What’s most important to your mental health? Not having to live in a state of confusion. Surrounding myself with like-minded individuals that I can trust and feel safe around. Also, doing things for myself that takes me away from always having to make decisions or think all the time. Sometimes I just like to be in peace and quiet and just be present.
Who’s your hero? People who find the courage to become the best version of themselves everyday. People who continue to find the strength to push through life and the various challenges we face each day. People who genuinely care about those around them, and continue to fight against the harm society can place on them for being who they are as a person. Those people are my heroes, because I see myself in those people.
If you could send a note to yourself in 2033, what would it say? “I hope this doesn’t find you in any state of regret. You did your best, you did what you felt was the best thing for you, you cared hard, and loved even harder, and I hope you have found the joy you deserve.”
What’s the one thing in life you’re so happy you did? I’d have to say, finally allowing Javannah to breathe. The moment I allowed myself to transition, and to do it my way, my life did a full 360 for the best. I gained my superpowers, and I’ve been flying ever since.
Who’s the one person who changed your life? I have many people I’ve met along my journey that have inspired me, but I can’t say that I have met anyone that has “changed” my life. I hope when that does happen that it’s extraordinary!
What gives you hope? As long as the sun rises on a new day, there will always be hope. I just have to keep reminding myself of that when the nights get really tough.
What the Trans community needs now is…. …to be able to trust their own community. It’s traumatic and frustrating enough dealing with “outside” communities, and the stigmas that are put on us on an everyday basis, just to experience the same from our own people, within our own community.
What’s your favorite place on earth? I don’t know what my favorite place on earth is yet, because I haven’t traveled that distance… yet. But I have to say, any quiet place by the water is definitely my favorite place to be.
What should be required reading for every human? “Rest is Resistance - A Manifesto” by Tricia Hersey. This book, in so many words, helped me to get rid of the guilt I would feel if I felt my body required a little more rest. It also taught me that Black and Brown folks need to embrace their need to rest more, and how it is actually our silent protest against racism and capitalism.
Fill in the blank: ___”Minding the business that pays you!”_____ is underrated.
