We Are More Than Targets

By Jasper

I read a great post on Instagram this week that was a beautiful reminder and validated so many of my current feelings. Trey (@whatsonemorepothos) said “trans people do more than die” and called for a collective response rooted in abolition where we look inside of ourselves and between us interpersonally to change beliefs and behaviors. Anyone consuming media of any kind right now knows that we are witnessing violent attacks and attempted erasure of our trans histories and identities.

And also, we are so much more than targets. I spent the first 30+ years of my life in the southeast. My muscles remember what it feels like to experience discrimination and marginalization every day. It felt scary living there and somatically, my body remembers the sensations of survival. That heaviness on my shoulders is a familiar feeling and I can also acknowledge that it isn’t fair and I’m tired of holding the weight. But I refuse to give into despair.

A recent study by GLAAD showed that 71% of people surveyed, have never met a trans person in real life that they know of. So, I want to introduce myself to you. I am a queer Southern Appalachian at heart. I am a baker, a cook, and a handyman. I can remodel your bathroom and clean it to perfection. I love art of any kind and thrive when I can be creative. I am a brother and someone’s neighbor. I am a son, even if my parents deny me of that title. I am willing to try anything once and I watch too much reality tv. I love my dog and my kid and my spouse immeasurably. I work with teenagers because tiny pieces of myself heal when I do. I support parents because I wish my parents supported me. I acknowledge that in many spaces I am a white guy with loads of privilege. And I am also trans.

Now more than ever, trans people need community. We need you to embrace our complexities. We need you to tell our stories, not just when something tragic happens to us. We need you to read about us and listen to where we come from. We need you to help us get where we are going. We need help with resources and the funds to get them. We need our voices uplifted. And we need collective joy.

They have come for us before, and we continue to exist. Trans existence and trans joy are resistance. I’ll continue to embrace all the parts of myself because that is what brings me joy. If you or someone you know is looking for trans and gender expansive community spaces, The Center is here, and we are ready to share joy with all the parts of you.