Lawyers Are Offering Folks in the Trans Community Free Legal Services Before Trump Becomes President
It’s been a hard and hazy few days since Donald Trump was elected President, and while a lot of us are clinging to the tiniest shred of hope that Hillary Clinton could still get elected after the Electoral College’s vote in December, the reality is that, right now, we’ve got to tackle the potentially bleak reality of a Trump presidency head on.
To name just a very few concerns, many women’s issues could come under fire, which is why women are being urged to consider an IUD before it’s harder to get birth control. And of course, another huge blow America is expected to suffer is a change to marriage equality.
Trump’s VP Mike Pence terrifyingly promised that Trump would do away with President Obama’s order that prohibits government contractors from discriminating based on sexual orientation or gender identity. And that’s why a bunch of lawyers are offering up their services for FREE to transgender people who need to get their legal documents in order before Trump takes office.
to my trans friends who are looking to get legal name changes/gender changes/etc ASAP, follow the hashtag #translawhelp
— cameron (@canonica666) November 9, 2016
Using the hashtag #TransLawHelp, lawyers across the country are shouting out their locations and details on the services they can help with so that those in need can easily find them. Some of the documents that may need to be finalized before Trump and Pence make it near impossible to do are things like legal name changes, new passports and other ID documents. Some of the lawyers admit their inexperience in these particular matters but offer their help anyway, confident they can help whoever needs it.
I don't know much about name change docs and whatnot, but I'm sure I can figure it out if you need help in California. #translawhelp
— Imani Gandied Yams (@AngryBlackLady) November 11, 2016
The hashtag was started by Twitter user @dtwps and has quickly grown to include reps from Texas, Philadelphia, New Jersey, Massachusetts and more. The hashtag is also being used as a resource center, with Twitter user and lawyer Chase Strangio making a thread of some quick need-to-know info and resources.
1. For those following #translawhelp – some basic resources. First, we love you and are here. The community is strong and ready to help.
— Chase Strangio (@chasestrangio) November 10, 2016
Some people have already found the resources they need because of the tag. Lawyers are actively replying to questions asked with the hashtag and making it clear just how supportive and available they are to people in need.
Next move is getting my name legally changed 👏🏽 #translawhelp
— Capt. Santana ⚓️ (@santanaswag) November 11, 2016
The #TransLawHelp tag is a really eye-opening look at communities banding together and helping each other out when it’s most needed. It’s more than just practical — it’s super inspiring.
How have you seen people helping in your community? Inspire us by letting us know @BritandCo.
(Photo via Karen Ducey/Getty, featured photo via Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty)
