Trans Day of Remembrance/Resilience

This month several activists from YouthResource, our LGBTQ Youth Leadership Program, have written pieces reflecting on TDOR and what it means to them. Read what Andii has to say:

Staying Present for Yourself and Others in the face of Inequality

November 20th.

November 20th is a day each year that we mark to remember and memorialize individuals in the transgender community that have lost their lives due to hatred, bigotry and ignorance. To me, Transgender Day of Remembrance/Resilience reminds me of what strong shoulders that I stand on as a person who identifies under the transgender “umbrella.” It’s not only a reminder of how many lives are lost each year of people just living their lives, but a constant wake up call telling me that each of us are here with a purpose.

We are each walking this planet on a day to day basis, trying to survive, hopefully being the best versions of ourselves- for ourselves and those we love- that we can be. To me, this is a reminder to be present in the fight against oppression and inequity and show up in support of other members in the community facing injustice. Being present in the community and also sharing my own life experiences with storytelling is a way to use my voice to show I am proud of who I am, and not afraid to show it.

To say I am weary of the ways of the world is an understatement. We live in a country separated by race, class and privilege among a thousand other things. Being part of a community, in any sense of the word, eases that burden immensely. Having a sense of community with like minded individuals such as LGBTQ identifying people of color, for me, has been a great help in these wayward times. In addition to immediate family members, having friends as a support system and even as people that will call you out when you’re wrong, is so important to me.

While one part of me wishes the younger version of myself was always able to be free and living life out loud, I wouldn’t want to change anything about my past- as it is what shaped who I am today. I saw a post on Instagram with a quote that really resonates with me, especially on this day and especially in this time. “Be who you needed when you were younger.” In the wake of what today means, being able to survive and thrive as a gender non-conforming person is the physical manifestation of what the 8 year old version of myself could only dream of, and what I wish I could go back and show a younger me- that you are here and you are worthy.