Last week, actor and activist Emma Watson posted a photo of herself on Instagram sporting a t-shirt that read “Trans Rights are Human Rights”. Emma shared the photo with her 48.1 million followers as a show of support for trans people ahead of the UK’s public consultation to suggest improvements to the Gender Recognition Act 2004. The deadline for public submissions passed on Monday.
The post, which garnered over 3.5 million likes, proved to be incredibly significant for a number of trans people, including many trans children from around the world, who shared their illustrations of Emma to thank her for her support.
One mother thanked Emma for her gesture:
“Trans children were overjoyed this week to see Emma Watson come out for trans equality. Trans kids around the world are having a rough time and visible allies matter. Trans kids and siblings from around the world say thank you.”
She attached a number of drawings of Emma Watson as Belle and Hermione from trans children and their allies.
A nine year-old trans girl in Australia sent a picture of Emma as Hermione and wrote: “I love Hermione!”
By 9 year old trans girl, Australia pic.twitter.com/2Ef9Ao8GS9
— Dr Cal Horton (@FierceMum) October 22, 2018
One picture was sent by an eight year-old trans girl in Israel who said: “Thanks Emma so much, your statement means a lot.”
A huge number of siblings of trans children also submitted their drawings, thanking the actor for showing support.
By 11 year old big sister of trans girl, Australia pic.twitter.com/riwQWtcje2
— Dr Cal Horton (@FierceMum) October 22, 2018
Twitter user FierceMum acknowledged the need for allies to support trans people following a leaked memo from the Trump administration which threatens the legal recognition of trans people in the United States:
“On a normal day we would have a bunch of pictures from American trans kids. But their families are busy defending their right to exist. Trans kids need allies. They need support. They need to know the world cares.”
Emma thanked the children for reaching out to her. She tweeted: “#Won’tBeErased Thank you for these beautiful drawings!! #ProtectTransKids #TransRightsAreHumanRights.”
#WontBeErased ??? Thank you for these beautiful drawings!! #ProtectTransKids #TransRightsAreHumanRights https://t.co/8NPDPFjT1f
— Emma Watson (@EmmaWatson) October 22, 2018
A spokesperson from the Children’s Charity Mermaids extended their gratitude to the Harry Potter star:
“You have made so many children so very happy today. Thank you for standing up for trans kids. In a world where misinformation about trans children runs rife, to have you as an ally lifting their voices is amazing.”
© 2018 GCN (Gay Community News). All rights reserved.
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