West Hollywood has long been home to many LGBTQ folks in the Los Angeles area, with more than 40 percent of residents identifying as such. It’s only fitting that each year the city has hosted its own Pride Month festivities, and the latest one was its most epic so far! Thousands of folks poured into West Hollywood for WeHo Pride 2024 to enjoy the street fair, concerts, and more. 

The weekend, which spanned from May 31 to June 2, was full of social events, pride parties, and a mega three-day musical festival headlined by none other than Ke$ha, Janelle Monáe, and Kylie Minogue. To capture all the fun, TransLash Media sent actress, activist, producer, and motivational speaker Blossom C. Brown to document all the celebratory love and glamor. Here’s everything that went down at WeHo Pride.

Watch our recap video and read more below!

Day 1 of WeHo Pride: Friday, May 31

WeHo Pride kicked off on Friday night with a free concert in West Hollywood Park. Ke$ha performed as the headliner, while audiences got to enjoy performances from Adam Lambert, “RuPaul’s Drag Race” star Monét X Change, Laganja Estranja & Morphine Love Dion, Niña Dioz, Jessica Betts, Owenn, and Venessa Michaels, according to CBS News. 

The concert also marked Ke$ha’s first show since she became a “free woman,” as Rolling Stone reports, after settling her decade-long lawsuit with Dr. Luke last summer.

Day 2 of WeHo Pride: Saturday, June 1

For those who prefer a more low-key Pride Month activity, there was the WeHo Pride Street Fair on Saturday afternoon. The eight hour family-friendly fair, stretched along Santa Monica Boulevard, featured a handful of community group booths, vendors, exhibitors, and even some performances by Bonnie McKee, Rêve, The Aces, and more.

After that, the Women’s Freedom Festival took place, which was presented by the historically lesbian non-profit, L-Project Los Angeles. The festival, which was in its third year according to CBS News, featured emerging LGBTQ and BIPOC women, non-binary musicians, comedians, poets, and activists.

Jackie Steele hosted the Women’s Freedom Festival, which featured plenty of performances throughout from KingQueen, MariahCounts, Medusa, Theia, Gattison, Cheri Moon, Shiah Luna, Nekeith, DJ SterlingVictorian, DJ Boom Boom, Suri Chan, and Jen Cheng.

Why We Need Queer Women Representation

Being able to attend the Women’s Freedom Festival on Saturday was a key highlight of the weekend for Blossom. “The representation of queer women in West Hollywood is so crucial and important. We have to amplify these types of voices, as they usually go unheard and unseen,” Brown said.

She added how exciting it was to see one of her friends get up on stage and speak her truth. “We must protect Native women. We must protect Black women at all costs. We must amplify all voices that are important in the movement,” Brown’s friend told the crowd.

WeHo Pride’s Dyke March

Later on Saturday afternoon, WeHo Pride’s Dyke March took place. The motorcycle-led march began with a biker gang — because how else could it start? —  followed by a performance by non-binary alt-pop/hip-hop producer and singer Medusa. The rally trailed down Santa Monica Boulevard and included even more live performances from Gattison, Theia and the KingQueen Band, as well as poetry by Yazmin Monet Watkins, Suri Chan and West Hollywood’s Poet Laurette, Jen Cheng.

For those who love to dance, there was also the Queerchata Pride Social on Saturday afternoon. The event included instructors guiding attendees through a lively Bachata class, a style of dance that originated in the Dominican Republic. After learning a few basic moves in the beginner class, attendees got to enjoy some Bachata and Salsa dancing with fellow queers in the Los Angeles sunshine.

Then the real party kicked off: the second night of the OUTLOUD musical festival included a concert with performances by Yaeji, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Noah Cyrus, Keke Palmer, Pegasus and Jack Faulkner, Channel Tres, Doechii, and, of course, headliner and former TransLash Podcast guest Janelle Monáe. What’s a pride party without Monáe anyway?

Blossom’s WeHo Pride Highlight

Brown didn’t just get to experience this mega concert live in person — she got to bask in all the joyful celebrations from backstage! One of her top five highlights from the weekend was being backstage at Saturday night’s OUTLOUD music festival. “The vibe backstage was so chill, so dope. I saw celebrities like Doechii, Queen Latifah, Gabrielle Union,” Blossom recounted. “I got to witness the moment that Gabrielle Union and Queen Latifah surprised Doechii after her performance. It was such a beautiful, healing moment. I was so inspired,” she added.

Brown’s other top moment from WeHo Pride 2024? Meeting the Queen herself. “She was so kind, so humble, so sweet,” Brown said of Queen Latifah, whom she met backstage. “It’s wonderful to meet A-list celebrities who are down to earth, who are kind. It’s so great to be in that space in WeHo Pride and meeting someone as legendary as Queen Latifah.”

Day 3 of WeHo Pride: Sunday

And finally — the parade! What’s Pride with a Pride Parade, after all? On Sunday afternoon, tens of thousands of people gathered along Santa Monica Boulevard to watch festive floats, colorful marching groups, plenty of dancers, and rainbows and glitter galore, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Celebrating Pride With the Queen Mother

Brown didn’t experience the WeHo Pride Parade from the sidelines, though — she got to be in it. She rode along Santa Monica Boulevard on a float with the organization the Imperial Court of Los Angeles, alongside the Queen Mother of Southern California herself, Mother Karina Samala.

An active member in the LGBTQ+ community for over twenty-five years, Samala is a Filipina trans woman, President of the Board of Directors for the Imperial Court, and current chair of the Los Angeles Transgender Advisory Board.

Additionally, Blossom expressed gratitude for being able to enjoy the parade festivities with some Pride first-timers. She celebrated with a group of Russian and Ukrainian LGBTQ folks who were able to be their fullest selves and attend a Pride event for the very first time.

A Kylie Minogue Finale

The vibrant and joyful Pride weekend came to a bitterweet close on Sunday evening (who wants Pride to ever end?) during the final leg of the OUTLOUD musical festival. Attendees got to dance to music by Ashnikko, Big Freedia, Vincint, a DJ set by Trixie Mattel, and more.

Then the big event everyone had been waiting for finally arrived — a big, queer Kylie Minogue concert. Is there any better way to close out Pride than Padam-ing with a massive dancing crowd? 

The Australian queen of pop performed a handful of her most beloved songs, according to Variety, from “Come Into My World” to “Can’t Get You Out of My Head” to “Love At First Sight,” and of course “Padam Padam.” She even brought Orville Peck on stage to debut a brand new single called “Midnight Ride,” produced by Diplo, who also joined the duo on stage for a fringe-filled performance.

It was a rainbow-infused weekend full of queer love, trans joy, music, dancing, and celebration. 

This isn’t the end of TransLash’s WeHo Pride 2024 coverage! Stay tuned for more exclusive Pride Month photos and videos from Blossom Brown on our socials, including on-the-street interviews from the WeHo Pride weekend with a variety of amazing, inspirational trans and queer folks throughout the Los Angeles area.

Did you find this resource helpful? Consider supporting TransLash today with a tax-deductible donation. Did we miss anything? Let us know!

The post Janelle Monáe, Kylie Minogue, and more: WeHo Pride 2024 appeared first on TransLash Media.

Growing Up Black, Trans, And Southern

I was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1951 to poor, uneducated, black parents from the South.

They were well meaning, extremely religious folks; hard working and responsible. Unfortunately, they hadn’t a clue when it came to raising a child like me.

And despite the fact that I clearly did not fit into the mold they created for me, all my self-expressions and pleadings were ignored. So as a small child, a transsexual girl, I learned to hide myself as much as possible.

That only had limited success. I think it was the fact that my parents failed to see me, which caused me to grow up feeling alien to my surroundings and birthed my desire to seek a home outside the US. 

I tried when I was about 19 to publicly express my truth and I did so for a couple of years, but I had no guidance, no role model, and no information to help me find my way. Consequently, the social pressure forced me to retreat back into myself even deeper, and the budding woman was forgotten as if buried alive.

In a few years, I was married, and the parent of four children. So, I raised them, and lived that life for thirty-one years. Eventually my wife died, and I found myself free to explore my subconscious and unearth the real me after several years. I managed this with the help of several therapists and an awful lot of soul searching.

Transitioning: The Beginning

I’ve now been on this journey of true self discovery for more than a dozen years, and in the process, I transitioned to my true self. I changed my gender presentation to female, which was a lot of work. I legally changed my name and gender marker, which was much easier than my presentation. I also medically transitioned with HRT and had an orchiectomy. I would have had complete bottom surgery, but I couldn’t find the means to pay for it.

At this stage of my life though, I feel I’ve accomplished a lot, and I’m satisfied with what I’ve done.

With all of that however, I was still not satisfied with my life — because I was living in the US and wanted very much to be somewhere else — a place that wasn’t tied to memories of me being spit on by white kids, because I was Black. I wanted to be someplace different that was not in my mind associated with white cops pointing their guns at me, because I was Black. I wanted to be somewhere that didn’t remind me of all the times I had been bullied, ridiculed, harassed, called a sissy or faggot, because the people around me didn’t understand that I was a transgender female. And I wanted to be somewhere that I wasn’t afraid that I was going to always be misgendered.

That was all from the emotional side of things; from the practical, I needed a place where I could get the proper healthcare, and it had to be affordable. And for my personal aesthetics, I wanted a certain climate, landscape, and beautiful architecture.

I know that seems like a lot, but a person is multi-faceted, and anyone who truly knows me will say that I’m very complicated.

I had gotten a passport in 2010, but that was before I had changed most everything — so I had to update it with all the new and correct information. I had the necessary supporting legal documents, still I was nervous going to the post office to request a new passport, because I was afraid of how I would be received. To my surprise, the gentleman who handled my application was very professional and nonchalantly went through everything with me, took all my papers and my payment, and informed me as to when I could expect my new passport. And I think with a little bit of a flirt, he told me to take care.

Back To The South

I moved from Chicago to New Orleans in 2015, and in some ways it had been a good move. But it turned out to be more expensive than my meager social security income could comfortably handle. I also encountered more transphobia than I had expected, so I knew I had to continue my search for a home. 

A Moment In Canada

With my newly acquired passport, I left for Montreal in 2018. I had read that Quebec was good for transgender people, and I had been in contact with one who was also a refugee from Northern Africa. She had made a home for herself in Montreal, and was going to help me relocate. I flew into Montreal in October 2018, and found the city and it’s people to be very pleasant and welcoming.

All things considered, I loved the place but couldn’t see myself living there, due to the frigid, snowy weather, and the fact that my income did not meet their requirements for a retirement visa. So after two months, filled with disappointment, I returned to the states. I was angry and frustrated that my plans for Montreal hadn’t worked out, especially because I had received such respect from the nurse at the hospital emergency rooms, the one time I went. I had a toothache, and no insurance, so I went to the hospital. During the intake process the nurse asked me if I was taking any medication, and if so what kind. I told her about my estrogen, and she politely asked me if it was for menopause, and I chuckled and said, no, I’m transsexual, and she carried on without hesitation — as if it was the most common thing in the world.

In my mind, that was exactly how she should have responded: with complete nonchalance, and why I wished I could have remained in Montreal in spite of the terrible weather. But this taste of respect and dignity from someone who wasn’t an American made me realize that I was on the right track, and that I couldn’t let this setback deter me. I decided to look elsewhere.

European Dreams Deferred

By 2020, I was all set to go to Lisbon, Portugal; I thought it would be a good place to start a year long trek around Southern Europe, but then I got sick and couldn’t travel. Later that same year I tried again, but this time the pandemic got in the way and I was once again grounded. I was feeling angry and desperate, and I had lost a lot of money. I was beginning to despair that I was stuck and would never be able to fulfill my dream.

I had left New Orleans and visited my daughter in Southern California for about a week, then gone to stay with a new friend in Texas for a while. I hadn’t given up on my passion, so I kept thinking and searching: where I could go as — a transgender woman of color with a small income — and still feel safe, comfortable, and cared for?

Welcome To Puerto Vallarta

I had given Mexico a casual look before, but because of that, I knew very little about the country. I realized that Europe was — for the foreseeable future — out of reach, so I had to come up with something less grand and closer to home. Maybe Mexico might be the answer. When I renewed my research, I came across a city called Puerto Vallarta. I had never heard of this place, but I saw that it was on the pacific coast and had beautiful beaches, mountains and forests, warm weather all year, very affordable prices, and was regarded as LGBTQIA+ friendly. I began looking even more closely at this city and watching YouTube videos about it, and I was beginning to fall in love with it, because it was so picturesque. I loved the way the city seemed to rise from the ocean up the mountainsides, which gradually were overcome by lush green forests and jungles. And the city itself was this white stucco red clay tiled jumble of low lying buildings and cobblestone streets — not everywhere, but in most areas, so that you could easily be carried away with this feeling of old world charm and romance.

I decided I had to go and see this place for myself, and to make things even better, it had its own airport. I did have to change planes in Mexico City, but the flight from there was only an hour and a half. In September of 2020, I said goodbye to the US and have not looked back.

At Home In Mexico

I’ve been in Puerto Vallarta for a little more than a year, and have been very happy. I’m an introvert, which doesn’t mean that I’m shy, but rather that I prefer my own company for the most part, so I don’t socialize — but I can talk to most anyone if they speak enough English. I’m learning Spanish and it’s painfully slow, but I’m making progress.

I’m sure most people who haven’t spent any real time in Mexico probably think that because of its proximity to the US that it is probably very similar, but nothing could be further from the truth, especially for a Black transgender woman. I must point out here that I’ve been told that I “pass” very well, so that of course helps, but even with that I’ve been read as transgender some times and that doesn’t bother me, but what does is being misgendered by an unapologetic asshole. That has only happened one time (I’m knocking on wood as I type this), since I’ve been in Mexico, and I have to tell you that helps make for a much more peaceful stress free life.

I’m not going to say that most Mexicans don’t know I’m transgender, but what I can say is that Mexicans seem to be more respectful of other people and they mind their own business. This even applies to the police, who are everywhere in this town. You see them, and as an expat at first, you are a bit unnerved by their presence, because they carry these large assault type rifles and ride on military style vehicles — but they don’t bother you at all! It’s as if they see you, but don’t see you. This is so refreshing and reassuring as a Black person.

I may not socialize, but I don’t stay in the house all the time either. One of my favorite activities is walking, and I’ve spent many hours doing that here. I walk for exercise, to be outdoors, to get familiar with my surroundings, and to take in the beauty of the landscape. I go to all the different markets and shops I want, and since this is a beach community, I go to the beach when I feel like it.

Something else that makes being transsexual in Mexico easier than in the states, is that if you’re on hormones, you don’t need a prescription to get them. All you have to do is go to the pharmacy and ask, and they sell them right over the counter. I’ve found the people to be very helpful, just because they want to help without being asked. I have not faced any barriers when apartment hunting — except my own income, of course.

So, from my experience, I feel I can safely say Puerto Vallarta is a good place to be transgender. One other thing, I haven’t dated yet — but not because I haven’t had the opportunity, but rather because I haven’t wanted to. I’ll say this: men are the same here as they are everywhere, so I think you know what I mean.

Travel Tips

Learn Spanish before coming to Mexico. You can get by in the more touristy areas with little or no Spanish, because most people will speak some English, but if you want to stay, you will do them and yourself a favor by learning the language. It is not just helpful, but respectful on your part, and they will appreciate it. I stumble through with my little Spanish and I also use google translate which helps a lot, so have that on your phone if you don’t speak the language and it will definitely come in handy.

And I would tell anyone who is trans and planning to travel by air, if you haven’t already done so, please make sure your identification matches your gender presentation; that will save you a lot of embarrassment, hassle, and inconvenience. With all the hassle of flying as it is, you don’t want to make the process more stressful if you can avoid it.

Another thing to consider is changing money. Don’t bother with getting pesos in the states, as ATMs are plentiful in Puerto Vallarta — but to avoid paying more than you need to in transaction fees and the other fees, I would suggest getting enough cash to cover a week of expenses. If you’re going to be here for that long or longer, keep in mind many places only take cash. I found my first apartment on Airbnb which is a pretty good starting place, because they list both short and long term rentals and they always come fully furnished. Also Facebook marketplace can be a good place to search for rentals. For me, I never stayed in the mainly tourist focused areas, because I wanted to keep my costs down, and I wanted to start to get the feel of being in another country as quickly as possible.

Mexico is a fairly easy place to begin an international journey as a trans person, but think about this, it’s also fairly conservative — so you might want to think about how you dress if you’re concerned with standing out. Also as a Black person, technically brown, that helps me to blend in more with the locals, especially when I wear a black long hair wig. If you’re white on the other hand, you’re going to tend to stick out more like a sore thumb; but don’t feel bad, because my height makes me stick out too. Sometimes I feel like a giant here.

There are a number of gay establishments in the Romantic Zone, if you go for that sort of thing, but I would suggest if you’re going to drink make sure you get an Uber home and not walk; tourists have been known to get mugged walking home late at night, and being trans and drunk might put a target on your back.

Since the pandemic is still a threat, mask-wearing indoors is still required, but not outside. And hand sanitizer is available at the door of most businesses. Some still check your temperature. 

If you don’t know this, you can’t drink the tap water. Buy bottled water to drink and cook. You can bathe and wash with tap water, but you shouldn’t brush your teeth with it either, or get it in your nose. Also, from what I’ve been told, you don’t have to worry about the water served at restaurants, as it comes from bottles as well.

When you rent an apartment, it will have a contraption to put these big 20 liter bottles that you can buy. If your stay is short term, your host or landlord will undoubtedly be furnishing you with drinking water, but check to be sure. If you do your own cooking, always thoroughly wash the fruit and vegetables.

In all my time here in Mexico I have not once felt unsafe walking the streets, and I’m always alone, but I don’t go out at night not out of fear, but rather because I’m not a night-time person.

I’ve truly enjoyed my time in Mexico. Another thing that’s great about this country is that it has a very generous tourist visa policy. You, as a US citizen with a valid passport, are given 180 days on arrival — and you can renew that almost indefinitely simply by leaving the country for a short time and then returning. I’ve done it twice already, but the bad thing for me is that I don’t earn enough to qualify for a temporary residency visa. The amount is at least $1500 USD a month, so I’m going to be leaving Mexico at some point to continue my search for a home, but that’s okay. I’ve made peace with this type of thing and I have a pretty good handle on how to deal with it.

Transitioning After 40

Oh my goodness, what can I say? Personally, if things had been ideal, I would have transitioned at a much younger age, because it would have been much less complicated.

But there are some advantages in doing it later in life, because you will know yourself so much better. Also, you may have some type of financial safety net to rely on and the ability to pay for any surgeries you feel you need.

Transitioning after forty likely means that you will have been socialized one way, and that will undoubtedly be in conflict with your stepping fully into your new life. So there will be a lot to unlearn and then learn in a new way, and this will take time and patience. You will have to give yourself this time, and give yourself the love you need to get through this.

There may not be anyone you can turn to for support, and I would suggest finding a good therapist to help you. Also, there are a lot of online groups that may be able to lend a hand. Reach out to the ones that are a good fit.

Know what your transition means to you, it’s different for everyone. Do as much or as little as you need to do, and keep in mind that transgender is an umbrella term and it might not fit you. It doesn’t really fit me, because it is an umbrella term, and that’s why I refine it by using the term transsexual.

I’m sure you’re already aware of this, as it’s widely talked about, but if you have children, there is no guarantee that they will accept the new you with open arms. Be prepared for that, and the possibility that they may never come around. It will be very painful to think that someone you’ve given your life for can turn their back on you, but it does happen.

I can’t really speak to getting gender affirming surgeries, except to say that Thailand has for a very long time been an excellent place for those at comparably reasonable costs, and there are other excellent surgeons in other countries — including the US — who can take care of you. Those tend to be more expensive, but all of this is available online.

Interestingly, I found some years ago that Spain was a good place for this, but I haven’t researched this lately, so you’d want to look into what it has to offer. Your transition will probably be the most important thing you will ever do, and the most difficult to give the attention it deserves. I think you will get as much out of it as you put in.

Elizabeth Savage defines herself as “retired, 70 years of age, an African American transsexual woman who has always known that she was different, but couldn’t articulate that as a child, she knew she wasn’t a boy like everyone told her. “Then I started living my truth in 2011, that I’ve never felt like I belong in the US and am finally searching for a home. I don’t know if sharing my journey with other trans people can be of benefit and I’m always concerned about my personal safety, but I’m willing to put this out there.”

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Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1943, Sir Lady Java is a Black trans entertainer and activist who moved in the same circles as James Brown, Richard Pryor, Don Rickles, Lena Horne, Rudy Ray Moore (better known as Dolemite), Sammy Davis Jr., and more.

For Black History Month and every month, we at TransLash honor trans icons like Sir Lady Java, who continue to inspire us today.

By Zarina Crockett and Daniela “Dani” Capistrano for TransLash Media, video editing by Brennen Beckwith

Sir Lady Java Explainer Transcript

Zarina: Hey TransLash fam!

Step into the spotlight of Sir Lady Java: a pioneer and trailblazer for transgender rights and the entertainment industry.

Born in the vibrant heart of New Orleans in 1943, Lady Java was someone who knew from a young age that she was destined to shine and she did just that in a world that was not ready for her light.

Java’s charisma uniqueness and talent made her an iconic pillar of Los Angeles nightlife.

She was adored by many for her performances and her amazing look.

Lady Java challenged rule Number 9, which was a law that targeted trans reformers. It basically said that you can’t perform or crossdress without a specialized permit.

Lady Java was important to pioneering the fight for transgender rights. Her legacy of activism glamour and the full perspective of a life of a Black transgender woman still endures today.

Sir Lady Java’s story inspires us all to live authentically and fight for every voice to be heard.

Learn more about Sir Lady Java or other icons in Black trans history in the Black Trans History Month Guide at translash.org.

Did you find this resource helpful? Consider supporting TransLash today with a tax-deductible donation.

The post Sir Lady Java: Black Trans Woman and Icon appeared first on TransLash Media.

A Black trans non-binary person stands on a city street with the sunlight creating a halo of glowing light around their head.

10 Trans-Affirming Quotes

Incorporate these affirmations into your daily routine:

Leslie Feinberg (1949 – 2014)

Ts Madison (1977 – present)

Christine Jorgensen (1926 – 1989)

Marsha P. Johnson (1945 – 1992)

Gia Love (1991 – present)

Janet Mock (1983 – present)

Lee Mokobe (1995 – present)

Elliot Page (1987 – present)

Sylvia Rivera (1951 – 2002)

Marquise Vilsón Balenciaga (1981 – present)

Trans-Affirming Health & Wellness Resources

Dive into our selection of trans-affirming resources! Start exploring now and step into a new year of transformative growth and wellness.

Healthcare

• OutCare Health – A directory of LGBTQ+ affirming healthcare providers across various specialties, including mental health and counseling, family medicine, and more. Providers are vetted and OutCare certified.
• Transcend Legal – Provides assistance with transgender-related healthcare covered under insurance, helping clients to receive respectful, high-quality care.
• Jim Collins Foundation – Provides financial support for transition-related expenses for those without insurance or excluded by insurance.

Relationships

• TransLash Guide to T4T Love – Learn about the history of “t4t” and access related resources.
• Free State Legal Project – Provides legal assistance and support, which can be crucial in navigating relationship-related legal matters for transgender individuals. 
• 10 Tips for Couples During Gender Transition: Pamela D. Garcy Ph.D. – writes for Psychology Today, discussing the dynamics of relationships when one partner is undergoing a gender transition. She  offers practical tips and considerations for both the individual transitioning and their partner, emphasizing the importance of open communication, support, and understanding during this process.
• Dating A Trans Person 101 – A guide by Gender Minorities.
• Trans Safe Dating Tips – Staying safe while dating as a trans person.

Mental Health

• Trans-affirming Mental Health Resources for Mental Health Awareness Month – This guide covers a wide range of trans-affirming and trans-friendly mental health organizations and groups.
• Online Zoom LGBTQ+ Mental Health Peer Support Group – Hosted by The LOFT, this group offers a supportive space for LGBTQ+ individuals to discuss mental health and find community.
• The Tribe LGBTQIA Support Group – An online group focused on mental health within the LGBTQIA community.

Professional Development

• TransTech Social – A co-learning and co-working community created to empower, educate, and employ the LGBTQ+ community through accessible education programs, inclusive events, and equitable employment opportunities that teach practical career-ready skills.
• TransWork – Helping transgender and gender non-binary job seekers connect with supportive employers and business partners, providing resources for both employers and job seekers. 
• Trans Can Work – A nonprofit organization committed to advancing workplace inclusion through training strategies and workforce development. 
• Transgender District Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program – This program is for Transgender and Queer People of Color who aspired to start a business.
• Transitioning in the workplace: guide for trans employees: A guide by HRC to help transgender people navigate transitioning at work.
• NASW (National Association of Social Workers) – LGBTQIA2S+ Professional Development: NASW provides a range of professional development resources focusing on the LGBTQIA2S+ community. These resources include webinars, conferences, and continuing education topics tailored to support individuals and families within these communities.
• LGBTQ Business Week – A 7-day celebration of queer owned businesses that launched in 2023.

Did you find this resource helpful? Consider supporting TransLash today with a tax-deductible donation. Did we miss anything? Let us know and we’ll update the guide with your suggestion, crediting you as the contributor.

The post New Year, New Me: Trans-Affirming Quotes and Resources appeared first on TransLash Media.

The three part series features conversations with trans rights advocate and investigative journalist, Imara Jones. Each episode underscores the efficacy of social entrepreneurship generated by a historically marginalized community, with unique and compassionate approaches to problem-solving.  

The docuseries features:

• Kayla Gore, Executive Director of My Sistah’s House, an affordable housing advocate in Memphis, TN;

• Breonna McCree, Co-Executive Director of The Transgender District, who helps trans people start and build businesses in San Francisco, CA;

• Oluchi Omeoga, Co-Director of the Black LGBTQIA+ Migrant Project in Minneapolis, MN, who is building a support network queer Black immigrants and refugees.  

Episode Summaries

Episode 1: Kayla Gore – My Sistah’s House

Home ownership is the cornerstone of stability. Set in Memphis, Tennessee, Episode 1 tells the story of Kayla Gore, whose own experience with homelessness led to her founding My Sistah’s House. Building 20 tiny homes, Kayla’s one-of-a-kind program offers zero-barrier housing for the trans and gender nonconforming community. Kayla’s journey of overcoming adversity fuels her mission to create a pathway to home ownership for those who are often overlooked. 

Episode 2: Breonna Mccree – The Transgender District

For an entrepreneur, economic independence is the path to freedom, stability, and self-fulfillment. The Transgender District is the first legally recognized transgender district in the world. Located in San Francisco, it was founded by three Black trans women in 2017 with the mission to “create an urban environment that fosters the rich history, culture, legacy, and empowerment of transgender people and its deep roots in the southeastern Tenderloin neighborhood.” The district also “aims to stabilize and economically empower the transgender community through ownership of homes, businesses, historic and cultural sites, and safe community spaces.” In this episode we follow the district’s co-executive director, Breonna McCree, as she supports and celebrates the economic empowerment of trans people, opening up opportunity and the possibility of a brighter future for the broader community.

Episode 3: Oluchi Omeoga – Black Lgbtqia+ Migrant Project

For immigrants to the United States, the difficulty of crossing borders is compounded by a volatile political climate. The challenges are even greater for those seeking refuge in the United States because of LGBTQ+ persecution.  This episode focuses on Oluchi Omeoga, who is based in Minneapolis and works to safeguard those at the intersection of immigration status, race and gender identity as the co-director of the Black LGBTQIA+ Migrant Project (BLMP). The project was created in response to the increasing number of Black LGBTQ+ migrants who were in vulnerable situations after fleeing persecution in their home countries or were exposed to discrimination in the U.S. due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. 

“American Problems, Trans Solutions shows how Black trans leaders are tackling some of the pressing issues of our time — affordable housing, trans rights, and the plight of — with hope and real solutions,” said Imara Jones, series co-creator, founder and CEO of TransLash Media. “As we reflect on the contributions of the Black trans community this LGBTQ+ history month,  I wanted to tell the stories of living-history innovators who show how those forgotten by the rest of society can actually be vital sources of creating a bright future for everyone.  Our goal with this series is to show how, rather than being victims, Black trans people are pivotal visionaries.” 

Did you find this resource helpful? Explore all of our Black trans femmes content and consider supporting TransLash today with a tax-deductible donation.

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In the third of three Artistic Legacies films, Ballroom legend Kimiyah Prescott opens up about how she grew from the rigid and repressive rules of an extremely religious household to find freedom through expression in the ballroom community. As Kimiyah prepares for an upcoming performance, she tells us what liberation feels like. And how once she experienced it, she never looked back.

Credits: Creator And Executive Producer: Imara Jones | Producer: Tiler Wilson | Producer: Ruby Rose Collins | Producer: Sophia Kiapos | Editor: Gracie Simonett | Director Of Photography: Nicholas Lattimore | Assistant Camera: Etienne Pelissier | Sound Mixer: Zach Salem-Mackall | Colorist: Michael Schatz  | Digital Strategist: Daniela “Dani” Capistrano | Special Thanks To: Jordyn Jay, Btfa, And Kimiyah

About Artistic Legacies

Artistic Legacies explores the power of the Black Trans Femmes in the Arts (BTFA) collective through the stories of Founder Jordyn Jay, artist and musician/songwriter Iman Hill, and ballroom legend Kimiyah Prescott. This three-part docuseries shows how these members use artistic expression to change themselves and the world around them, bringing hope to the most of the marginalized at a time of unprecedented violence and political attack. Artistic Legacies points to how we can create brighter futures by using what’s already inside each of us. The 200-strong BTFA demonstrates how to manifest these possibilities.

Kimiyah’s Story: Transcript

I got into the hint of ballroom when I got into high school. People tell me like you’re a star, but I don’t think you know it yet, and I used to be like I know I’m a star but what could I do to take it to the next level?

*Washing hair* Washing… Yes, It’s jet black.

My parents is Caribbean. And, you know, my father is a pastor. So, you know, I was very sheltered. I wasn’t able to like be outside and socialize with a lot of people.

I was battling living a double life and hiding myself from the world.

My parents would usually drop me off halfway to school, so they dropped by the train station. But my best friend at the time lived like down the block.

So I would go to her house and I would change my clothes into whatever I wanted to wear, whether it was a skirt or some cute sandals or just like even just do little things like do my makeup a little bit.

And when I got home, I used to stop around the corner from my house and I would like take it off and then go in the house like nothing happened.

*Kimiyah on the phone* I’m running on 20 minutes of sleep, but yeah, I have to get ready for this ball girl. And my dress isn’t even here yet. I got my ticket.

I wasn’t going to back down. I wasn’t going to change who I was for anybody. When I got to ballroom, just seeing people that are unapologetic and just living in their truth and being happy, I wanted that. 

When I got into high school and I saw my friend, her name is Tati, voguing. She just went spin in the air into a dip, and I was like, what is that? Whatever that is, I need to learn it.

We ended up going to HMI and I saw all these gay people and I’m like, wait, there’s more of me.

From there, I just kept practicing and perfecting my craft. Brought me to my first ball, and even then I was like, Wow, it’s underground. It’s lights the big speaker. It was just crazy. It was like, I need to I want to be a part of this. I want to be a part of this, so badly. 

*Kimiyah walking up to venue* Hi, i’m so sorry. Thank you. Thank you for coming. You okay. Oh, shit. Damn. She got somebody in the chair. Come on. I’m about to tell her right now. 

My ballroom career took off. Then I joined the Iconic House of Juicy Couture, which is like my second family. I love them so dearly.

I’m confident in who I am. I’m confident in what I do. I’m confident in anything that I put my mind to do.

Being able to vogue and showcase like my talent and me being the only one on stage, I feel like I’m on another level.

I just always try to think like what is the next best thing I could do?

People say “wow, watching you just inspired me to go out there and do my thing.” That’s what makes you legendary. 

Why Translash Honors Black Trans Women

Black trans femmes have historically been the first to stand up for LGBTQ+ and women’s rights, while also disproportionately facing the most anti-LGBT+ and anti-Black violence. We at TransLash want to give our Black trans femme siblings their flowers 24-7. Our #BlackTransArtisticLegacies campaign is part of our mission of telling trans stories to save trans lives.

Did you find this resource helpful? Consider supporting TransLash today with a tax-deductible donation.

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2022 was…an eventful year to say the least. It was my first full year outside of academia and I was able to focus a bit more on what I wanted in life. It was also a year when multiple friends and family members either passed away or were in life-threatening situations. I learned more about myself and dealt with emotions I hadn’t felt in years. I finally broke out of my shell, made some local friends, and we may-or-may-not have done some dumb fun things.

Like a character in a story, I’m not the same person I was at the beginning of 2022. But unlike a character in a story, fortunately, I wasn’t struck down by a bolt of lightning from the heavens for changing; or sent on a quest for redemption, banished to the depths of limbo, or forced to fight in a gladiator death match. Anyways, you get the picture. It’s never too late or too scary to change. Try something new. It may change your life for the better.

I was always the weird kid growing up. I was either too loud, talked too much, or was too excited about the nerdiest things. I had some school peers that somewhat understood my behavior, but those friendships didn’t last long due to them moving away or switching schools. Even when I had the chance to make stronger friendships, I never felt comfortable being truly vulnerable with another person. One of the ways I coped with this was by being highly engaged in various forms of media including TV, movies, video games, and comics. I felt like I could escape into these beautiful worlds through the lives of fascinating characters. Now, as a black queer non-binary woman, I am going back through the media I enjoyed as a child and finding new meaning by understanding why I was attracted to them. As I searched the Internet to find like-minded people, I noticed that most of the queer & transgender people talking about their relations to fictional characters were white & cis, which sometimes discouraged me from telling my own story. However, now I’m sharing my story in the hopes of helping others who are like me feel seen. Here are a few of the most impactful characters that have inspired me as I’ve found myself in new worlds.

Harpo Johnson from The Color Purple is the fictional character that affected me the most. Before I read the book for a high school English class on African-American literature towards the end of my senior year, I thought it was just an overrated page-turner that black people praised for no reason; but once I got into it, I couldn’t believe how wrong I was. I would describe The Color Purple as a look into race and gender in early 20th-century America from a black feminist perspective through an engaging narrative. I have read and learned valuable lessons from various books in my life, but this book was one of the few that personally impacted me in a way that made me reflect on myself, and my life, and improved it for the better. 

What intrigued me the most about Harpo’s character is his non-traditional relationship with his wife, Sofia. Sofia is a black woman who is aware of her position in society but refuses to submit to the powers that be, while Harpo is an emotional black man who enjoys doing domestic work. Despite their non-stereotypical relationship, their early years were joyful, but when Harpo’s father scolds him for not being a proper man their relationship starts to become strained. Harpo goes to Celie for help (the narrator) with this conflict between who he is and what his father wants him to be. Celie advises him to beat Sofia because she only understands marriage as a master-servant relationship. Reading this, I felt deeply connected to Harpo’s conflict. As mentioned before, I was a weird kid, and as I started coming of age I was having problems with my gender and gender roles. The angrier I got about patriarchy, the angrier I got with myself and what was expected of me. I wanted to be independent, but I did not want to be this tough heteronormative man my family wanted me to express. Harp was the first character I met that made me feel seen. At the time, I didn’t realize how much his character would make me think about my own identity, but it was a start.

Even though Harpo Johnson is the most impactful character in my life, he wasn’t the first character to influence me. That honor belongs to Edd, or Double D, from Ed, Edd, n Eddy. In my early childhood, Ed, Edd, n Eddy was the only show I would make a fuss about when my parents tried to get me to stop watching it. This Looney Tunes-Esque cartoon about child scammers entangled me with its violent slap-stick comedy, but Double D always confused yet intrigued me. For the longest time, I didn’t know if he was supposed to be a boy or a girl because of his high-pitched voice and his polite-geeky behavior. Unlike the bonehead Ed and the scheming Eddy, Double D acted as the trio’s conscience but was always flawed by his own scientific interests. He was a different kind of boy—just like me. To put it in a modern context, Double D was the first non-binary presence I experienced and it made me feel okay about who I was in reality. The feeling became even more intense when it was revealed that Double D hangs out with Ed and Eddy because they were the only ones to accept him when he moved into the Cul-de-Sac. It was similar to my experience entering a new school the second time I took Kindergarten. I will admit that those experiences would have been better if there were more characters of color like Double D when I was growing up.

The next character was also one that I was also introduced to in my childhood, but I didn’t realize their impact until recently. Imagine this: It’s Spring 2011, you’re in 7th grade, and Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam premiered a few months ago on Disney Channel. It was okay, but after watching this franchise and similar ones like High School Musical, you start wanting something different. Then you see a commercial for a new Disney Channel movie called Lemonade Mouth, and one of the main characters is an Asian girl with a cool punk/goth aesthetic. The character’s name is Stella Yamada, played by Hayley Kiyoko, and you’re not sure why but you think she’s the coolest high schooler that ever existed. This is how I felt when Lemonade Mouth came out, but I didn’t want to share my feelings with others because I thought they would make fun of me for it. I repressed those feelings until a number of years ago when I discovered that Hayley Kiyoko has a very successful and outspoken queer music career (I swear didn’t mean for that to rhyme). Learning of her success reminded me of my old feelings and added some clarity to my aesthetic tastes. Since I was a kid, I’ve always been interested in alternative and punk culture, but my devout Pentecostal parents wouldn’t let me explore that side of myself because they thought it was satanic and “weird stuff that white people do.” Fortunately, I had an aunt and some friends that were into rock, so I was still able to listen from time to time. When I was exploring myself in college, far away from my family, I realized that I didn’t have to hide anymore. When I thought about who I wanted to be, Stella is one of the characters that came to my mind. Although her aesthetic caught my attention, it’s her character that stood out: a rebellious person who wasn’t afraid to do the right thing (even though her causes were super Disney-fied). She reminded me that I had to be a bit rebellious in order to finally express my true trans queer self. Even though Hayley Kiyoko is beyond her days as Stella Yamada, the character’s impact helped inspire a generation of queer people.

There are so many more characters that have helped me realize who I am, but to go through all of them would take way too much time. The point is that even though fictional stories may seem like nonsense, they give us space to express difficult emotions and thoughts. These experiences aren’t reserved for any race, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, or anyone that may be deemed “different.” We all have a right to explore ourselves the way we want to, and fiction is a valid way to do that.

Sammi Jacobs (they/them/she/hers) is a 25-year-old queer non-binary geek storyteller and a 2021 graduate of Morehouse College. They were born & raised in Buffalo, NY, and currently live with family in Baton Rouge, LA. Sammi currently works as a tech training consultant but aspires to be a storyteller in the film & animation industry in the near future. They enjoy creating stories and writing about experiences that make people like themselves feel seen in both joyful and critical fashions. Outside of work, you can usually find Sammi either playing a JRPG, reading some indie comics, or binge-watching anime. If you would like to see more of Sammi’s work, please visit their website or follow them on Instagram or Twitter.

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