By Francesc Borrull · March 29, 2024

In the heart of a gathering, where souls of diverse colors and experiences mingled under the banner of the Queer Coalition at ISU, I found myself drawn into a narrative spun by Jules Trobaugh, a beacon of resilience in a world often dimmed by discrimination. As a cisgender heterosexual man, my presence may have seemed incongruous, but my intent was clear: to stand in solidarity, to absorb knowledge, and to weave it into the fabric of my own journey as an educator.

Jules’ words, like a torrential downpour, drenched my mind with statistics and stories of struggle. From workplace discrimination to familial rejection, from the doctor’s office to the street corner, the LGBTQ+ community still faces a deluge of bigotry. And as Jules recounted her own battles as a trans woman, her unwavering resolve pierced through the chaos, resonating with a simple truth: this fight, at its core, is about love versus hate.

Born on Alabama soil, where acceptance often feels like a distant dream, Jules embodied a defiance that echoed another tale—the haunting saga of Brandon Teena, immortalized in “Boys Don’t Cry” (1999). That film, with its raw portrayal of tragedy, shook me to my core, serving as a stark reminder that ignorance and intolerance can fester into violence.

Yet, amidst the darkness, there were flickers of light. Memories surfaced of a transgender woman from my own past, a figure shrouded in controversy and condemnation. Even as a child, I could sense the injustice, the senseless cruelty that shrouded her existence. And though my understanding was limited then, my resolve to stand against the tide of hate was unwavering.

As I stand amidst the echoes of struggle and triumph, my heart swells with an ineffable sense of reverence. For in the stories of Brandon Teena, Jules Trobaugh, and the transgender woman from my childhood, I find not just tales of adversity, but beacons of resilience, guiding lights in a world often shrouded in darkness.

Their lives, etched with the scars of prejudice and pain, speak to the depths of human courage and the enduring power of the human spirit. In Brandon, I see a soul unyielding in the face of hatred, a testament to the indomitable nature of the human will. In Jules, I find a voice that pierces through the cacophony of bigotry, demanding to be heard, demanding justice, demanding love.

And in the nameless transgender woman of my hometown, I glimpse the silent struggle of countless souls, whose stories may never be told but whose presence lingers in the fabric of our collective memory. Their existence is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, a reminder that in the face of adversity, love will always triumph over hate.

In contemplating their journeys, I am compelled to consider the philosophical moral principles that condemn discrimination in all its forms. At the core of these principles lies the recognition of the inherent dignity and worth of every individual. To discriminate against another is to deny their humanity, to diminish the rich tapestry of human experience that makes our world so vibrant and diverse.

Furthermore, discrimination perpetuates a cycle of injustice and inequality, robbing individuals of opportunities and rights that should rightfully be theirs. It breeds resentment and division, like unequal access to healthcare or discriminatory housing policies, tearing at the fabric of society and eroding the bonds of community that sustain us all.

Therefore, let us embrace compassion as our guiding principle, recognizing that true empathy requires us to see beyond the surface and to acknowledge the struggles and triumphs of others as our own. Let us cultivate a spirit of love and acceptance, understanding that diversity is not a threat but a source of strength.

Moreover, let us commit ourselves to the pursuit of justice. This means advocating for the rights of those who are marginalized and oppressed, dismantling the systems of power and privilege that perpetuate discrimination. We can achieve this by supporting LGBTQ+ organizations working towards equality, advocating for fair and inclusive policies, and educating ourselves and others about these issues. Only through such efforts can we create a world where equality is not just a dream but a reality.

For in the end, the fight against discrimination is not just a matter of morality but of survival. It is a battle for the soul of humanity, a struggle to uphold the values of compassion, justice, and equality that lie at the heart of our shared humanity.

So let us, dear reader, pledge to walk hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder, in solidarity with those who face discrimination and prejudice. Let us be the change we wish to see in the world, the architects of a brighter tomorrow, where acceptance reigns supreme and love knows no bounds. We must remember that this fight is a marathon, not a sprint. Overcoming hate requires not just individual acts of love, but sustained effort to build understanding, dismantle discriminatory systems, and create a world where equity is a reality. Because hate for one is hate for all, and in the end, it is our collective humanity that stands to lose. Let us, then, be the champions of love, the torchbearers of hope, for in the end, it is love alone that will ultimately prevail, but it will require unwavering commitment from all of us.

© Francesc Borrull, 2024