Silence is a Statement: The Spirits Industry’s Opportunity in a Time of Crisis

By Chris Cabrera

This year, National Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) carries a heavier weight than ever before. Since its creation in 2009, TDOV has been a day to celebrate Trans, Nonbinary, and gender-expansive people—their resilience, passions, and contributions to the world. It was meant to be a day of recognition and joy. But in 2025, visibility has become dangerous.

We are the smallest demographic in the country, making up only 0.5% of the U.S. population, and yet we are the most targeted. Across the country, laws are being passed to erase us from public life entirely. This has never been about bathrooms, sports, or children’s safety. It has always been about eliminating Trans people from public existence.

But Trans people have existed throughout history. The erasure of our legal rights will not make us disappear—it will only make life more dangerous for us. Our Transcestors fought through worse so that my generation and those after me could experience some sense of safety, of normalcy. 

I spoke with Jay Reingold (33), a parent navigating the fears of raising a child in this political climate, and Kimber Bering (32), a Latina Trans woman finding her way in a new city. Their experiences mirror my own.

“I second-guess how vocal I am in spaces that used to feel safe. I assumed certain bars and industry spaces were welcoming, but now, I don’t feel that security anymore.”

—Jay Reingold

“My personal life has shifted into survival mode. My partner and I have contingency plans in case we need to leave the country abruptly. I avoid traveling to certain places now. I don’t take the subway alone at night. My partner walks me home after shifts. The only place I feel in control is behind the bar, where I reclaim a sense of power.”

—Kimber Bering

The emotional and mental toll of this moment is relentless. Jay wakes up each morning knowing they will read about another right being taken away. Kimber lives in constant vigilance, unsure of what new law, new attack, or new danger might be around the corner. 

“The worst part is knowing that most of our colleagues don’t care enough to do anything about it.”

–Chris Cabrera

The Spirits and Beverage industry has long prided itself on being progressive, diverse, and inclusive. And yet, in this crisis, many of our so-called allies have chosen inaction.

Where can we go to feel safe?

For those of us in the Spirits and Beverage industry, the answer is no longer clear.

Over the past decade, we’ve seen industry-wide conversations about inclusivity, safe spaces, and equity. Many bars, brands, and organizations have claimed to be allies. Yet, as the rights of Trans people are stripped away in real time, those same voices have gone silent.

Some colleagues say, “I voted. I did my part.” But a vote alone does not make an ally. Others avoid the conversation entirely, unwilling to risk their own comfort with friends and family. Meanwhile, these same people continue supporting businesses and individuals that actively exclude us.

It is heartbreaking to witness. It calls into question the validity of every effort made over the last seven years to build a more inclusive industry. 

If your allyship only exists when it’s convenient, then it’s not real allyship. The opportunity to show support is happening now. 

There are bars that Trans people no longer feel safe entering. There are brands that have publicly supported us in the past but have gone completely silent. There are industry leaders who claim to value diversity but their silence has been deafening.

Some organizations— for example, Focus on Health, Another Round Another Rally, and Safe Bars—are doing the work. Join us. The entire industry must be aware, accountable, and actively working toward safety and equity for Trans professionals and patrons. Community protects those most vulnerable within it. 

What does real support look like? 

Both Jay and Kimber were clear: small acts of support matter, but tangible action is critical.

Jay put it simply: “Maybe just say it. Out loud. Post something about your support. Provide Trans-specific health resources. A hotline. Grants. These small actions add up. Visibility matters, and the refusal to acknowledge the crisis facing Trans people is an active choice.”

Kimber, who has experienced both the highs and lows of working in this industry, was more direct. “Hire us. Give us the same resources and opportunities as our cisgender colleagues. Programs to help us enter and thrive in this industry.” It is not enough to include Trans people in marketing materials while failing to create pathways for actual inclusion and safety.

Real support doesn’t mean just slapping a flag in a window during Pride. It means creating safe spaces year-round. It means offering protections, advocating for our rights, and ensuring we have access to the same opportunities as everyone else. It means showing up—when it’s uncomfortable, when it’s inconvenient, when it’s necessary.

If you say you’re an ally, join us.

Start by speaking up. Publicly affirm your support for Trans people. Silence emboldens those who seek to harm us. If you believe in our humanity, say it. If you are a business owner, post it. Acknowledge that Trans people are under attack, and make it clear that we are welcome and safe in your spaces.

Educate yourself. It is not the job of Trans people to constantly explain why we deserve to exist. Read. Listen. Do the work so that we don’t have to keep doing the emotional labor for you.

Hold spaces accountable. Stop supporting businesses, bars, organizations and people that do not support us. If a space has shown itself to be unwelcoming or unsafe, remove your patronage. Money speaks louder than words, and continued financial support of exclusionary spaces is a choice.

Hire Trans people. Not as tokens, not for PR, but as valued members of your team. Create opportunities for Trans individuals to thrive in this industry, and ensure that their employment comes with the same opportunities for growth, safety, and support as their cisgender colleagues.

Create safe workplaces. Have clear policies in place that protect Trans employees. Provide DEI training that includes Transgender issues, and ensure that those policies are upheld, not just written down. A safe work environment should be a given, not a privilege.

Despite everything, we continue to show up. We continue to build community, to protect each other, to survive.

“It’s okay to find joy even in the worst of times. Give yourself grace. Hearing my daughter sing an original song or making her a grilled cheese is everything.”

—Jay Reingold

“Lean into what makes you feel strong. Trust your gut. Claim your power. And [ignore] everyone else.”

—Kimber Bering

Trans people aren’t going anywhere. We will keep fighting, as we always have.

The only question now is:

Will you fight with us?

If you believe in equity, in safety, and in our right to live freely, then don’t just say it—prove it. Stand up, speak out, and take action. The time to fight for us and with us is now.

Morir Sonando “Die Dreaming”

•  1 oz Reposado Tequila
• 0.5 oz Maniball Peanut Butter Tequila
•  0.5 oz FAIR Kumquat
•  0.50 oz Cinnamon Syrup
•  0.50 oz Orange Juice
•  0.25oz Lemon Juice
• Bar Spoon of condensed milk