trans women raised me

this was inspired by jevon martin who proclaimed:"BLACK TRANS WOMEN RAISED ME!!!!"

the first words he spoke when he accepted his award at trans day of remembrance, have resonated because i realized that the same is true for me.

when i say raised, i am referring to them having fed me, housed me, clothed me, and loved me as i was and as i came to them.

while i have met a number of my TGNC siblings along my journey, it was not until i was introduced to the stonewall protest/black trans liberation/bridges4life communities that i was welcomed into a space where i felt truly appreciated, seen, uplifted, loved, and accepted in my authenticity.

i did not realize the extent to which transphobia was deeply socialized, ingrained into me and my understanding of myself until i found my community. i did not realize how much of my self i had repressed due to the idea that i had to live up to perceived external expectations that i picked up. i did not know that my cognizance of how the world received me would be something i would carry, unknowingly, until my community shared some of the load they were carrying too.

the words of Qween Jean will always reverberate in my head and my heart and my soul - serving as a beacon of hope, change, growth, healing, and embodied radical love.

the candor and honesty of Tahtianna Fermin reminds me to not let anything hold me back from living authentically - her boldness has enabled her to spearhead so much for the TGNC community.

the stories shared by Joela Rivera will always inspire me to not let anyone else define my truth.

the strength of Iman Le Claire will always remind me that no matter how the rest of the world responds, i am valid and worthy.

the love of Jade Kuriki-Olivo always reminds me to be gentle with myself and those around me.

the creativity, consideration, and support of Lexii Fox reminds me to enjoy every moment.

the boldness of Miss Alex will always motivate me to embrace my body as it is and as i want it to be perceived.

the fortitude of The Street Princess (Alani Payne) inspires me to never let anything stop me from rising up and fighting back.

the tenacity of China Black grounds me to remember myself as just as much a priority as those around me, and to follow my gut.

the playfulness of Aletheia Rael reminds me not to take life too seriously.

the radiance of Kamy inspires me to be bold and brave and unabashed.

the meals, moments, and memories shared with these women have shaped me, have helped me flourish, and have guided me to my authentic truth.

i love them all and it is because of them that i am able to be who i am today.

please call in, call out, educate, and help make all the spaces you inhabit trans-safe, trans-friendly, trans-supportive spaces.