*I have been called out for not asking a trans person to write something for this blog on Transgender Day of Remembrance. This is a valid critique. This post is not meant in any way to speak for trans folks, but only to speak to allies. Nevertheless, it was a dick move. I sincerely apologize.—Mia
November 20, 2012
by Mia McKenzie
On this Transgender Day of Remembrance, I am taking a lot of time to think about my trans sisters and brothers who have lost their lives in the struggle to be seen, to be valued, to be free. As a cis woman who was born into a body I feel at home in, I do not know first-hand the particular sorrows and joys of being trans, and I would not dare to assume that I understand them. But I do value them. I do respect them.
A few days ago, a Facebook friend of mine, a trans kid, posted a status update about the lack of trans women being represented in QTPOC performance space. I would be lying if I said that I had given it a ton of thought before, but when they said it I realized that I haven’t been in, or even seen, a show in the last year that featured a trans woman. Not a single one. This is a serious problem.
The lack of representation of trans women in particular contributes to the invisibilization and disregard of them. It contributes to hatred and violence against them. And it must be changed. If we are committed to creating a world in which trans folks are seen and valued by everyone, then we should be going all out to make sure they are represented in the art that non-trans people produce, while at the same time supporting the art that trans people themselves produce. In fact, because trans people, and especially trans women, are disproportionately targeted with discrimination and violence, they should be at the very center of our art and our movements. They should be running this shit. We should all be working every day to make that happen. This is our responsibility as allies.
Today, I am thinking about all of the trans folks who are no longer here, and what it would have meant to them when they were here to have felt fully supported in their communities, to have been able to see themselves reflected in the art and stories and dance and music of all queer and trans people. What difference it would have made in their lives. And what difference it can still make in the lives of our trans brothers and sisters if we cis folks start doing better by them TODAY.
It’s good and important to remember and honor the dead. It is also good and absolutely necessary to remember and honor the people who are still here.
Today I am holding love and memory for all trans people who have moved on this earth and move on it no more, for all they gave, all they endured, and all the ways they fought for freedom just by stepping out into the world, just by being.
Some of them are:
Sanesha Stewart
Brandi Martell
Duanna Johnson
Angie Zapata
Victoria Carmen White
Robyn Browne
Brandon Teena
Venus Xtravaganza
Chanelle Pickett
Rita Hester
Fred Martinez, Jr
Gwen Araujo
Emonie Spaulding
Bella Evangelista
Nirea Johnson
Phool Chand
Roberto González Onrubi
Ruby Ordenana
Erika Keels
Dana A. Larkin
Felicia Melton-Smyth
Ramazan Cetin
There are many, many others.
If you have names to call out in remembrance, please add them to the comments thread.