In an effort to find community, I thought of joining genealogy groups. But I learned a harsh truth today:
Genealogy societies are dropping like flies.
Like a church I once regularly attended, they can't get with the times. As a result, they're dying.
What these folks (and the Mormons) need to realize is, there's no money in turning members away because they're not biological "daughters".
I was looking at this group as a possible new gathering place. You'd think that given their origins, they'd be inclusive, right?
Via email I learned: Nope. Trans women are not included. I shouldn't be surprised by this, I guess, considering the demographic and average age of the membership, but I did hope.
Then, after learning that although NSDAR includes trans women on a national level, I found out yesterday that my local chapter will be voting to decide to either stick with the national program, or ditch it and become a "resolute" chapter, like these bigots.
The fact that my chapter is even considering a vote tells me everything I need to know: at least one member here in my area wants a debate about this. And that's at least one person I want nothing to do with, and with whom I refuse to be associated.
I decided to perform more study, and the rabbit hole I ventured down was deep and dark. What have I done with my life? Should I even be involved in this hobby anymore?
It's tearing at my core. I've loved this activity since Gran joined the Mormon church and began gathering facts about his family, for temple work. I was SIX years old. I've acted as a genealogist longer than I've performed anything else. Who am I without this?
Through the darkness of white supremacy and exclusivity, the people in my close family who are trans, my very heart, are the light that helps me keep searching for good, kind, and true friends.
