Decline to sign I-1552

Modern day feminism recognizes that not every feminist is white, middle class, cisgender and able-bodied. Inter-sectional feminism sees the need to view each issue through a lens of race, gender, economic status, disability, etc. We cannot have forward momentum in our fight for respect, dignity, and equality until we’re able to acknowledge these layers.

A very important feminist issue right now is I-1552. This initiative will take away rights for the transgender community that have been in place for over a decade. It’ll allow for policing of sex and gender as well as disability. The transgender community fights for the same feminist ideals- but their fight is more harrowing.

As a feminist, it’s not cisgender women and children’s safety for which I fear. I fear for a vulnerable, marginalized community who’ll be open to a world of legal harassment, of assault and worse, as there have been 27 transgender women killed already this year. During a panel discussion with the Spokane NAACP, on April 18, Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich said there have been zero reports or incidents of assault perpetrated by a transgender person in a bathroom.

It’s important for the safety of the transgender community that we decline to sign I-1552.

Autumn Reed, President, Spokane Area National Organization for Women

Spokane