shows how overlapping identities (e.g., race, gender, sexuality) can compound discrimination, making the fight for equality more complex and urgent.

Advancement and Power of Collective Action

While acknowledging the major backlash against LGBTQ rights, particularly during the Trump presidency, McBride emphasizes the importance of remaining hopeful and committed to the fight. She describes her disappointment at the loss in 2016, but also her determination to use her platform to elevate voices, educate, and mobilize for progress.

McBride stresses the power of collective action, underscoring that the significant progress achieved by LGBTQ individuals was the product of countless people, organizations, and allies working together. McBride recounts the growth in public support and acceptance of LGBTQ individuals as a direct result of their visibility and courage. And despite the challenges ahead, she holds onto the hope that we can continue building toward a more just and equitable world.

Practical Tips

• Consider adopting a "solidarity subscription" where you commit to financially supporting an LGBTQ artist, creator, or activist on a monthly basis. This direct patronage ensures that voices advocating for LGBTQ rights can continue their work, and it also keeps you engaged with the ongoing efforts and successes in the community.
• Use social media polls and questions to engage your followers on important issues. Platforms like Instagram and Twitter offer features that allow you to ask questions or create polls. This can be a simple way to gauge interest in certain topics, understand the perspectives of your community, and foster a dialogue that can lead to collective progress.
• Incorporate inclusive language in your everyday conversations to normalize the presence and acceptance of LGBTQ individuals. This means using gender-neutral terms when the gender of a person is unknown or irrelevant, respecting people's preferred pronouns, and avoiding assumptions about someone's sexual orientation or gender identity. For instance, instead of asking a colleague if they have a boyfriend or girlfriend, you could ask if they have a partner. This small change in language can make a significant impact on creating an inclusive environment.
• Create a 'Skill-Share Bulletin Board' in your local community center or online platform where people can offer and request skills or knowledge exchanges. This can be a physical board or a digital group where someone proficient in language skills might offer lessons in exchange for gardening tips, creating a barter system that values all skills equally. It's a way to build community connections and support mutual growth without the barrier of cost.

LGBTQ Equality: Progress, Setbacks, and the Future Fight

This final section provides a broader perspective on the ongoing struggle for equal rights for LGBTQ individuals in America. It celebrates the victories achieved by the community over the last few decades, while also addressing the persistent discrimination and attacks that threaten our progress. It concludes with a call to action, urging readers to participate.

Celebrating Victories Like Marriage and Transgender Visibility

McBride celebrates the historic victories for equality among LGBTQ people, including nationwide marriage equality and increasing visibility for trans individuals. She highlights the importance of these milestones, both in their substantive impact and in their symbolic value in reflecting a broader shift in public attitudes and societal norms.

Increased Public Acceptance and Representation of Queer Individuals

The past two decades have seen a substantial rise in public support for LGBTQ rights. McBride attributes this shift to a number of factors, including a growing number of people coming out and sharing their stories, positive media representation of LGBTQ individuals and their lives, and the persistent efforts of organizations and activists like HRC.

Context

• International human rights organizations and global movements have pressured governments to adopt more inclusive policies, influencing public opinion and acceptance.
• Younger generations have been particularly active in advocating for LGBTQ rights, creating a more supportive environment for peers to come out.
• Media can serve as an educational resource, providing information about LGBTQ issues and history that might not be covered in traditional educational settings.

Nondiscrimination and Health Care Access Policy Changes

This shift in public views has led to significant policy reforms. McBride cites the Obama administration's numerous advancements like expanded workplace protections, inclusive health-care access policies for transgender individuals, as well as guidance for schools to protect transgender students. This section highlights the importance of leadership and political will in enacting positive societal change.

Context

• One significant measure was the 2014 executive order that prohibited federal contractors from discriminating against employees on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
• These policies are part of broader efforts to comply with Title IX, a federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs and activities.
• Leaders with strong political will often work to build public support for their initiatives, recognizing that societal change is more sustainable when it is backed by the populace.

Attacks on LGBTQ Rights Under the Trump Administration

Despite the undeniable progress, the struggle is nowhere near over. McBride describes the attacks on LGBTQ freedoms during Trump's presidency, highlighting discriminatory laws like North Carolina's HB2 and the rollback of federal protections.

Discriminatory Laws Like the Bathroom Bill From North Carolina

The author details the rise of anti-trans legislation regarding restroom use, framing them as cynical attempts to stoke fear and harm trans individuals. She uses these examples, like North Carolina’s HB2 and the multiple bathroom bills introduced in Texas, to highlight the political opportunism of those pushing for those discriminatory laws.

Practical Tips

• Support businesses and organizations that actively promote inclusive policies, such as gender-neutral restrooms. By choosing where to spend your money or which services to use, you can make a statement about the kind of practices you want to see more of in society.

Other Perspectives

• Others may contend that the laws are about maintaining traditional social norms and not specifically targeting transgender people.
• Some proponents of these laws argue that their intent is not to stoke fear but to address concerns about privacy and safety in public restrooms.

Rollback of Federal Protections For Transgender Individuals

McBride recounts how Trump's government rolled back federal protections for trans individuals, such as rescinding guidance protecting transgender students in schools and reinstating the ban on transgender individuals from serving openly in the military. These reversals, she writes, demonstrated how fragile what we've achieved is and the necessity of staying vigilant and organized in our opposition.

Practical Tips

• Engage in conversations with friends, family, and colleagues to raise awareness about the importance of inclusivity in the military. Use facts and personal stories you've learned to help others understand the impact of such bans and the value of diversity in armed forces.

Other Perspectives

• The reversals could be argued to represent not the fragility of the achievements, but rather the contentious and ongoing nature of policy-making in a pluralistic society with diverse viewpoints.
• Continuous opposition might inadvertently entrench adversarial attitudes, making it harder to achieve bipartisan support for transgender rights.

Recommitting to the Struggle for LGBTQ Civil Rights

McBride concludes her memoir with a powerful call to action, emphasizing that the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ rights requires continued engagement from the community and our allies.

Advocating for National Equality Act to End Discriminatory Practices

She highlights the need to continue advocating for the enactment of the Equality Act, a federal legislation that would offer comprehensive protections against discrimination for LGBTQ people nationwide. While acknowledging the challenges of passing such legislation in today’s political environment, she stresses the importance of setting ambitious goals and working tirelessly towards achieving them.

Context

• The Equality Act also aims to expand the definition of public accommodations to include places or services like retail stores, transportation services, and healthcare providers, which are not explicitly covered under current federal law.
• Court decisions at various levels can impact the urgency and framing of the Equality Act, as legal interpretations of existing protections evolve.
• Setting ambitious goals in advocacy can help mobilize supporters, attract media attention, and create a sense of urgency. It can also help define clear objectives and benchmarks for progress.
• Passing the Equality Act would represent a significant step forward in the broader movement for LGBTQ equality and civil rights in the United States.

Mobilizing LGBTQ Community and Allies to Continue Struggle

McBride emphasizes the importance of mobilizing LGBTQ people and allies. She highlights the growth of the movement in recent years, citing examples like the unprecedented turnout in the battle to overturn the bathroom bill in Texas. This momentum, she argues, is the product of those stories, those voices, and the recognition that, as a community and country, we are more powerful united.

Context

• Allies provide essential support networks that can offer resources, protection, and advocacy, helping to amplify the voices and needs of the LGBTQ community.
• Key legal victories, such as the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015, which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, have been pivotal in the movement's growth and visibility.
• The "bathroom bill" in Texas refers to legislation that sought to restrict transgender individuals' access to public restrooms based on their sex assigned at birth, rather than their gender identity.
• Sharing diverse voices helps increase visibility and representation, which can lead to greater empathy and understanding from those outside the community.
• Unity often involves recognizing and embracing the diverse identities within a community, which can strengthen the movement by addressing the varied needs and challenges faced by its members.