Ts Candii
TS Candii is a transgendered woman who is the founder of Black Trans Nation (BTN) a national nob-profit 501 3 (c) organization advocating, educating, and motivating the public into collective action on behalf of the Black and POC Transgender community. With a core mission to end discrimination Black Trans Nation strives to accomplish this, by driving policymakers to enact policies that will Destigmatize, Decriminalize, and Decarcerate our community. And by organizing and implementing outreach initiatives and providing access to vital resources in the form of housing, health, recovery, employment, legal immigration, and other critical social services. She has also been involved in efforts to decriminialize sex work. This reality inspired her to become active in the legislation to “Decriminalize Sex Work” most recently the successful repeal of “Walking While Trans” - the unofficial civil rights violating, policing practices dating back to 1976. The bill was signed into law by Gov. Cuomo on Feb 2, 2021. This resulted in over 10,000 cases being dismissed and approximately 800 unlicensed massage parlours dismissed. She is also the author of the best-selling memoir Becomonig Candii
In 2023, 120 bills restricting the rights of LGBTQ people were introduced in states nationwide. This alarming wave of anti-LGBTQ legislation has had a disproportionate impact on Black trans people. From healthcare restrictions to housing discrimination and bans on trans-affirming activities, these bills are an attack on Black trans rights that will have long-term consequences.
The wave of anti-LGBTQ bills began in 2021, with the introduction of the “bathroom bill” in Texas. This bill requires people to use the bathroom based on their sex assigned at birth, instead of their gender identity. Other states followed suit: Arkansas, Alabama, and Tennessee all passed similar bathroom bills.
These bills are not only troubling because of the direct discrimination they cause, but also because they are opening doors to further attacks on trans rights. Recently, in Arkansas, legislators proposed a bill that would ban gender-affirming medical care for trans youth. This bill prevents children from accessing life-saving care, and sends the message that trans kids are not deserving of the same medical care and support as other children.
The attacks don’t end there; many of these bills also target the everyday lives of trans people, denying them access to housing, employment opportunities, and public services. The Alabama bill proposes to prohibit trans people from participating in sports that are not designated for their assigned gender. Mississippi, Texas, and Arkansas are proposing bills that forbid any individual or organization who provides services to transgender individuals or who even supports their rights.
The impact of these bills has been felt most acutely by Black trans people. Research shows that Black trans people are disproportionately affected by violence and discrimination, often due to a lack of legal protections. These bills give more power to those who are hostile to the rights of trans people, and make it more difficult for Black trans people to access resources and find safe spaces.
Many Black advocates have spoken out against the wave of anti-LGBTQ legislation in their states, noting the implications the bills will have for their community. Some have pointed out that the bills deny Blacktrans people the opportunity to receive critical medical care, and will further marginalize already vulnerable individuals.
The wave of anti-LGBTQ legislation needs to be stopped in its tracks. We must fight back with all our strength, or else Black trans people will be the most severely affected by these laws. We must work to create protections and recognize the unique needs of the Black transgender community. We must insist tthat state and federal legislators reject these bills and show our support for the rights of Black transpeople. Together, we must fight back against the discrimination and disparities that Black trans people face.