Standing Out

visibility And there I was, - here I am - on the street, and not fitting in. Something to attract attention. I must be mad. I may have seemed mad. But my visibility serves a purpose – it shows trans to those who only guess at it. It claims a space in the public place. Through these pictures and films it spreads the word that we are here and not apologizing for it. I risk provoking love and admiration, I risk antagonism, - above all I risk changing things for the better. We need to be seen and heard. What do we lose when we are unseen? You’re not sure? Are you visible to yourself? Do you know what story you’re telling? If so, you can go public as part of “we”, we who meet, march, campaign, and you might even step up and carry a placard or lead us on a march. Welcome to the wonderful world of activism. Standing out is good for everybody. If people don’t see difference how will society learn to adapt to change? And if you do want to slip quickly across to your gender-other and become invisible don’t forget to speak out for the other trans coming down the road behind you, who may be wanting their time in the light. Trans Visibility takes realism and it takes practice – but it’s strength, it’s magic, it’s power.