Time and time again, we have seen a growing alliance of allies

"Time and time again, we have seen a growing alliance of allies who are willing to stand with trans people, who are educating themselves on trans identity and trans equality, and who understand that our lives are worth celebrating and that our cause matters." These words from Sarah McBride carry an urgent and uplifting truth: the world is witnessing a shift, one where the transgender community is no longer standing alone in its fight for equality and recognition. McBride speaks to the emerging solidarity from those who are willing to educate themselves, speak up, and take action. This growing alliance of allies shows that the fight for equality is not one confined to the marginalized, but one that demands the participation of all—an urgent call to the rest of society to join in lifting up transgender voices, affirming their worth, and celebrating their lives.

In the ancient world, the concept of justice and solidarity was often bound by the idea of family or tribe. In Athens, Socrates taught that true virtue and wisdom came from living in harmony with others, and that a just society would embrace the diversity of its members. But even within the great empires of the past, people who did not fit the mainstream view of society—whether due to gender, sexuality, or race—were often cast aside, their lives not considered worthy of equal standing. Yet, there have always been allies—those who stood alongside the oppressed and fought for their dignity. Socrates, for example, though not directly advocating for the marginalized, believed that every individual’s soul mattered and deserved to be understood and treated justly. McBride’s words are a reminder that this ancient ideal is still alive today, that the fight for equality must always be shared by those willing to learn and listen.

Consider the story of Harriet Tubman, a woman born into slavery, who risked her life repeatedly to help others escape through the Underground Railroad. Tubman did not fight alone. Though she was an essential leader, many others supported her cause, often at great risk to their own safety. These allies were from different walks of life—white abolitionists, other enslaved people, and free Black men and women—who understood that the cause for freedom was not just one for a few, but for all. The support of these allies was what made the Underground Railroad a powerful force for change. Similarly, McBride speaks to the growing alliance of allies today, individuals who are willing to stand with transgender people in their pursuit of equality and dignity.

This alliance of allies reflects the ancient wisdom of the Romans, who, despite their empire's military might, saw their greatest strength in their ability to incorporate and respect a variety of cultures and peoples. The Roman Empire expanded not by imposing a singular identity, but by acknowledging the diverse cultures it ruled over, integrating them into the fabric of the empire. McBride’s reference to those allies who stand with the transgender community is a modern echo of this idea. Just as Rome prospered by respecting the diversity of its people, so too will society thrive when it acknowledges the worth of all its members, transgender and cisgender alike. McBride’s call for solidarity is not just about support; it’s about embracing diversity in ways that uplift everyone, recognizing that transgender equality is not an isolated fight but a fundamental human one.

The growing alliance McBride speaks of is mirrored in the real-world progress made in transgender rights. In recent years, we have seen powerful transformations—laws protecting transgender individuals from discrimination, the visibility of transgender people in media, and an increasing number of cisgender allies speaking out in favor of transgender equality. Barack Obama’s support for transgender rights during his presidency is a testament to this change. Under his leadership, the Obama Administration pushed for federal protections against discrimination based on gender identity, underscoring the power of allies in amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. The growing recognition that transgender rights are human rights is proof of the shift in societal understanding, where the lives of transgender people are increasingly seen as worthy of celebration and respect.

The key lesson from McBride’s words is the importance of allyship. Solidarity cannot be a passive stance—it must be active, intentional, and engaged. For those of us who are not directly affected by issues like transgender rights, it is crucial that we educate ourselves, amplify the voices of those in the community, and actively support policies that promote equality and justice. Just as Harriet Tubman was able to lead a successful movement for freedom with the help of her allies, so too can the transgender community achieve greater equality and visibility when supported by allies who understand the importance of their struggle. McBride’s call is not just for the transgender community to fight alone—it is for everyone to recognize that their fight for equality is everyone’s fight.

Future generations must remember this: equality is not achieved by the efforts of the marginalized alone but by the willingness of all people to engage, support, and stand beside those who are striving for justice. McBride’s message teaches that our fight for equality is not one of isolated struggles, but one of shared humanity. Whether standing with transgender people, people of color, or women, we must be willing to educate ourselves, challenge our biases, and support those who are most vulnerable. In the end, we create a world that is truly just and inclusive when every voice is heard, and every life is valued. Let us stand together, as allies, for a world that celebrates diversity and individuality.