Deeper Than Visibility Summit, Atlanta

Photography by Tiera Craig

  (Atlanta, GA) -  Your boy went to the Deeper than Visibility Summit in Atlanta earlier this week for Trans Day Of Visibility.  It was a beautiful space, but that feels like an understatement.  With the Summit being held at Atlanta City Hall, it was really dope to see the city acknowledging and supporting the community. The community that I live in, in North Carolina, that just isn't a thing. It’s funny how you forget or don't even think about what is possible in a community when where you live doesn't have that type of access or support. It saddens me and motivates me all at the same time. 

At the Summit, I met people from all over Georgia loving the atmosphere and camaraderie that were flowing. I felt seen amongst my community and as I walked around talking with people about the importance of visibility, every answer reminded me of the significance of being seen.

Now, I did notice the lack of Trans Masculine folks, but this was not surprising. Unfortunately there are never a lot of us in these rooms or on the panels unless it's a Transmen's event. It feels like we're the afterthought at these events and gatherings. One of the hashtags for the Summit was #howwetalkaboutus, and during the panel discussion one of my Trans siblings said that “a wig and lipstick doesn't make someone a Trans Woman.” She did go on to explain that we as a community have said that you don't need to medically transition to be Trans, but due to this inclusion, it is the reason the rightwing politico are coming for our ability to medically transition. On one hand, I understood what she was saying, but, on the other hand, as a Transman who for medical reasons does not take T, it was a disappointing statement. It upset me because it took me back to a place where I felt like I had to continually explain and defend who I am. Every day that someone misgenders me and I correct them, I am reminded that I don't have cis-assumed privilege.  My issue is with statements made without thought of those we affect by them. If we truly are to be more aware of how we talk about ourselves, then we also need to be aware that our stories and journeys are all different. If we are not the safe space for our own people, then where exactly is the safe space?  Is there ever going to be a space within any community where we can all exist?  Where we all get to sit at the table and respect one another's journey and not try to invalidate them?  Don’t we get enough of the exclusionary behavior from those outside of the community? The people who are looking to harm us aren't going to harm me any less because some people in the community believe me not to be Trans or Trans enough. 

Ultimately, I think the Summit was a great experience. I enjoyed talking with people and feeling community. It was also frustrating because of the previously mentioned concerns, but those are things that bring about discussions.  As long as everyone at the table is willing to listen to each other and share openly and honestly, I think that the world in which we all want to live is possible. It is that we are in a place that goes Deeper than Visibility?

Photography by Tiera Craig