new video: Debunking Myths About Trans People & Restrooms

and “sexual predator” tropes more generally

Back in 2021, I penned the essay Transgender People, Bathrooms, and Sexual Predators: What the Data Say. It is a response to claims that we supposedly pose a threat to women and girls in sex-segregated spaces, and it also tackles the related anti-trans talking point that we are supposedly “grooming” or “sexualizing” children. The first part of the essay reviews numerous studies that together show that trans people are victims (not perpetrators) of harassment and abuse in public restrooms. The rest of the piece delves into the long history of the “sexual predator” stereotype and how it has been wielded against other marginalized groups (including LGB people during Anita Bryant’s infamous “Save Our Children” campaign of the 1970s).

Last November, when it seemed clear that the GOP was likely to introduce a federal trans bathroom ban, I thought it would be useful to adapt that essay into a YouTube video so that it could reach even more people. That video just came out! You can watch it below—please share widely!

While I’m at it, I thought I’d share another recently uploaded video, specifically, a slam poem I performed in 2005 entitled “Fighting Words.” It is an angry and cathartic piece about how cis people are constantly talking about trans people without ever listening to us. It has been on my mind a lot lately given our current circumstances. Here it is (content note for suicidal ideation, various “T-words,” and lots of “F-bombs”):

I plan to gradually upload more of my old spoken word performances. And I have several more video essays in the works—some are adaptations of previous essays, while others will be entirely new projects. I will occasionally post video updates or compilations here, but if you want to be notified as soon as a new video comes out, please subscribe to my YouTube channel.

This essay was made possible by my Patreon supporters — if you appreciate it, please consider supporting me there! You can also sign up for a paid or free subscription here: