Category: human rights Page 1 of 3

Unapologetically Sexual

On May 30, 2025

I was let go from my student teaching position because of some tweets. In these posts, I said, among other things, “I like to suck dick.” It wasn’t part of a curriculum. It wasn’t aimed at students. It was a personal expression—raw, queer, unapologetic. And for that, I was deemed “unfit.”

But I am not ashamed. Because when I say something as simple and carnal as “I like to suck dick,” I’m not being obscene—I’m declaring war on the suffocating norms that define who gets to express desire and how.

Let’s be clear: this isn’t just about sex. It’s about power.

The phrase “I like sex” is broadly acceptable when said by a cis, straight man. Even when women say it, it must be delivered with just the right balance of flirtation and modesty, wrapped in acceptable femininity. But when a transgender woman like me speaks directly and honestly about her sexuality—without euphemism, without apology—it’s treated as taboo. It becomes scandalous, political, dangerous.

And that’s exactly why I say it.

Heteronormativity doesn’t just regulate bodies—it polices desire. It dictates what kind of sex is real, what kind of sex is dirty, and which voices are allowed to claim desire at all. Trans women are often reduced to caricatures: hypersexual porn tropes or sexless tokens of pity. To say, plainly and proudly, that I love sucking dick is to reject all of that. It’s to assert my autonomy, my pleasure, and my humanity.

Yes, I am a transgender woman. Yes, I am sexual. And yes, I will speak about it.

My words weren’t unprofessional. They were inconvenient—to a system that still finds trans joy threatening and trans pleasure unspeakable. I lost a role in education for telling the truth about myself. But I gained something else: clarity. I know now that empowerment doesn’t come from fitting in. It comes from taking up space. From naming what you’re told to hide. From loving your body and your voice enough to say what they told you you shouldn’t even feel.

So I will continue to speak freely. Not because I want to provoke—but because I refuse to be erased. I want other trans women to know that they can be intelligent, nurturing, sexual, kinky, loud, soft, and bold—all at once. I want us all to know that our worth doesn’t shrink because someone else is uncomfortable with our truths.

When I say “I like to suck dick,” I’m not just being honest.

I’m being powerful.

And in a world built to silence women like me, that is revolutionary.

I’m not a dirty cock sucker. I make sure the cock is clean before sucking on it.

— Katherine Walter (@kwwalter70) October 28, 2011

The Criminalization of Transgender Identity

By Katherine Walter

On March 6, 2025

In LGBTQ+ rights

In recent years, a troubling trend has emerged across the United States: the introduction and enactment of laws that effectively criminalize aspects of being transgender. These laws go beyond limiting access to medical care or restricting participation in public life; they represent a broader effort to marginalize and erase transgender individuals.

While Illinois has upheld legal protections for transgender individuals, the national wave of anti-trans legislation is deeply concerning. These laws do not only harm those living in conservative states but also create ripple effects that extend nationwide, even reaching those in progressive areas. The increasing criminalization of transgender identity threatens fundamental civil rights, healthcare access, and the ability of transgender people to live openly and safely.

State legislatures across the country have introduced and, in some cases, passed extreme laws targeting transgender identity and gender-affirming care. Some states have proposed criminalizing transgender people for identifying as a gender different from what was assigned at birth, labeling this as fraud and imposing severe legal penalties. Others have removed gender identity from anti-discrimination protections, allowing increased discrimination against transgender individuals in employment, housing, and public services. Laws have also been passed that restrict or even ban access to gender-affirming medical care, not only for minors but in some cases for adults as well.

At the federal level, executive orders and policy changes have further undermined transgender rights. Government efforts to redefine gender strictly based on biological sex have effectively stripped transgender individuals of legal recognition in various federally funded programs. Funding for gender-affirming healthcare has also been targeted, making it more difficult for transgender individuals to access essential medical services, even in states that support such care. These measures reinforce discrimination at a national level and create a legal environment where transgender people are increasingly marginalized.

For those living in states like Illinois, where transgender rights are legally protected, it may seem as though these laws will not have an impact. However, the reality is far more complex. Federal policies can override state protections, particularly when it comes to funding for healthcare programs. Clinics that provide gender-affirming care may struggle to maintain services if federal funding is restricted. Additionally, the growing number of transgender individuals fleeing hostile states in search of healthcare and safety could place a strain on resources in states that offer protection.

Beyond the legal and healthcare implications, the rise of anti-trans legislation contributes to a culture of hostility and discrimination. Even in states with protective laws, the national conversation around transgender rights affects public attitudes, often leading to increased discrimination, workplace bias, and violence against transgender people. Hate crimes targeting transgender individuals have been on the rise, fueled by rhetoric that paints them as threats rather than human beings deserving of dignity and respect. Traveling becomes riskier for transgender people, as neighboring states with restrictive laws create environments where something as simple as using a public restroom or presenting as one’s authentic self could lead to harassment, arrest, or violence.

As a transgender woman living in Illinois, the inconsistency of protections across different states creates a constant sense of uncertainty. Rights that are protected in one place can disappear the moment state lines are crossed. The ability to live freely and without fear should not be dependent on geography, yet that is the reality that many transgender people face. Even in a progressive state, the fear of national policy changes and the emboldening of anti-trans sentiment weighs heavily on daily life.

The economic and social consequences of these laws extend beyond the transgender community. Businesses are pulling events and operations from states that pass extreme anti-trans laws, leading to financial losses. Universities in these states are seeing declines in applications from LGBTQ+ students, affecting campus diversity. If the spread of these laws continues, even states that have supported transgender rights may face political pressure to conform to restrictive national policies.

At its core, the push to criminalize transgender identity is a moral and ethical crisis. These laws deny transgender people their dignity, autonomy, and basic human rights. The argument that such laws are meant to protect children or uphold traditional values is nothing more than a justification for discrimination. Medical professionals overwhelmingly agree that gender-affirming care is essential and life-saving. The refusal to recognize transgender identities and the restriction of medical care only lead to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide among transgender individuals. These laws are not about protecting anyone—they are about controlling and erasing a marginalized group.

The continued expansion of anti-trans laws should concern everyone, not just those directly affected. When governments begin rolling back rights for one group, history has shown that other marginalized communities will soon be targeted. Today, transgender people face the brunt of these attacks, but tomorrow, it could be anyone whose identity or autonomy does not align with the political agenda of those in power. If these laws are allowed to stand, they will embolden further government overreach into personal identity, medical autonomy, and individual freedoms.

Addressing this crisis requires action. Elections matter, and voting for candidates who support transgender rights is crucial at every level of government. Legal challenges to these laws are ongoing, and organizations fighting for transgender rights need support. Social advocacy is also critical—challenging anti-trans rhetoric, educating others, and standing up for transgender individuals in everyday life all contribute to pushing back against this wave of discrimination. Protecting the most vulnerable members of the transgender community is essential, whether through direct financial support, providing safe spaces, or amplifying their voices.

The criminalization of transgender identity is not about safety or protecting society—it is about control. The ability to live as one’s authentic self should never be a political debate. No one should have to fear losing their rights, their healthcare, or their safety simply for existing. This fight is about human dignity, and it is one that cannot be ignored.

The National Park Service’s Erasure of Transgender History at Stonewall

By Katherine Walter

On February 18, 2025

In LGBTQ+ rights

The Stonewall National Monument sign is seen as people protest outside the Stonewall Inn in New York, the scene of riots against police raids on the gay bar in 1969, on February 14, 2025, after the word transgender was erased from the National Park Service’s webpage about the riots. (Photo by Kena betancur / AFP) (Photo by KENA BETANCUR/AFP via Getty Images)

In a move that has sparked widespread controversy, the National Park Service (NPS) has removed references to “transgender” individuals and the “T” from the LGBTQ+ acronym on its Stonewall National Monument webpage. This action is widely viewed as an attempt to erase the significant contributions of transgender individuals to LGBTQ+ history, particularly their pivotal role in the 1969 Stonewall Riots.

Established in 2016 by President Barack Obama, the Stonewall National Monument commemorates the 1969 uprising at the Stonewall Inn in New York City, a key event that catalyzed the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. The monument serves as a historical reminder of the struggle for equality and the continued fight against discrimination (National Park Service, n.d.).

On February 13, 2025, the NPS updated the Stonewall National Monument webpage, removing the term “transgender” and altering the acronym from “LGBTQ+” to “LGB.” This change is aligned with previous federal policies that have sought to define gender strictly as male or female, excluding recognition of transgender identities (The Guardian, 2025). Critics argue that such historical revisionism distorts the reality of past events and undermines the contributions of transgender activists who played a crucial role in the Stonewall Riots (Reuters, 2025).

The decision has been met with widespread backlash from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, historians, and public officials. Stacy Lentz, co-owner of the Stonewall Inn and an outspoken LGBTQ+ rights advocate, condemned the move, stating that it dishonors the trans community’s role in the struggle for equality (Reuters, 2025). New York Governor Kathy Hochul also criticized the change, calling it “cruel and petty” and emphasizing that New York would not allow transgender individuals’ contributions to be erased (The Guardian, 2025).

Protests have erupted at the Stonewall National Monument, with activists demanding the restoration of the original language that included transgender individuals (CBS News, 2025). Advocates argue that the removal of transgender references is part of a broader effort to marginalize the trans community and erase its historical presence in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights (NBC News, 2025).

Transgender individuals played a significant role in the Stonewall Riots. Marsha P. Johnson, a Black transgender woman, and Sylvia Rivera, a Latina transgender woman, were among the most prominent figures in the uprising. Both later co-founded the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR), an organization dedicated to providing shelter and resources for homeless transgender youth (Asbury Park Press, 2025).

Eyewitness accounts and historical records confirm that transgender individuals were at the forefront of the resistance against police oppression during the raid on the Stonewall Inn in June 1969. Their defiance and activism ignited a movement that has since fought for LGBTQ+ rights across the nation (The New York Times, 2025).

The erasure of transgender history from the Stonewall National Monument is not just a symbolic act—it has real consequences. Historical revisionism that excludes transgender individuals contributes to their continued marginalization and reinforces narratives that deny their existence and struggles. Recognizing the full scope of LGBTQ+ history, including the vital role of transgender people, is essential in ensuring a future where all identities are acknowledged and respected.

LGBTQ+ advocates and historians have called for the National Park Service to restore the original language that included transgender individuals. Preserving the integrity of history is not just about honoring those who fought in the past; it is about ensuring that future generations understand the full truth of the LGBTQ+ rights movement.

References

ABC News. (2025, February 13). Transgender references removed from Stonewall National Monument website. https://abcnews.go.com/US/transgender-references-removed-stonewall-national-monument-website/story?id=118804553

Asbury Park Press. (2025, February 18). Black transgender NJ woman led the Stonewall Uprising. Now her family fights for her. https://www.app.com/story/news/2025/02/18/black-trans-nj-woman-marsha-p-johnson-led-stonewall-uprising/78964198007

CBS News. (2025, February 14). Protests at Stonewall National Monument after “LGBTQ” changed to “LGB” on website. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/stonewall-national-monument-protest-trans-queer-references-removed

NBC News. (2025, February 14). References to transgender and queer removed from Stonewall National Monument’s web page. https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/references-transgender-queer-removed-stonewall-national-monuments-web-page-n1234567

National Park Service. (n.d.). Stonewall National Monument. https://www.nps.gov/ston/index.htm

The Guardian. (2025, February 13). US park service erases references to trans people from Stonewall monument website. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/13/stonewall-website-transgender

The New York Times. (2025, February 13). U.S. Park Service strikes transgender references from Stonewall website. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/13/us/stonewall-national-monument-transgender.html

The Washington Post. (2025, February 14). National Park Service removes transgender references from Stonewall monument website. https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/stonewall-monument-transgender-references-removed/2025/02/14/abc123def456

Reuters. (2025, February 14). Trump erasure of transgender references extends to Stonewall monument website. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-erasure-transgender-references-extends-stonewall-monument-website-2025-02-14/

The Dangerous Consequences of Trump’s Attack on Gender Identity

By Katherine Walter

On February 16, 2025

In LGBTQ+ rights

HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA, UNITED STATES – 2025/02/05: A protester holds a placard outside of the Pennsylvania Capitol during a 50501 protest. The 50501 Movement planned to hold 50 protests in 50 states on one day to protest Trump administration policies and Project 2025. (Photo by Paul Weaver/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

In early 2025, President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders aimed at combating what he refers to as “gender ideology.” These policies, while ostensibly framed as efforts to preserve traditional notions of sex and gender, have profound implications not only for transgender individuals but for society as a whole. By enforcing a strict binary definition of sex—recognizing only male and female as determined at birth—the administration has effectively erased federal recognition of transgender and nonbinary identities. This shift has resulted in tangible harm, particularly in healthcare, legal protections, and identity documentation, while also fostering broader societal consequences that erode civil rights, suppress scientific research, and undermine education.

One of the most immediate and devastating consequences of these executive orders is the impact on healthcare access for transgender individuals. Federal funding is now withheld from medical institutions that provide gender-affirming care to individuals under 19, a policy that has led hospitals to suspend essential treatments for transgender youth (Associated Press, 2025a). For many young people, gender-affirming care is a critical component of their mental health and well-being. The American Academy of Pediatrics and other major medical organizations have long supported such care as medically necessary and life-saving. Without access to these treatments, many transgender youth face increased risks of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Additionally, the chilling effect of these policies extends beyond minors; some healthcare providers have reported uncertainty about whether they can continue providing care to transgender adults, fearing legal repercussions or loss of funding.

Beyond healthcare, the administration’s policies have significantly weakened legal protections for transgender individuals. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which previously handled cases of workplace discrimination based on gender identity, has begun dismissing such cases, citing the new executive orders (Associated Press, 2025b). This rollback of protections leaves transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals vulnerable to discrimination without legal recourse. Employers, emboldened by the administration’s stance, may feel less compelled to uphold inclusive workplace policies, leading to an increase in workplace harassment and job insecurity for transgender employees. The broader implications of this decision extend beyond the transgender community, as it signals a willingness to erode legal protections for marginalized groups, setting a dangerous precedent for future civil rights rollbacks.

Another critical area affected by these executive orders is identity documentation. The State Department has ceased processing passport applications that request gender changes or non-binary designations, forcing transgender individuals to carry identification that does not reflect their gender identity (Time, 2025). This discrepancy can create numerous practical challenges, from difficulties in securing employment to potential discrimination during travel. Many transgender people rely on accurate identification to navigate daily life safely. Without the ability to update legal documents, they face increased risks of harassment, denial of services, and even violence in situations where they are forced to present an ID that does not align with their gender identity.

While these policies directly target transgender individuals, their impact extends far beyond the LGBTQ+ community, undermining the broader framework of civil rights in the United States. The rollback of protections for one marginalized group sets a dangerous precedent that could facilitate further erosions of rights for other communities. Historically, attacks on one group’s civil liberties have often led to broader restrictions on freedoms for others. By allowing the government to dictate rigid definitions of identity and expression, these policies create an environment where personal autonomy is increasingly constrained, affecting anyone who does not conform to the administration’s narrowly defined norms.

The executive orders have also had a chilling effect on scientific research and public discourse. The administration has restricted the use of terms like “gender” and “diversity” in federal agencies, leading to censorship and the alteration of public documents (The Atlantic, 2025). This suppression hampers the ability of scientists and researchers to conduct studies on gender identity, mental health, and healthcare disparities. The impact of such restrictions extends beyond the field of gender studies; when governments suppress scientific inquiry, it threatens the integrity of public health policies and evidence-based decision-making. The ability to study, discuss, and address issues related to gender identity is crucial for developing policies that reflect the realities of diverse populations. By silencing these discussions, the administration is not only harming transgender individuals but also undermining the broader pursuit of knowledge and truth.

Education has also been significantly affected by these executive orders. Schools that support diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs now face the threat of losing federal funding (Politico, 2025). These policies create a hostile environment for educators and students alike, discouraging discussions about gender, identity, and inclusivity in classrooms. Many teachers have already reported feeling uncertain about what they can legally teach regarding gender identity and LGBTQ+ history. The suppression of such discussions limits students’ exposure to diverse perspectives and prevents them from developing critical thinking skills about social issues. Additionally, LGBTQ+ students, particularly transgender youth, are likely to feel increasingly unsafe in school environments where their identities are ignored or invalidated. This rollback of educational inclusivity affects all students by promoting ignorance over knowledge and fostering environments where discrimination is implicitly encouraged.

The consequences of these executive orders highlight a broader societal shift toward authoritarianism and the erosion of personal freedoms. While the immediate effects are most acutely felt by transgender individuals, the long-term implications threaten the rights and liberties of all Americans. By undermining healthcare access, rolling back legal protections, restricting identity documentation, suppressing scientific research, and curbing educational inclusivity, these policies create a society that is less free, less informed, and less just. History has shown that attacks on minority rights often serve as a precursor to broader erosions of democracy and civil liberties. If left unchallenged, these executive orders could pave the way for further government overreach into personal freedoms, affecting not just transgender people but everyone who values individual rights and equality.

In conclusion, the executive orders targeting “gender ideology” have far-reaching consequences that extend well beyond the transgender community. These policies not only strip transgender individuals of their rights but also set a dangerous precedent for civil liberties, scientific research, and education. The fight against these policies is not just about protecting transgender rights—it is about safeguarding the fundamental values of equality, freedom, and democracy. As history has shown, when the rights of one group are attacked, the rights of all are at risk. It is imperative for society to recognize the broader implications of these policies and to resist the erosion of rights before the damage becomes irreversible.

References

Associated Press. (2025a, February 13). Second federal judge pauses Trump’s order against gender-affirming care for youth. https://apnews.com/article/7dc418e445ddf74c7f69c777839373b3

Associated Press. (2025b, February 14). EEOC seeks to drop transgender discrimination cases, citing Trump’s executive order. https://apnews.com/article/73a065c8aa5e0060472e1cac1ecd8212

Politico. (2025, February 15). Democratic AGs win second court ruling against Trump’s order on gender-affirming care. https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/14/court-ruling-trumps-order-gender-affirming-care-00204467

The Atlantic. (2025, February 15). The erasing of American science. https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2025/02/trump-science-data-gender-dei/681698/

Time. (2025, February 1). The implications of Trump’s executive order on sex. https://time.com/7210389/donald-trump-executive-order-sex-gender-id/

Embracing My Identity as a Sex-Positive Transfeminist

By Katherine Walter

On December 14, 2024

In feminism

As a transgender woman, my journey of self-discovery and affirmation has been deeply intertwined with my understanding of sexuality, identity, and autonomy. I identify as a sex-positive transfeminist, which means I believe in celebrating the full range of human experience, embracing sexual expression, and challenging the societal norms that seek to limit or shame it.

Being sex-positive is about more than just being open to diverse sexual orientations and practices. It’s about rejecting the stigma that surrounds certain aspects of sexuality and embracing a philosophy of consent, respect, and autonomy. As a transgender woman, I’ve had to navigate not only societal expectations of femininity and gender but also the layers of shame and misconceptions about my body, my desires, and my identity. Transgender women, in particular, are often stigmatized as either hypersexual or as objects of fetish, but being a sex-positive transfeminist means rejecting these harmful stereotypes and celebrating my sexuality as a multifaceted and natural part of who I am.

Kink-Friendly and Embracing Diverse Sexual Expression

As part of my sex-positive approach, I am also kink-friendly. I believe that kink and BDSM practices, when based on mutual consent, communication, and respect, are just as valid and fulfilling as any other form of sexual expression. In fact, the kink community has provided me with a space to embrace my desires, challenge social taboos, and engage in deep, meaningful exploration of power dynamics and intimacy. Being kink-friendly means acknowledging that people have diverse desires and fantasies, and those desires are valid as long as they are consensual and respectful of everyone involved.

For me, this means fully accepting and celebrating all aspects of my sexuality without shame or guilt. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to sexual expression, and I firmly believe that everyone deserves the freedom to explore their desires in ways that are both safe and affirming.

Writing Erotica: An Outlet for Creative and Sexual Expression

Another important aspect of my life is my work as an erotica writer, which I pursue under a pen name. Through my writing, I’ve been able to explore the complexities of desire, identity, and power dynamics in a way that aligns with my own experiences and fantasies. My work is known within certain communities on the internet, where it has garnered attention for its raw, unapologetic exploration of sex and intimacy. Writing under a pen name allows me to separate my public persona from my private creative expression, but it also gives me the freedom to engage with readers and communities who appreciate erotic literature that pushes boundaries, explores kink, and challenges societal views on sexuality.

The act of writing erotica is, for me, a form of empowerment. It allows me to reclaim my sexuality in a way that is both creative and personal, while also providing an opportunity to engage with others who share similar interests. It’s a space where I can express myself freely, without judgment, and where I can challenge the taboos that often surround topics of sex and desire.

Pro-Sex Worker and Advocacy for Decriminalization

As part of my broader belief in sex-positivity and autonomy, I am also pro-sex worker and firmly believe that prostitution should be decriminalized. Sex work, when practiced consensually and safely, is a valid and legitimate form of labor, and the criminalization of sex work only serves to harm those who engage in it. By decriminalizing prostitution, we can ensure that sex workers have access to legal protections, safety, and healthcare, and can live their lives without the constant fear of legal repercussions or stigmatization.

Transgender people, particularly trans women, are disproportionately affected by the criminalization of sex work. Many transgender individuals face discrimination and marginalization in the job market, leaving sex work as one of the few viable options for survival. By decriminalizing prostitution, we would not only be improving the lives of sex workers, but also dismantling the social stigma and criminalization that disproportionately harms marginalized communities.

Sex workers, like all individuals, deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, free from criminal penalties. It’s time for society to recognize sex work as work, and to protect those who choose this path with the same legal rights and protections afforded to any other worker.

Challenging Stigma and Celebrating Autonomy

As a sex-positive transfeminist, my goal is to create a world where people of all genders, orientations, and identities can embrace their sexualities without fear of judgment or discrimination. I advocate for spaces that are inclusive, respectful, and open to all forms of consensual expression, whether that means engaging in kink, embracing non-traditional relationships, or simply living authentically as one’s true self.

Sexuality is a deeply personal and often transformative aspect of human life. For transgender individuals, it can be an especially challenging terrain to navigate. But by embracing a sex-positive mindset and fostering a transfeminist perspective, I believe we can create more inclusive, affirming spaces for people to explore their identities and desires. It’s not just about personal liberation—it’s about contributing to a broader cultural shift where all people, regardless of gender or background, can live authentically and celebrate their sexuality without shame.

In embracing sex-positivity, kink, erotic writing, and advocacy for sex workers’ rights, I’ve found a sense of freedom and empowerment that has transformed my journey. And I’m proud to share this part of my identity with others, hoping to encourage a more inclusive, respectful, and open-minded world.