Outward: Building Movements with Gender Liberation March Organizers Raquel Willis and Eliel Cruz
Oct 30, 2024
auto_awesome
Raquel Willis, a writer and activist known for her memoir "The Risk It Takes to Bloom," and Eliel Cruz, an organizer and columnist with Gay Times, dive into the significance of the Gender Liberation March in D.C. They discuss connecting reproductive rights with medical transitions in a challenging political landscape. The conversation emphasizes the urgency of intersectional activism beyond elections, the importance of grassroots movements, and the need for authentic media representation of trans issues. Together, they highlight how gender liberation can empower all communities.
The Gender Liberation March highlights the need for ongoing political engagement that transcends election cycles, advocating for sustained grassroots activism.
Organizers emphasize the importance of intersectional collaboration among diverse advocacy groups to tackle interconnected issues of bodily autonomy and marginalized communities.
Deep dives
Intersection of Political Struggles and Gender Liberation
The Gender Liberation March was organized to connect issues of abortion and reproductive rights with the political struggle for medical transition. This event aimed to highlight the ongoing legislative attacks on the LGBTQ community, particularly in relation to gender-affirming care, which have occurred under both Democratic and Republican leadership. Organizers emphasized that the fight extends beyond the upcoming election and called for sustained political engagement beyond just voting. By participating in this march, individuals were encouraged to recognize the broader context of ongoing struggles for bodily autonomy and acceptance.
Redefining Organizing Beyond Elections
The organizers discussed their approach to political activism, focusing on the importance of ongoing grassroots efforts rather than solely electoral politics. They likened electoral engagement to just one aspect of a larger menu of organizing strategies, stressing the need for collective actions and solidarity that continue beyond election cycles. They advocated for diversifying the types of social justice initiatives that activists could engage with, such as mutual aid and support for marginalized communities. This shift in perspective aims to challenge the limits of political activism traditionally focused on election seasons.
Building Coalitions for Lasting Impact
The march aimed to unite various groups working in reproductive justice and trans rights to create a more inclusive movement capable of addressing intersecting issues. Organizers pointed to the success of forming coalitions among different advocacy groups, which had previously operated in silos, and emphasized the need for a shared vision for the future. By amplifying issues like Project 2025 and the ongoing Supreme Court cases affecting trans care, they paved the way for broader public discourse on these critical topics. This initiative encapsulates the belief that intersectional collaboration can foster a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by marginalized populations.
Reimagining Gender Politics and Community Engagement
A major goal of the march was to disrupt the dominant narratives surrounding gender and bodily autonomy, advocating for a more inclusive understanding of these issues affecting all communities. The organizers emphasized the interconnectivity of various struggles, arguing that enhancing gender liberation should not be framed as merely pro-trans but rather as a broader societal transformation. They called for a collective realization that addressing societal issues such as homelessness, healthcare access, and violence against marginalized groups would require a robust, intersectional approach. By fostering community-driven initiatives, they aim to create a sustainable framework for ongoing change that resonates with people's lived experiences.
On September 14th 2024, thousands of people joined the Gender Liberation March in Washington D.C. to join the call to protect reproductive health, bodily autonomy, and comprehensive healthcare access. In this episode, Jules Gill-Peterson sits down with lead organizers Raquel Willis and Eliel Cruz to talk about the march and movement building during an election year. Raquel and Eliel share into their intersectional approach to organizing and how gender liberation frees us all.