Words Matter: SFWPC Supports Trans Women in Public Life

The SFWPC Board condemns the remarks made by Supervisor Peskin in describing a Transgender woman in San Francisco politics.

We appreciate Supervisor Peskin’s apology, particularly his clarification on Twitter taking additional accountability for his comments, and we acknowledge his public support of women in other areas of SF politics. However, his characterization of his initial comments as “inelegant” is disappointing and does not take full accountability for the harm his words caused.

The context of what the Trans community is facing in our country at this moment should be taken seriously by each of us, especially our elected leaders. While Trans people are not and should not be immune to critique for their behavior, it is irresponsible to critique them in a way that plays into tropes used by dangerous forces to invalidate their existence, regardless of intent. Trans women of color face increased rates of violence, employment discrimination, family rejection and lack of access to health care.

Words matter. We should hold our elected leaders to the highest standard when it comes to their remarks about people from historically marginalized communities, and expect them to consider the consequences of what they say. This is not about one person or one election. We join with our sisters and allies in the public arena in solidarity in calling for a moment of reflection and reckoning.