By John Q. Hosedrinker 
In the wake of a shooting, Rep. Ronny Jackson proposed the mass institutionalization of transgender people, claiming they suffer from underlying psychiatric illnesses and pose a threat to society. Jackson asserted that trans individuals, particularly trans women, exhibit an “underlying level of aggressiveness” and must be taken “off the streets” and the internet. This rhetoric reflects increasing anti-trans sentiment, with Jackson likening transgender issues to a “virus” and a “cancer.” Other Republicans have echoed similar sentiments, with some calling for further restrictions and dehumanization of the transgender community.
Read the original article here
MAGA lawmaker calls to forcefully mass institutionalize trans people: ‘We have to get them off the streets!’
The chilling words, “We have to get them off the streets!” delivered by a MAGA lawmaker, are a clear and disturbing escalation in the ongoing attacks against the transgender community. This isn’t just about disagreement or different ideologies; it’s a call for forced institutionalization, a demand to round up a vulnerable group and remove them from society. This is a dangerous path, reminiscent of historical atrocities, and it’s crucial to recognize the intent behind such statements. The lawmaker’s rhetoric, claiming trans individuals possess an “underlying level of aggressiveness,” is a blatant attempt to dehumanize and demonize a group of people, paving the way for further discrimination and violence.
This isn’t an isolated incident; it’s part of a pattern. The lawmaker’s statement needs to be seen in the context of broader MAGA ideology, which is becoming increasingly aligned with fascist tendencies. The obsession with controlling and eradicating trans people isn’t an anomaly; it’s a strategic move in a larger game of political power. The repeated claims that trans individuals are a threat to society, are “roaming the streets, homeless, selling drugs and doing sex crimes,” are unsubstantiated lies designed to incite fear and justify the lawmaker’s proposed actions. The reality is vastly different: trans people are individuals living everyday lives, and by targeting them, the lawmaker is normalizing political violence and paving the way for legislation that could very well lead to the implementation of state-sanctioned oppression.
The history of such rhetoric and policy is clear: The rhetoric of dehumanization eventually leads to the justification of violence, as well as the creation of concentration camps. The lawmaker’s words should be viewed as an alarm bell, a warning that we are headed down a dangerous path. We’ve seen similar tactics used before to target other marginalized groups, and the consequences have always been catastrophic. Those who dismiss this as an overreaction are tragically missing the point. If left unchecked, this kind of rhetoric becomes mainstream.
It is critical for allies of the trans community to stand up and vocally oppose this rhetoric. This isn’t the time for platitudes or empty assurances; it’s time for concrete action. When you are an ally to trans people, it’s time to believe them when they say that things are getting worse and start thinking of ways that you can help instead of just hollow reassurances that “everything is going to be ok.” Remaining silent or offering weak support is no longer sufficient. The time for half-measures is over; it’s time to defend the rights and safety of trans people with the same passion and vigor as they deserve. It’s time to push back against hate speech and dangerous rhetoric, as well as push back the people who make these kinds of statements.
The call for violence is obvious here. The lawmaker is trying to incite fear, and they want to be taken seriously. The language used is meant to provoke a reaction, and the goal is to build support for the criminalization of trans people. When the time comes when they are ready to act on these words, who will have the power to stop them?
This isn’t just about the future of trans people; it’s about the future of democracy. If we allow this kind of hate speech to go unchecked, it will embolden those who seek to dismantle our fundamental rights and freedoms. It’s a slippery slope, and we must stand firm in defense of the principles of equality, justice, and human dignity. The MAGA movement can only break this country, they can’t run it this way. That’s why the line must be held.