| Adapted from an online discussion. Hi, Carolyn: I’m an educator and the parent of a trans kid. The legislative assaults on teachers and trans kids in an increasing number of states have me on high-panic, full-body alert at all times. I’m trying to balance the things I can control — broader advocacy where I can, protecting my own family — with what I can’t control, but I find my heart racing and my stomach churning with every new report. Stepping aside from engagement feels like it’s not an option, since material harm is being done and I feel a deep responsibility to speak out and agitate — and write letters and editorials. But my body can’t bear this adrenaline much longer. I’m walking, exercising, unplugging as much as I can, but I would be grateful for any other thoughts about how to be an effective activist without despair or burnout. It’s hard for me not to end this letter with a line or two about the life-or-death consequences of denying trans health care to kids. — Constant Internal Screaming | 
