Today, the United States celebrates Independence Day. This day, traditionally filled with patriotic fervor, fireworks, and family gatherings, ostensibly commemorates the founding principles of freedom and independence. However, for many, especially within marginalized communities, the messages we hear about freedom are starkly contrasted with recent legal and social developments that limit bodily autonomy and perpetuate discrimination. For transgender individuals, these contradictions are particularly poignant, as we face an ongoing battle for our existence and rights.
A Sobering Contrast: Freedom and Recent Legislation
Recent Supreme Court rulings have significantly impacted the perception of freedom in the United States. Anti-transgender legislation that restricts access to gender-affirming care further exacerbates one such ruling that limits a pregnant person’s right to bodily autonomy. This legal environment perpetuates a culture of exclusion and violence, disproportionately affecting transgender individuals.
For trans survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence, these rulings add layers of fear and barriers to accessing necessary post-assault care. The decisions made by the Supreme Court have emboldened some states to deem essential, trans-affirming care illegal. This legal regression strips away critical protections and support systems, leaving many trans individuals in precarious and vulnerable situations.
A Call to Action: Boycotting the Fourth of July
Amidst these troubling developments, some activists have called for a boycott of Fourth of July celebrations. They argue, “We are not in a place of progress or celebration when human rights are being taken away.” This call to action reflects a broader sentiment of disillusionment and resistance against widespread human rights violations.
The argument for boycotting Independence Day is not new. In 2020, educator and researcher Dana P. Saxon outlined nine reasons for not celebrating the Fourth of July, focusing on America’s history of racism and exploitation. Saxon highlighted the “Three-Fifths Compromise,” a 1787 decision that counted an enslaved person as three-fifths of a person. This historical context underscores the deep-seated inequities that have persisted since the nation’s founding.
At a New York event commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence, abolitionist Frederick Douglass poignantly remarked, “Your high independence only reveals the immeasurable distance between us.” Douglass’s words resonate today as we grapple with the continued legacy of inequality and injustice.
Indigenous Perspectives: A History of Genocide and Displacement
For many Indigenous people in America, Independence Day is not a time for celebration. The Declaration of Independence signaled the onset of a war of genocide against Indigenous nations. The colonization and subsequent displacement of Indigenous peoples remain a painful and unresolved part of American history.
The legacy of colonization has also deeply impacted Two-Spirit individuals, a term used by some Indigenous North American cultures to describe a person who embodies both masculine and feminine qualities. Two-Spirit people traditionally held revered roles within their communities, often serving as healers, counselors, and leaders. However, colonization brought with it European gender norms and a systematic erasure of Two-Spirit identities. This cultural genocide aimed to suppress Indigenous knowledge and practices, stripping Two-Spirit individuals of their roles and respect within their societies. Today, the fight for recognition and rights continues as Two-Spirit people work to reclaim their identities and heritage amidst ongoing discrimination and marginalization.
Indigenous rights advocate Daisee Francour emphasizes, “Freedom cannot exist on stolen land.” This stark reminder challenges the foundational narrative of American freedom and independence, urging a reevaluation of what these concepts truly mean. The inclusion of Two-Spirit perspectives enriches our understanding of the diverse and complex identities that have been oppressed yet continue to persevere and thrive.
The Legacy of Slavery: Unfinished Business
The history of slavery in the United States further complicates the Fourth of July celebration of freedom. When the 13th Amendment was ratified in 1865, slavery was formally abolished, “except as punishment for crime.” This exception has perpetuated a system of exploitation within the prison-industrial complex, where incarcerated individuals, disproportionately people of color, are often subjected to forced labor for minimal or no wages.
Calvin Duncan, who was freed in 2011 after more than 28 years of wrongful imprisonment, poignantly stated, “The 13th Amendment didn’t end slavery for people like me.” His words highlight the ongoing struggles faced by those entangled in the criminal justice system and underscore the need for comprehensive reform.
For Black transgender individuals, the legacy of slavery and systemic racism presents compounded challenges. They face a higher risk of violence, discrimination, and economic instability. The intersection of transphobia and racism creates unique barriers that often lead to harsher treatment within the criminal justice system and fewer opportunities for support and recovery. Black trans women, in particular, experience disproportionately high rates of violence and homicide, reflecting a societal failure to protect some of its most vulnerable members. Addressing these issues requires a commitment to both racial and gender justice, recognizing the interwoven nature of these struggles.
A New Form of Protest: Reimagining Independence Day
In light of these historical and current injustices, the overturning of Roe v. Wade has prompted many to reconsider their celebration of the Fourth of July. Due to a call for raising American flags upside down on social media this year, some people have decided to “celebrate” differently. According to the U.S. Flag Code, flying the flag inverted is a legal signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property. This act of protest symbolizes the urgency and gravity of the current human rights crisis.
While many of us might alter our plans for the Fourth of July, it’s crucial to comprehend the background and significance of Independence Day boycotts organized by black and Indigenous people in America since the holiday’s inception. These actions are not new but are part of a long-standing tradition of resistance and advocacy for true freedom and equality.
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Reflecting on Freedom: A Call for Solidarity and Action
On today, the Fourth of July, it is essential to reflect on the words of poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou: “The truth is, no one of us can be free until everybody is free.” This powerful statement calls for solidarity and action in the face of growing injustice.
For the transgender community, Independence Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for recognition, rights, and survival. It is a call to continue advocating for trans-affirming care, challenging discriminatory laws, and supporting one another in the pursuit of true freedom. True freedom for transgender individuals means access to necessary healthcare, including hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgeries, without fear of legal repercussions or social stigma. It means the right to live authentically, without the threat of violence, discrimination, or economic hardship. It means being recognized and respected in one’s gender identity in all aspects of life—from employment to housing to education. The fight for trans freedom is not just about individual rights but about dismantling the systemic barriers that have long oppressed the transgender community. It is about creating a society where every person, regardless of their gender identity, can thrive and live their life to the fullest.
Independence Day should not only be a celebration of past achievements but also a day of recommitment to the ongoing struggle for equality and justice. It is a day to honor the resilience and courage of the transgender community and to recognize that the fight for freedom is far from over. By standing in solidarity and taking collective action, we can ensure that the promise of freedom and independence is truly inclusive and extends to everyone.
The Bottom Line
This Fourth of July, let us take a moment to acknowledge the struggles and resilience of marginalized communities. Let us honor the legacy of those who have fought for justice and equality and commit to building a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
The fight for freedom and human rights is far from over, but together, we can make a difference. By understanding the historical and current context of Independence Day, we can engage in meaningful actions that promote justice and equality. Let us stand in solidarity with those who continue to fight for their rights and work towards a future where everyone can truly celebrate their independence.
This update acknowledges the recent legal challenges and societal issues that continue to affect the transgender community. It is a call to recognize the broader historical and current struggles for true freedom and equality. Let us use this Fourth of July as an opportunity to reflect, resist, and recommit to the fight for justice and human rights for all.
