Day 3 of Moving Trans History Forward 2023, Saturday, April 1, 2023

As my friend wrote me after viewing today's opening online, "What beautiful examples of how life can take a positive turn and that self actualization is available at any age!"

In the Elder Panel, JoAnne Keatley spoke of:

• Being under attack isn't a new phenomenon. Joan of Arc was burned at the stake for being transgender. Organizing and educating is essential for affecting change.

• "I may not be your idea of a perfect trans woman, but I’m my idea of a perfect trans woman." "I survived by doing anything I could, and I really mean anything....I'm not proud of everything I did, but I'm proud that I survived."

• We could hear more from people on the front lines who are struggling to survive every day.

• We need to have a youth and elder panel together sharing about what we've gone through and what's ahead.

• Believe in yourself. Whatever struggles you’re going through, as long as you can live another day, believe in yourself. Reach out to your community. Don’t isolate. There’s a community of like-minded folks. We try to figure things out on our own. Let's be willing to share our story.

Some of Zander Keig's messages:

• We're a diverse community, we're not monolithic, and I want people to know that everywhere I go. Let's have conversations with each other and be civil to each other.

• Live life to the fullest. Don’t let people hold you down, dissuade you from your own life’s course.

• Stay true to your own moral compass.

The session I chose was about writing. Basically, yes, your voice matters, tell your story!

Author and musician Nikita Carter played a beautiful rendition of Amazing Grace and then told us, "I am my voice now. I processed how events early in my life prevented Nikita to emerge. But with guidance I could be who I really am. I’ve been invisible in my world, and now in this community I have an opportunity for me to be part of the change I want to see in this planet."

I had the pleasure of chatting 1:1 with Nikita at lunch. Like instruments that resonate with each other, I enjoyed our vibing and riffing with each other, and our exchanging dreams.

More soon!