Black Trans Women: Take Care

Dear Family,

Black trans women and femmes around the world are fighting for the liberation of everyone while constantly being under attack from the current administration, local government, and society with little to no resources. Under so much oppression and marginalization, many of us cannot even begin to think about self-care while in constant survival mode. It is important as Black people to encourage and teach our brothers, sisters, and siblings the importance of self-care and healing and how it greatly contributes to our mental health and sustainability. The conversation and practice of taking care of yourself needs to happen, and be encouraged more open and frequently.

Self-care starts with taking the time to assess your body and mind, which also means paying attention to you. Knowing your limits and setting boundaries is very important and greatly helps avoid things like burnout and compassion fatigue. For many Black trans women and femmes, setting boundaries can often be met with pushback and antiblackness which speaks to how many think that we have no right to determine who has access to our body and expertise. Creating spaces and work environments that include self-care practices and encourage the practice is crucial to the movement and fight for liberation.

Basic self-care practices include things like making sure you eat, naps, somatics, and meditation. We must be intentional about prioritizing and centering ourselves when we are exercising these practices. Turn off those cell phones, silence anything with a notification, put a do not disturb note up, and truly take the time you need but most importantly deserve. Those emails will be there, I promise.

Black trans women and femmes take your time. I encourage you to create a calming ambience in your workspace or any space that you occupy. Many people including myself, use sage, oil diffusers, a variety of plants, soft music, and lighting, etc. Creating these spaces helps foster good energy and increased spiritual health. Remember that your self-care plan is specific to you and should be based on what brings you comfort, joy, and also protects your capacity.

One of the best ways to recharge and unplug is by taking time off. For many of us, we feel guilty for taking extended periods of time off. Stop. We deserve time to restore, recharge, and heal. I too struggle with taking time off due to my incredible work ethic which is drenched in past experiences of joblessness and homelessness which creates fears that prevent me from wanting to consider a vacation. To claim the things we deserve we must start naming the fears we have around asking for them. We should not be afraid to ask for what we need and deserve. are also very important for our family that is currently incarcerated. While I have never been incarcerated and can’t speak to that experience, I do want you to know that you deserve every good thing in this world. Your humanity and respect are not up for debate under any circumstances. I recently read “Self-care On the Inside”, by The Sylvia Rivera Law Project. In this publication, they talk about the importance of breathing exercises, journaling, exercise, mediation, and outside communication via letters, etc. These practices will help ground you and keep you rooted in something that brings you joy. My heart is with you and know that one day these systems that keep us oppressed will be no longer.

Beloved family, Toni Morrison reminds us that we are our best thing. To be our best selves, we must commit ourselves to practices that allow us to be well so that we can truly be that very best thing. Part of the beauty and resilience of Black people, Black trans people is our ability to show love, compassion, and grace to one another. Its time to show that same love, compassion, and grace to YOURSELF.

I Love You,

Mariah Moore (she,her,hers) National Organizer, Transgender Law Center Based in New Orleans, LA