But just as it is the responsibility of Muslims around the world to root out misguided ideas that lead to radicalization, it is the responsibility of all Americans — of every faith — to reject discrimination.

The likelihood there’s going to be the Taliban overrunning everything and owning the whole country is highly unlikely.

“Discrimination is not done by villains. It’s done by us.”

Human rights require a dedication to equality at every intersection of life.

Being exceptional isn’t revolutionary, it’s lonely. It separates you from your community. Who are you, really, without community? I have been held up consistently as a token, as the “right” kind of trans woman (educated, able-bodied, attractive, articulate, heteronormative). It promotes the delusion that because I “made it,” that level of success is easily accessible to all young trans women. Let’s be clear: It is not.

Rightful liberty is unobstructed action according to our will within limits drawn around us by the equal rights of others. I do not add 'within the limits of the law' because law is often but the tyrant's will, and always so when it violates the rights of the individual.

We have talked long enough in this country about equal rights. It is time now to write the next chapter - and to write it in the books of law.

I'm not an activist; I don't look for controversy. I'm not a political person, but I'm a person with compassion. I care passionately about equal rights. I care about human rights. I care about animal rights.

The demand for equal rights in every vocation of life is just and fair; but, after all, the most vital right is the right to love and be loved.