Intersectional Discrimination: Toxicity of Ableism and Transphobia
This is the article I wrote ahead of my interview with Pink News in response to Micah Leroy’s video posted on Instagram on the 16th January 2025 and the toxic comments it received. In his video he shared his elation at being almost one month post top surgery. Not only where there thousands of abuses comments but also Micah’s video was reposted with discriminatory rhetoric and used as a political tool. I recorded my own video in support of Micah, with the hope of rallying support from Trans+, Non Binary folk and our allies. I consulted Micah before sending my article to Pink News and asked for his input and approval. I was aware that in Pink News’s article, they would not include everything I wrote. This is my original, unabridged version.
Reporters question:
Regarding questions, I am happy to run with whatever you feel needs to be said.
I would like to touch on your reaction to the nasty articles out there, what you think people should know about Micah and his transition and the impact such hate online can have on people.
My response:
I cannot, nor have any intention on speaking on behalf of Micah. The guy has his own voice, autonomy and authority over his body and identity. In my opinion Micah’s decision to post this video, would in an ideal world, be enough to indicate to viewers that he is the same as any other Trans person wanting to document their transition.
Talking from personal experience as an activist and Awareness Speaker, who is also a trans man with Cerebral Palsy; I am horrified by the overall reaction Micah’s video has received. I believe the timing of his post, coinciding with Meta’s free speech charges and the run up to the presidential inauguration, unfortunately leading to a toxic storm of Transphobia and Ableism.
I felt that I needed to speak up; putting my head above the current social media parapet (or perhaps more accurately) cesspit, supporting Micah by posting a video across my social media. My main focus was to highlight the backlash to other Trans+, Non-Binary, Disabled and Allie activists. Showing the blatant abuse and harassment being aimed at Micah, people close to him and the medical professionals involved in his care. My hope was to rally support and elevate voices of other disabled Trans+ and Non Binary folk.
Micah’s video provides a catalyst for a much larger conversation. This relates to how physically disabled people are viewed and treated in society. Speaking from personal experience, there has been many instances in my life where I feel that I am considered as more of a commodity rather than an autonomic individual. I face this attitude in daily life. In relation to my gender identity, people have asked: “don’t you have enough to contend with?". This is referencing that my Cerebral Palsy must make me “different enough”, so why would I ”choose” to segregate myself further? The reality is, as the queer community and allies know, we haven’t ‘chosen’ to be Trans any more than we ‘chose’ to be disabled.
Sexuality altogether completely separate from gender identity, continues to be a difficult concept for some non disabled people to get their heads round. We are often seen as non sexual beings, infantilised due to assumed vulnerability or because we may have more obstacles to navigate. However, this does not and should not exclude us from expressing our sexuality. The visibility of physical disability and Gender Identity can attract controversy because the systemic notion that disabled people have less agency. This is combined with the currant politically driven hyper focus on Trans+ and Non Binary people, and the supposed question of our rights and existents.
Disabled people of all sexualities and gender identities have the right for full autonomy over their bodies and the freedom to choose, express and thrive.
I wholeheartedly stand by Micah for sharing his transition and hope that his courageous act helps other disabled Trans+ and Non Binary folk.