In the past few years, we have seen harmful and dangerous rhetoric that has contributed to the hateful legislation and deaths of countless transgender people in the United States. Since the beginning of this year, 12 trans people have been murdered for their identity. Despite the overwhelming amount of research (see our Learn More section) stating the ways in which gender-affirming healthcare saves lives, fearmongering and moral panic have allowed hate against trans people to spread across and further divide our country.

Accurate and respectful representation in media and entertainment is crucial to combatting the hateful rhetoric that harms trans people across the nation. Despite growing diversity and support on screen, trans artists still struggle to find spaces for themselves on stage. Live theaters have yet to reach the bar in respectfully, diversly,  and willingly casting trans and nonbinary people. At Princeton Summer Theater, we fully support our trans artists and actors and have made efforts to diversify our casts, production teams, and executive board. We will continue to support trans artists in all of their incredible creative endeavors and insist our audiences, donors, and fellow creative community to do the same.

Our jobs as creators are to inspire laughter and sorrows, intrigue and suspense but most importantly, connection. Now more than ever is the time to connect with your friends, family, peers, and fellow creators and support the trans community. As the reality for trans people begins to grow darker, supporting trans joy is an act of resistance. Below are ways to support trans communities and artists. 

Trans people have always existed and will continue to exist regardless of restricting, dangerous, and hateful rhetoric and legislation.

Trans rights are human rights.