Happy Trans Day of Visibility
We are each the sum total of our experiences. Those who deeply love me are willing to “take my word for it” where my trans-ness is concerned. Those who’ve stuck around through each iteration of my personal journey have come along for a fairly interesting ride. And I adore them for it.
Like, I know most cis people will never fully understand, because there really isn’t an analogy that “fits” into their lived experience. But I appreciate everyone willing to try.
First off, there is no singular “trans experience.” Though the experience of being trans in America has some definite and repetitive similarities.
We are every bit as diverse as the world community at large, and our experience of ourselves and our journeys varies just as widely.
We’re currently having a thought-provoking discussion in our house about a screenwriter we will probably interview for the podcast. He’s a straight dude who’s written a lesbian love story. I know. Oh, did I have questions! But I want very much to read his work before I pass judgment. The story is based on a good friend of his, written from love, and I hear it’s quite well done. We shall see.
The idea that no one should be telling our queer stories but Us is not off base at all. History demonstrates it hasn’t often gone well. But you know what? It’s already written. It’s happening. And I am happy to be in a position to provide feedback. I play the cards I’m dealt. And yes, the slated actors are queer. If it isn’t good, you’ll hear no more about it from us. That’s how we roll. But I promise, the writer will know.
I will always make it abundantly clear I do not speak for any trans person but this one right here. I’ve never made a single dime off the back of anyone else, I barely survived an abusive childhood, and I do my level best to greet every human I’ve encountered over these 50-Odd years with respect and dignity. There are definitely people in this world I owe my life to, but there ain’t many. The world is opening up in profound ways since I first whispered the words, “I am trans.” I’m grateful beyond words.
Living this life -the being a human one- comes at a price, no matter what. I paid a heavy price in that closet, and I pay out here, too. Different fees to different folks -some of it really painful- but the cost of doing business, I guess. I had to cull my circle to protect my heart, and I hold no ill will toward anyone. But to be fully myself I had to decide there are simply people I do not owe my vulnerability, and if we meet again, it’s on these terms.
So as I have more and more opportunity to do the work of my Soul and share it, I know being visible, and all that means, is a byproduct of this work. But the work is bigger than Me, and that’s the entire point. It’s as if all of the creativity screaming to get out was behind a paywall labeled, “Tell Them Already.”
We play “ Lift Every Voice And Sing “ a lot in our house. Several different versions, actually. It’s in rotation. It is what my partner and I have lived by for almost 10 years together and counting. We’ve supported more artists than I can count, and always opened up every platform we have to our folks who don’t always see a platform. All manner of dancers, musicians, writers, visual artists, a magician and even a clown with a deep affection for weed, have had their voices lifted through us. It’s a profound honor to provide a vehicle, a venue, or a stage.
That song. Lift “Every” Voice. Every voice? It says Every voice. Even Caitlyn Jenner?! I mean, she just signed on to Fox News where she belongs, assuring I ain’t gonna ever hear her in her new gig. So, I guess her, too. The world is a mysterious place, and she does provide contrast.
Lift Every Voice is definitely the anthem that resonates best with me, written and delivered from a better place than that other one. And there isn’t a racist stanza to ignore! I truly prefer tables where we set more places, not fewer.
After a full day of work, I wanted to take a moment to remind myself and my trans siblings that we are Rare, and we are Magic. Authenticity Shines, and so do We. Keep Going, y’all!
Happy Day of Visibility!
Peace, Lovelies
- MM
Originally published at http://iammarthamadrigal.wordpress.com on March 31, 2022.
