Donald Trump recently reposted an article that praised his transphobic military policies. The article featured an upside-down pink triangle, a symbol that was used by Nazis to mark gay people during the Holocaust, much like the Star of David was used to identify Jews. Those marked with the pink triangle endured horrific treatment, including medical experiments, castration and mass execution.
How much more blatant does this administration need to be before the American people have had enough? I cannot stand by while my LGBTQ students feel like they must walk on eggshells or my international students wonder if they truly belong here, especially amid the relentless barrage of harmful policies and rhetoric.
When we passively allow our workplaces to erase assurances that people from all walks of life are valued, we are left with nothing but symbols like the upside-down pink triangle — symbols that fuel hate, discrimination, and violence.
It’s time to speak out and fill the streets. It’s time to be bold because waiting this out won’t work for those who are already vulnerable to hate crimes and suicide. We cannot remain silent any longer.
Veronika Tait, Ephraim