These are dire times. Human rights, and especially the rights of trans folks, are under attack. And thankfully, some of the crime fiction community has come together to fight back. For the next week, leading up to the March 31st Day of Trans Visibility, over 100 crime writers are participating in an auction benefitting the Transgender Law Center, including such folks as Roxane Gay, David Baldacci, Gillian Flynn, Louise Penny, and many more.
According to the fundraiser’s press release, “this initiative…was started by a group of crime fiction writers who were troubled by the increasing restrictions on trans identities and the attempts to erase them. Originally unsure of how much support this effort would receive, they were moved by the enthusiasm of so many prominent writers.”
Trans author, attorney, and advocate Robyn Gigl adds: “I honestly wish this initiative wasn’t necessary, but unfortunately, it is. The trans community is a relatively small segment of the population and that why it’s so vitally important for our allies to stand with us and support us. It’s an honor to be part of this effort.”
Those who would like to donate directly instead of bidding on auction items can do so easily from the auction home page, and as of this writing, the fundraising effort has already brought in over half of the organizers’ set goal. Thanks to the crime writers (and readers) who’ve made this possible, and here’s hoping we’ll see the mystery community engaged in plenty more activism to come.
