There’s no shortage of voices eager to tear down trans people. From politicians pushing bathroom bans to right-wing media outlets spinning fearmongering narratives, the broader world has made its hostility clear. And yet, too often, we see trans people publicly tearing each other down as well.
When I first began coming out in 2017, the Morgan Page Rule was frequently cited on Twitter as an essential guideline for trans community engagement. It was a reminder that, even as we struggled with our own insecurities and evolving identities, we owed each other care and protection. Seeing it widely referenced at that time helped shape my understanding of what solidarity could look like in practice. But as time passed, I saw fewer people reference it, myself included. That’s why I believe it’s time to reaffirm and commit to the Morgan Page Rule: Try to avoid criticizing other trans people in public. The world does it enough already.
The Origins of the Morgan Page Rule
Morgan M Page, a writer and advocate, first articulated this principle to help trans communities navigate internal conflicts without adding fuel to the fire of external transphobia. The idea is simple: trans people already face relentless scrutiny and attacks from society at large. When we turn on each other in public forums, we’re not just engaging in debate—we’re giving ammunition to those who seek to harm us.
The principle isn’t about silencing necessary conversations. It’s about considering where and how those conversations happen. Do we want to hash out grievances in the open, where bad-faith actors can twist our words against us? Or do we want to resolve conflicts in ways that prioritize care, accountability, and collective well-being?
Acknowledging My Own Failures
I want to be honest: I have not always abided by this rule. There have been times when I have joined in on mocking another trans person who posted something ratio-able on Twitter. There have even been times when I have started it. I regret all of that and consider those instances a failure to adhere to my own values and to set a good example for others. I recognize now that participating in that kind of public pile-on, even when it felt justified in the moment, ultimately contributed to the harm I wish to prevent.
This isn’t about pretending to be perfect. It’s about striving to do better. We all make mistakes, and the important thing is learning from them. That’s why I believe so strongly in adopting the Morgan Page Rule—not just as an abstract principle, but as something I personally commit to upholding.
Why Solidarity Matters
Florence Ashley, a scholar and advocate known for their work on trans rights and ethics, wrote Trans Rules of Engagement, which highlights how essential community is to trans survival. Our relationships with each other are not just friendships; they are often lifelines. When we publicly denounce each other, we risk isolating people who might already be struggling. We reinforce the message that trans people are disposable—that one misstep or disagreement is enough to exile someone from the community.
Ashley makes it clear: fostering a healthier trans community isn’t optional—it’s necessary for survival. Here are the key principles they emphasize:
Recognizing shared trauma and human fallibility.
Affirming that no one is disposable.
Prioritizing life and well-being over being right.
Ensuring no one is deprived of community.
Understanding that harm doesn’t necessitate further harm.
These principles align perfectly with the Morgan Page Rule. Rather than feeding the cycle of public call-outs and condemnation, we can choose to handle disagreements in ways that minimize harm.
Putting the Rule Into Practice
Adopting the Morgan Page Rule doesn’t mean ignoring harmful behavior. It means addressing concerns thoughtfully and privately when possible. Here’s how:
Think before you post. If you’re about to criticize another trans person publicly, ask yourself: Who benefits from this criticism? Is this about holding someone accountable, or is it about personal frustration? Will this lead to meaningful change, or just more division?
Use private channels first. If you have a serious concern about someone’s behavior, consider reaching out privately before making a public statement.
Take a breath. Sometimes, the best response is no response—at least not right away. Giving yourself time to reflect can prevent unnecessary conflict.
Acknowledge complexity. Trans people are not a monolith, and we don’t all have to agree. But we do have a shared stake in our collective well-being.
Addressing the Criticisms
Some argue that public accountability is necessary, especially when people cause harm. And they’re right—harm shouldn’t be ignored. But public accountability should not mean public humiliation. We need to be thoughtful about how we address harm, ensuring that our approach actually leads to healing and growth rather than further division.
The reality is that trans people are not the ones with the most power in society. We are already scrutinized under an unrelenting spotlight. Instead of reinforcing the narratives of our opponents, we can model a different way—one rooted in mutual care, community, and a refusal to let internal disputes make us weaker.
The Power of Choosing Each Other
We don’t have the luxury of infinite community. Too many trans people know what it’s like to be rejected by family, abandoned by institutions, and denied basic dignity. If we can’t offer each other solidarity, who will?
Adopting the Morgan Page Rule isn’t about suppressing dissent or refusing to engage with real issues. It’s about choosing to protect one another from the forces that seek to erase us. It’s about believing that, even when we disagree, we are still on the same side.
The world does enough to divide us. We don’t have to help them.
Oh my God, I love every word of this so much. SO VERY MUCH!
I attended my first Transgender Awareness event recently as a CIS-HET straight White man from Rural America and all I have to say about it is this:
I found my people.