Today is International Transgender Visibility Day! This day is about celebrating transgender people and raising awareness about the discrimination that our community faces around the world. Celebrating today so publicly is a first for me. I kept being transgender a secret for five years and I can now openly celebrate myself and my community. Within the past year I have become a transgender activist, advocate, educator, influencer; and I am proud of who I am.
Two days ago I read in Vogue that Trump lied, (SURPRISE) and is going back on his protections for LGBTQ workers, despite his recent promises. Now that my life in LA is more settled, I can focus on the ways I want to engage the transgender community. I’ve realized that blogging simply is not enough to support transgender individuals. My hopes are to not only help future trans people to self-identify and transition with ease and support, but to have our world evolve into a more accepting, open minded, kind hearted place.
Everyone should have a thorough understanding of what transgender means. In a society where knowledge is power, shouldn’t we want to keep ourselves informed and well-rounded? I think people are quick to become uncomfortable when discussing any transgender related topic. I've participated in those conversations first hand, without anyone knowing I, myself, am trans. Our country, as a whole, has yet to grasp a deep understanding of what it’s like to be transgender and how to act around transgender individuals. This makes it more difficult when they do interact with transgender people. I have been blessed to live a “normal” life while being a young transgender woman, and for many reasons people are open to hearing what I have to say. I’ve decided that my words now need to jump off of the page, literally.
On this day of Trans Visibility, I am excited to announce I will be making myself even more visible. I am going to start vlogging on YouTube and posting those videos on my site. That’s right, I’m going to share video blogs, so you, my readers, can become my viewers. I feel it's time you heard my voice and learn my stories while looking at the person who experiences them. I believe by sharing myself more intimately I will attract a wider audience, and hopefully continue to spread trans-acceptance. I’m hoping to go viral by sharing stories that are far too detailed for a blog; such as my thought process while transitioning in high school, the pre and post surgery process, and dating life as a young post-operative trans woman. Writing can only go so far.
It will take time for our country to become comfortable with us, but progression will happen despite the new political reign in this country. The hardships that transgender individuals face are no easy feat and should be respected regardless of personal opinion. Bullying, discrimination, and violence are still affecting trans people when they are simply trying to be themselves. I want to take a moment to remember and honor the lives of trans people who have been murdered for having the courage to live as their true selves; for example the three brave trans-women who were murdered in Louisiana within days of one another. The transgender community, and the entire LGBTQ+ community will prevail; and I am here to see that through.
Keep your eyes peeled for the launch of my Vlogs!
xxoo
Written by Corey Rae --- Edited by Emily Turner