Know that at this time in history, the future well-being of my transgender community is on the line.
I will never be silent against injustice — ‘activist’ isn’t a dirty word, but ‘republican’ sure is.
Think about what someone like me places on the line every single time I use my voice in the media to speak out- that doesn’t bring in dollars and cents; that brings in awareness, so if you’re gonna be about advocating for the community and have the ability to use your voice and are in a position of privilege to do so, what’s stopping you?
I am not in a position of privilege as a gay transgender man, but I sure as hell am in a position of strategy and awareness as a transgender publicist. I fully intend to use my skill set towards my community’s advantage as often as I can to push back against the perpetuation of anti-trans media propaganda and all those who uphold it, and to call out the incompetence of those tasked with leading this nation, as currently I see no leaders of merit of any kind at the wheel.
Activists Deserve LGBTQIA+ Community Support vs. Criticism
Frankly put, if you aren’t in the lane of media activism, stay the hell out of the way of those of us who are in, trying to downplay the contributions that queer activists have historically made in this country and continue to do so presently.
If not for the ‘wild cards’ such as myself, a great many queer and nonprofit organizations that a great many privileged LGBQIA+ individuals work at today would have never come to fruition. Activists should be honored, not passively and aggressively maligned.
That said, whoever respects the hustle, drive, and consequences facing queer activists like myself who continue to use our voices in the media to speak out against injustice: we will truly see that respect reflected in the amplification of our words, our community’s collective visibility, and the financial support of LGBTQIA+ organizations dedicated to the cause.
I expect to have a larger book of PR clients; time will tell who really supports transgender activists while we are alive and not only after we have died.
Dylan Thomas Cotter’s Media Activism In Action
Dylan Thomas Cotter, a publicist and activist in California who has been on testosterone for more than a decade, tells me that, for him, the hormone did the opposite of what the mythology predicts. Before he started, he was mired in a depression fueled by dysphoria. Testosterone, he says, “leveled out” his temperament. It relieved his depression and “centered [his] mind, body, and soul.”
Of course, Cotter went into his transition with thorough research-backed knowledge from medical professionals and fellow trans men, which may have had an impact on how testosterone affected him.
Cotter agreed: “Aggression is not based on hormones. It’s absolutely based on agendas and personalities.”
2. 10 Signs The U.S. Press Secretary Has Lost Influence via MEDIUM
For a sitting U.S. Press Secretary to have little to no control over the national narratives disseminated by the current United States administration they serve is not what the American people expect or deserve in terms of crisis communications, public affairs, information management, and media relations.
3. Calls for ‘insecure’ Donald Trump to undergo competency test after Kaitlan Collins rant via IRISH STAR US
PR expert Dylan Thomas Cotter has suggested he should undergo mental competency testing. Speaking exclusively to The Irish Star, the expert said, “The personal attacks waged by the president upon Collins while expertly conducting her professional line of questioning is disgraceful and disturbing.
“It appears Trump has quite the level of insecurity that he himself apparently cannot contain when it comes to being rightfully questioned by female journalists on his ability to properly execute the functions of his role.”
As for what should happen next, Cotter shared, “Until there has been an accurate mental competency investigation conducted regarding the president, many of the public will continue to question why this pattern of abusive language directed at female journalists ever happened even once and why it has continued.”
He warned, “This is not normal behavior, nor is it acceptable as Collins is one of the most talented journalists in the United States. Many of us respect her body of work and can see she’s continuing to do an excellent job.”
4. Supreme Court Upholds Tennessee Law Banning Care For Trans Kids via ROLLING STONE
While the decision isn’t what Dylan Thomas Cotter hoped for, he’s not giving up. “To be a transgender American at this point in history is to be a fighter,” says Cotter, a publicist, author, and transgender rights activist. “We, as proud transgender Americans, know this will take time and are in it for the long haul. It’s important to hold on to the fact that tomorrow is a new day and there are many transgender people and allies that remain on the frontlines of fighting the good fight for all.
5. Transgender Americans, Far More Skilled In Peace Relations Than Trump via MEDIUM
Presently, to be a transgender American is to walk quite a challenging life path. To be a transgender American is to be composed, secure, patient, and elegant in a world constantly attempting to project the antithesis of your lived reality onto you.
Not a path of strength that, frankly, I see any of those in the current administration have the courage or experience to embody.
Think about it, when is the last time we’ve heard a diplomatic take on any topic from this administration in terms of public affairs in the hopes of de-escalation for the safety of our country?
6. Melania Trump ‘distancing herself’ from Donald Trump as her ‘vanishing act’ gets exposed via IRISH STAR US
Publicist Dylan Thomas Cotter suggested she could be trying to “distance herself” from her husband.
Dylan told The Irish Star, “The public, in a first for the United States, is witnessing a First Lady who is strategically positioning and publicizing herself while also distancing herself from the very man tasked with governing this country.
“That’s an interesting divergence from the historically dated patriarchal PR pattern of ‘stand by your man’ that was followed by many a First Lady throughout the course of this nation’s history.”
The publicist continued, “All that said, there’s quite a bit of power at play within any political administration, and in particular for this administration, the focus does appear outwardly to be more on personal PR and personal business ventures and enrichment than on the dedication to and efficacy of providing consistent high-level public service.”
He concluded, “The First Lady may or may not be forced to take a step back by her partner; however, if she does, it’ll only reinforce the potential of public perception that her partner, who holds one of the most powerful offices in the world, may very well be intimidated by the potential of AFAB people outshining him as we’ve also seen reflected by the many female journalists who’ve rightfully questioned the President upon both his Presidential, business and personal dealings.”
7. Is The White House’s Plan For Trans Youth Just ’Conversion Therapy Lite’via ROLLING STONE
People like Dylan Thomas Cotter — a publicist, author, and transgender rights activist — know what it’s like to grow up without gender-affirming care. For him, getting top surgery was a 14-year process. “Had I had access to the advanced gender-affirming care that now exists for transgender children, I would not have suffered so much in my life socially, physically, and mentally,” he tells Rolling Stone. “This is why transgender adults advocate so strongly for transgender children — because we know that they can and should have a better life experience than we have had.”
8. USDA Website Uses Transphobic Messaging to Blame Dems for Government Shutdown via TRUTHOUT
In a statement sent directly to Truthout, Dylan Thomas Cotter, a transgender activist and author, decried the messaging as being “absolutely wild” and a “meritless accusation to make against an entire community.”
“It is my hope that the general public has begun to see through the nonsense and assess the facts as it relates to my beautiful community. … This administration and all that champion of it should be ashamed,” Cotter said.
9. ‘As an Irish American, Kid Rock’s workout video with RFK Jr was too much to endure’ via IRISH STAR US
A clip of the Capitol Hill hearing has been shared online, with publicist Dylan Thomas Cotter responding to Kennedy’s comments. Speaking exclusively to The Irish Star, he said, “Whatever the rate may or may not have been to produce that low quality vanity content, it was far, far too much of a cost to endure viewing as an Irish American.”
He concluded, “It’s not appearing to boost ticket sales or rockstar credibility.” Cotter’s comments come after 55-year-old Kid Rock, real name Robert James Ritchie, appeared in a video with Kennedy as they showed off their workout routine.
The video, which has been shared widely on social media, showed the duo without their tops on as they pedaled stationary bikes in a sauna and engaged in a game of pickleball. They were also filmed drinking milk while sitting in a hot tub together.
10. Fighting back: How to respond to Trump’s executive order on gender-affirming care via YAHOO! NEWS
Dylan Thomas Cotter, a transgender rights advocate and publicist emphasizes community engagement. “Get connected with your local PFLAG and LGBTQIA+ centers,” he advises. “Follow trans activists and creators as we are sharing community updates as they arise in real-time.”
Cotter urges people to get involved digitally. “Volunteer with your local LGBTQIA+ friendly politicians, sign petitions, share your thoughts with the world on social media in solidarity,” he says.
ABOUT DYLAN THOMAS COTTER:
Rebel with a cause, driven by authenticity, self-expression, and liberation for all.
Rev. Dylan Thomas Cotter is a strategist, public relations leader, and brand communications executive with more than fifteen years of experience at the intersection of entertainment, media, and technology.
Cotter is known for securing numerous Tier 1 (top-tier) and Tier 2 media placements across key markets including but not limited to Playboy, The Associated Press, Fortune, ABC News, GQ, Rolling Stone, Out Magazine, The Advocate, Pride, Inked Magazine, Real Simple, VICE, KTLA, Reader’s Digest, Mashable, Yahoo! News, Yahoo! Life UK, Newsweek, Men’s Health, Parade Magazine, Betches, U.S. News & World Report, Women’s Health Magazine, NursingColleges.com, Women.com, South China Morning Post, Truthout, MIC, The Manual, Curl Magazine, International Business Times UK, TechRound, GB News, The Irish Star US, The Mirror, MSN and AOL.
Cotter advises founders, artists, and executives on brand positioning, reputation, corporate social responsibility, and strategic communications. As an openly gay transgender professional, Dylan Thomas Cotter is committed to fostering inclusive, respectful, and affirming work environments.
His latest books, Dear Cisgender Reader Walk Beside Me: An Invitation to Understanding My Big, Exciting Gay Transgender Life and Think Like a Transgender Thought Leader, are out now.