Love in a time of transphobia

Leo Koulish (he/they), 19, is a sophomore at Gallatin, and Koda Fraga (he/xe), 19, is a tattoo artist and performer underneath the title Star. Outdoors of faculty, Leo additionally works at Trans Latinx Community, a nonprofit by and for trans individuals in New York Metropolis. Leo and Koda first met by a mutual buddy final yr, however didn’t get to actually know one another till this previous summer season. That they had their first date on this garden in Washington Sq. Park, and have been collectively for practically 9 months now.

As Trans Day of visibility comes up, what are you two fascinated with? What does Trans Day of Visibility imply to you?

Leo: I believe that a very powerful factor that we have to do that yr for Trans Day of Visibility is to heart trans girls of coloration and transfems of coloration. In case you are a white trans individual, you’re nonetheless a white individual first earlier than you’re ever trans. It doesn’t take away out of your oppression and being trans. It simply is what it’s. In case you are a white individual, it doesn’t matter what else your id is, it is advisable be sitting down and listening.

Koda: I believe that some trans individuals must test themselves relating to the exclusivity within the trans neighborhood. It is a time once we all should be supporting one another, and be a neighborhood. When individuals within the trans neighborhood are telling one other individual they’re not trans sufficient, that they don’t look trans, that they should have surgical procedure accomplished in an effort to be trans — you understand, it’s simply all bullshit. Particularly proper now, why is that your foremost focus? We’re all so vastly completely different from one another. We’re completely different and that’s stunning. Not all people within the queer neighborhood is similar. That’s the entire level.

Leo: Holding area for one another to speak about what it means for us to be trans individuals on this world, particularly with all the pieces that’s happening proper now, is so more and more vital. Even throughout the previous six months, earlier than these legal guidelines began being put in place, I’ve observed out in public there’s been a distinct perspective in the direction of being outwardly trans and outwardly queer. Even in New York Metropolis seems occur, individuals say issues, and I believe it’s nearly making area for ourselves to be like, “It doesn’t matter. I’m nonetheless going to be me.”

Trans individuals need to be in all places of this world. We need to be in all places. We need to be seen. We need to be loud and we need to be seen. That’s what it means to me. And we need to share our tales.