Despite this, as the gay liberation movement gained political traction in the 1970s and 80s, it often pushed trans people aside in favor of a more "palatable" narrative—one focused on white, middle-class, cisgender gays and lesbians seeking marriage equality and military service. This painful schism explains why the "T" in LGBTQ is not decorative. It represents a community that was told to wait its turn, yet refused to leave the table.
Despite this, as the gay liberation movement gained political traction in the 1970s and 80s, it often pushed trans people aside in favor of a more "palatable" narrative—one focused on white, middle-class, cisgender gays and lesbians seeking marriage equality and military service. This painful schism explains why the "T" in LGBTQ is not decorative. It represents a community that was told to wait its turn, yet refused to leave the table.