Transgender day of remembrance

As Queer people we know death in a unique rational way. We know the death of our personhood whether by family, Church, nation, or stranger. We know the death of desire and the death of the physical body by the hands of violence motivated by fear, Empire, or even misguided faith.

On this Transgender Day of Remembrance, I name the violence that seeks to oust our flame– especially Black and Brown lives. And, on this day I lift up that in spite of such hatred and laws that try to bind us, we are still pushing forward to find ways to thrive. Because thriving matters too. Thriving needs to be seen more in our communities. Thriving is something we hold in our flame. Yes, queer people know death well, but we also know how-to live-in spite of and so I light my candle this day to remember those lost to hatred and to show to any queer human who needs to see – I am in spite of all things – choosing me, my family, my wife, and with deep joy choosing the belief and knowing that God indeed loves me and desires for all of our queer family to thrive.

We can take our power back with every name we say, with every narrative we tell, and with every moment we live into our queer resilient bodies, minds, and spirits.  In spite of the hatred that lives, we are still here and so the flame of our joy remains.

“Narrative is us. Narrative was before us. And narrative will be after us.”  - Queer Death Doula

Tell your story often. Honor the stories of our queer ancestors before us. And make space for the incoming stories that your life and light will make way for – amen.