Dirt Clods, Moving Mountains, Staying in Our Lane

Lately, people have been asking me how I’m coping with the latest executive orders and legislative attacks on trans and non-binary individuals.

The short answer? I’m fine. Because here’s the thing—these policies, these attempts to erase or invalidate us, are nothing more than dirt clods.

They may be thrown with force, but they crumble on impact. Being non-binary, being trans—these aren’t political debates or ideological stances. They are facts of life. You can’t legislate us away any more than you can outlaw gravity.

That doesn’t mean these dirt clods don’t make a mess. They harm real people in real ways—limiting access, spreading fear, and emboldening those who seek to do harm. But they do not, and cannot, define who we are. No law, executive order, or bad-faith argument can shake the truth of my identity.

So I stay planted. Rooted in who I am.

I refuse to let my sense of self be dictated by someone else’s agenda. And I remind those around me: we are not fragile. We are not
temporary. We are not going anywhere.

Let them throw their dirt clods. We’ll keep growing. But resilience alone isn’t enough. Standing firm in who we are is essential, but so is recognizing when the real danger isn’t the dirt clods but the shifting ground beneath us. Here’s why:

I’m not as concerned about the dirt clods as I am about the maneuvers happening behind the scenes—actions that resemble a coup détat more than an administration. It’s easy to become distracted, to exhaust ourselves chasing after every clod hurled our way. But doing so only depletes our energy and diverts our focus from the more insidious threats.

We each have the power to make a difference, but we must be strategic.

Instead of scattering our efforts, when you take a stand, choose a specific cause or “lane” and commit to it. Consider Michael Moore, for example. Through his podcast and writings, he continues to challenge political norms and advocate for progressive change. Currently, he’s ramping up his advocacy efforts—stay tuned.

Or take Belle of the Ranch, who publishes daily on her YouTube channel, offering insightful discussions from a Southern perspective for those tired of a lack of common sense. Her consistent content provides valuable perspectives and fosters informed dialogue.

Some of my clients are forming neighborhood response teams to support each other in times of need. Others write to their legislators, volunteer with activist groups, or donate money. Each action, focused and deliberate, contributes to the larger movement. We will burn out if we try to do all the things.

You don’t have to make a difference in every possible area. Find your lane and commit to it.

Here are five ways to identify your lane:

1. Assess Your Passions: What issues ignite your passion? Where do you feel a personal connection or a strong desire to see change?
2. Evaluate Your Skills: Consider your strengths and talents. How can they be applied to support a cause effectively?
3. Research Needs: Look into various movements and identify where there is a significant need for support or where your contribution could have a substantial impact.
4. Reflect on Values: Align your chosen cause with your core values to ensure sustained commitment and fulfillment.
5. Start Local: Sometimes, the most impactful work begins in your own community. Identify local organizations or initiatives that resonate with you.

Together, we can move mountains. But first, we must each determine the tool we’ll use to join the collective effort.

Find your lane. Commit to it. The way forward isn’t to run in every direction—it’s to move with purpose. Stay with it.

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