Written by Bek Rengel (They/Them) and Alex Gibbings (They/Them)
Trans Awareness Week spans from November 13th to 19th and culminates in Trans Day of Remembrance on the 20th. It’s a time to commemorate lives lost to anti-transgender violence and it’s also a call to action. This week urges us to confront the political, legal, and societal challenges that persistently face the trans and gender-diverse community. Against the backdrop of a year marked by alarming increases in hate crimes, political assaults on trans rights, and media vitriol directed at this marginalized group, we wanted to share our personal reflections on navigating struggles and trans joy.
Facing Struggles: Navigating Challenges (Alex)
With so much hate targeted towards trans people through media and a cultivated culture war, it can be hard to keep good spirits. I have been finding it harder to navigate myself in my career, my social circles and, generally, my life. Every day I am facing some form of hate whether it is direct or indirect and I know this is the same for many trans people during this time. However, my saving grace, my ability to navigate these situations and maintain my bubbly personality has been through the support I gain from my community.
Coming from a small village in South Wales, I never saw myself represented. Therefore, it took me longer than most people to find others like me and to gain friends that shared my experiences. I know this is the case for many trans people and I know there’s been research on queer identities in rural areas but why should queer people move into cities to feel a sense of belonging? I guess that’s another question for another day. Anyway, it took me until I was 22 to finally live as my authentic self. Why did it take me so long? Why did I not live authentically before? I know these are questions I repeatedly asked myself, but the answer is as simple as this; I did not see people like me growing up. I did not see trans people on tv, I did not see trans people in the community I grew up in, it was not until I was 22 years old that I would finally meet someone like me. The relief this gave me to feel included and not on the outskirts. To feel like I was not abnormal and to feel I belonged. It was amazing to finally not feel alone. This representation mattered to me and was enough for me to start navigating the challenges trans people too often face and declare my authenticity.
I guess what I’m trying to say through this short piece is that I am now able to navigate the challenges, the hate, the constant berating in media for political gain because I have representation and a supportive community. Representation of people matter, and I am so thankful to all the trans people before me that have given me the privilege to be my authentic self. However, not everything is a struggle and there is so much joy that comes with being trans.
Trans Joy: Shattering Stereotypes (Bek)
Contrary to the narrative often perpetuated by the media and anti-trans hate groups, being trans or gender-diverse is not synonymous with misery. The prevalent fear expressed by families—of loneliness, lack of companionship, and a bleak future—is an outdated perspective.
For myself and so many other trans people, being trans and non-binary is a source of profound joy! I have found it deeply liberating to live authentically with the right name, correct pronouns and access to essential gender-affirming healthcare. I’ve found an amazing sense of community, meeting so many incredible trans and gender diverse people as part of the committee of Trans Pride South West, Bristol’s local trans pride organisation. Working with a group that is deeply committed to improving the lives of trans and gender diverse people in the region through events and advocacy has given me the confidence to live more openly and authentically.
I recognise that I speak from a place of privilege that is not afforded to every trans and gender diverse person. I want to use my privilege to create a world where those people can experience trans joy and live authentically. To accomplish that, we need the support of cisgender (non-trans) people. I encourage you to read personal stories, educate yourself about the challenges facing our community, and speak up for us when we can’t do it ourselves.
A fantastic starting point is supporting local trans prides such as Trans Pride South West—whether through donations, volunteering, or attending events throughout November 2023. By actively engaging with our community, you can not only gain insight into our experiences but also share in the celebration of trans joy!
Trans Day of Remembrance
Now we have discussed the ways we have navigated challenges and we have found an abundance of joy in being trans, it is important to not forget those that have unfortunately lost their lives due to anti-transgender violence. I remember my first experience of attending a vigil for Trans Day of Remembrance. During the vigil we read out the names of people who have lost their lives due to anti-transgender violence in the last year and I remember hearing the name of someone who happened to have the same name as one of my close friends. It hit me hard and I felt sorrow and fear that next year I could be at another vigil hearing his name read out. These feelings are often a sad reality for trans people as each loss of a member of our community is one of profound sorrow. We mourn those who are now gone, and we commit to strive relentlessly to improve the lives for the living.
Join us in creating a world where authenticity is met with understanding and joy for every individual, regardless of their gender identity.