I’m 62 years old and pass reasonably well so have become invisible in public generally. However, working with the trans/gender diverse youth community is heartbreaking. There is little support in the schools, healthcare, and services for them.
Being from Eastern Washington there is definitely a difference though. I think there are less services and less access on the eastern side of the state. Some LGBTQ+ friends over there have a harder time with discrimination and access.
It seems like hate against the LGBTQ+ community is on the rise. We need allies outside the community advocating on our behalf.
Working at an LGBTQ+ organization providing direct services and resources to the community connected me to the community more and was an affirming place to work. It helped inform my knowledge of others doing work in the community, as well.
I am a disabled, chronically ill member of the LGBTQ + community so I am often isolated.
