Trans Voices: Stories of Resilience, Identity, and Allyship
The Our Fund Foundation is South Florida’s leading expert on LGBTQ issues, guiding philanthropy to build a thriving LGBTQ community. With $25M in
As a 58-year-old transgender woman of color, I feel incredibly fortunate to have reached this age. I've faced immense injustices, including employment and housing discrimination, and medical disparities that led to dangerous black-market injections. I've survived three violent physical attacks.
I grew up across Miami, Boston, and Forest, Mississippi.
I’m a Black, queer, Latino trans man living in Florida, where the political climate feels like it’s always set to hostile. Every headline reminds me that people like me aren’t just debated — we’re targeted. Still, my life is full. I’ve got love. I’ve got support. I’ve built a community that holds me up. That’s not because I’m trans — but often, in spite of it.
I recently found myself traveling alone to speak at a conference and looking for a friendly breakfast table.
I was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida — sheltered, bookish, and without the language to describe what I felt inside. As a kid, I always played the “dad” when my sister and I played house. I didn’t know why — I just knew bows and dresses weren’t for me. I wanted cornrows, Jordans, and basketball shorts. Eventually, people called me a tomboy. Still, I didn’t yet know what LGBTQ meant.
By the time I was 10, I'd stand in front of mirrors for hours, scrutinizing my face as I saw myself slip away. "Who's that boy?" I'd wonder.
About three years ago, I was approached by The Our Fund Foundation with an unexpected invitation.
As a 10-year Army veteran, the majority of my growing-up years were spent in the military.
When I was a little kid, I was unapologetically curious and colorfully authentic until I was told to dim my feminine light.
I have always lived my life unapologetically; first "Gay & Proud," and then, "Trans & Proud." I am still proud, but now I am more afraid than ever. Trans rights are under unprecedented attack, as lawmakers push policies that specifically target us. I wonder why my, or our, existence provokes such fear and hostility.
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