My name is Beck Martens, I'm genderqueer, and I'm directly impacted by attacks on reproductive rights. But the language of the pro-choice movement doesn't recognize me. That's why I and activist friends Alice, a cis-woman and Calliope, a trans-woman, are asking NARAL and Planned Parenthood to commit to trans* inclusivity in all future campaigns.

The rhetoric of the pro-choice movement is typically based around the assumption that only folks who identify as women are hurt by restrictions on reproductive health care - such as abortion and contraception. #StandWithTexasWomen took the stage in 2013; “Trust Women” has been the mantra of this movement for decades. This language excludes trans* and gender non-conforming (GNC) people and thus, the movement has failed to address our reproductive and sexual health needs.

By becoming trans* inclusive – and by demonstrating this through campaigns, educational literature, and in services provided – NARAL and Planned Parenthood will prove their commitment to trans* folks’ health and wellness. By using inclusive language they will make the trans* community more visible and therefore creating a safer environment for trans* and GNC people. NARAL and Planned Parenthood have raised awareness and taken part in activism on behalf of trans* and GNC folks in the past, but it’s time for them to fully commit to being allies to the trans* community.

We know that NARAL and Planned Parenthood are #ProTransProChoice; we just want them to show it.