If you are keeping up with the news right now, then you know a lot is happening and it’s overwhelming. Let me break down three topics of the news that you need to be aware of as a young person.
TRANS BANS IN TEXAS
Over the past couple of months, a bill attempting to ban gender-affirming care for trans people and young adults in Texas has the potential to be passed. Texas is not the only state passing anti-trans laws, others including Kansas, Oklahoma, and South Carolina have put forth bills. This has been an issue for a while, but it seems after Roe was overturned in June 2022, legislators have started going after the rights and bodily autonomy of trans people. If passed, thousands of queer young adults and others as old as 26, will be denied gender-affirming care. Lives will be lost, Texas lawmakers will be responsible.
The Indian Child Welfare Act
In 1978, the ICWA was passed and gave tribal governments custody of indigenous children. The passing of this bill allowed indigenous children and families to stay together, and remain within their communities. It put a stop to the decades of abusive assimilation and forced removal of indigenous children in the United States. Although indigenous children were able to remain with their families, there are generational scars and trauma from these schools and programs which have traumatized and destroyed an indigenous culture. The genocide of Native Americans has been a slow and grueling one, and if this bill is removed, the future of indigenous sovereignty and culture will be stripped away. The missing and murdered indigenous women are already ignored, young people need to understand the severity of this because many more people will suffer.
The Paris Protests
On a bright note, the Parisian working class is protesting and rioting their hearts out and it is very beautiful. I don’t condone violence, but I am a fan of workers’ rights. The reason Parisians are protesting is because of a change in retirement age and pension from 62 to 64. It’s only two years difference, but that can make all the difference. The solidarity and refusal to back down are admirable; the Parisian working class has always fought back against oppression and exploitation. I am happy for them, but I wonder if Americans know we are capable of the same thing. We are stronger together and protests are effective. Using your voice and refusing to be silent can make all the difference, and the anger from being used will add to the flame.
It’s important to keep up with the news because you are a part of this world and you deserve to know what is going on. Stay informed and stay involved. Politics are scary, but understanding the implications of policies, demonstrations, and current events can and will shape the future. As young people, soon we will be in charge, and we must know our history and obstacles.