It’s Transgender Awareness Week once again. And as a proud and outspoken transgender woman, I’ve been reflecting on the long and winding journey that has led me to where I am today.
Nearly a decade ago now, I took a bold step in applying to become a TEDx Speaker in the Cayman Islands. Having volunteered as a graphic designer for the inaugural TEDxSevenMileBeach event in 2014, I was inspired by the myriad stories and words of wisdom that were being shared on stage, so much so that I wondered if that same stage would serve as fertile ground for sowing the seed of an ambitious endeavour I was ruminating over at the time. Sure enough, when my turn in the spotlight was due, it succeeded in the launch of my first ever political campaign, the “Colours Cayman Campaign,” fully orchestrated by my own hand.
As fate would have it, what began as a relatively small effort to “foster a safe and comfortable social environment for the LGBT community of the Cayman Islands,” quickly blossomed into a grassroots organisation championing for marriage equality, inclusive sex education, mental health awareness and a host of other SOGIESC issues. What’s more, there had been nothing like it ever before in my home country.
Today, my humble organisation has grown to become an international one, working alongside fellow activists, artists, barristers, parliamentarians and other NGOs the world over—and it all began with a single brave act from a young transgender sales representative working at a local shoe shop.
I can’t say thank you enough to the many figures who’ve played a pivotal role in getting us to where we are today. We—as a community and as an organisation—wouldn’t be here without you.
Thank you for seeing me; both for what I am and for what I could be.