Calling All Transgender People: Join Our 'I Won't Be Erased' Video

As the recent revelation that the Department of Health and Human Services hopes to define transgender people out of existence shows, transgender rights are under attack in the United States.

We at The Advocate wish to uplift as many transgender voices as possible during this scary and traumatic time for the community. That is why we hope to put together a video featuring the voices of as many transgender people as possible. And we need your help to make it happen.

If you identify as transgender and wish to participate in the video, please:

1. Film yourself using anything you have available (computer, phone, digital camera, etc.) saying the following script:

"I am a ____________. I am transgender. And I won't be erased."

The ____________ can be anything you wish to share about yourself: Mother, father, parent, brother, sister, sibling, friend, wife, husband, partner, teacher, construction worker, or any other identity that you want others to realize that trans people can be.

2. Upload the video to our Google Drive submission form (also see the link below) by 9 a.m. Pacific on Friday, October 26.

This video compilation is open to anyone who identifies as transgender, regardless of whether you identify as genderqueer, nonbinary, gender-nonconforming, within the gender binary, or anywhere else within the community. We want to share your voice.

Please try to keep all videos under 100 MB if possible, in order to enable others to have the most space to upload their own videos. All videos must be uploaded no later than 9 a.m. on Friday, October 26. We look forward to seeing all your wonderful messages.

The Google Drive submission form can be accessed here.

Also, by uploading your message, please be aware that we will most likely be adding it to a video that will be shared across social media. We recognize that due to safety concerns, access to equipment, or other issues, not every transgender person has the ability to participate in this video. Please know that even if you choose not to or cannot participate for any reason, we still see you, support you, and will always fight alongside you.

Any questions? Please leave them below in the comments section.