Miss Trans Michigan Speaks Out: Why I Wear This Crown for Every Black Trans Girl Still Searching for Safety
Ferndale Pride headliner on what trans people need from allies in this era
“I used to be so scared to even walk down the stairs.” This line is from my original song “Trans." Unfortunately, this was my reality, as I was raised in an environment that was not inclusive of LGBTQIA+ identities. Since then, I walked away and never turned back.
It's one of the many reasons why I work so hard and why words can’t fully express how much it means to be crowned Miss Trans Michigan 2025. There was a time when I thought I'd carry my secret to the grave. Now, I'm determined to fight for marginalized identities. There's a Black trans girl out there who needs a role model, and it's my mission to be the change I wish to see in the world.
As Miss Trans Michigan 2025, I'll continue advocating for transgender people and will use this platform to bring positivity to how the trans community is perceived. Many media outlets use the trans community as a scapegoat for discrimination. I want to uplift the trans community and serve as a positive role model. I've chosen to support Affirmations, Black Pride Ypsi, PRISM Detroit and the Ruth Ellis Center.
As a young, Black, transgender woman who came out at 21, celebrating Pride means the world to me. The opportunities I've received from the LGBTQIA+ community have been life-changing. Despite the current political climate, I refuse to hide. Trans representation and visibility are important now more than ever. We will not be erased.
I'll never forget being harassed in a public restroom in Detroit. As I was being threatened by a stranger, another LGBTQIA+ community member stood by and did nothing. The trans community shouldn't have to fight alone. We shouldn't be victims of inaction, especially from other queer community members.
I'm eager to connect with community members who experience adversity. I know there are other young queer and transgender individuals experiencing oppression in their environments. We must continue fighting the erasure of queer and transgender people. The trans community can’t win this fight alone, however.
No matter how we identify, discriminatory people will come after all of us. There is no "LGB" without the "T." We shouldn't be fighting for basic human rights by ourselves. Speak up when you witness injustice. By correcting misgendering, attacking harmful rhetoric and stepping in when a trans person is being harassed, you can make a difference.
I'm calling on allies to step up. We cannot combat discrimination alone. Using your voice against bigotry makes a difference. It's unfair to expect LGBTQIA+ community members to be visible while we're constantly targeted.
Visibility without protection is a trap. Allyship needs to be direct and visible, not performative.
Being visible isn't easy. I've dealt with condescending comments and behaviors. In just a few years, I've faced more controversies surrounding my gender identity than most people can imagine — from family judgment to public harassment. I've been threatened walking to a job interview. People don't understand the cognitive dissonance when those who claim to love you treat you poorly for embracing who you truly are. It's disheartening when family members intentionally disrespect your name and pronouns.
Although many perceptions of me changed after I came out, I found community. I found sisters to laugh and cry with. I found community in those who also faced adversity. My chosen family keeps me going. When I was at my lowest, fellow artists uplifted me. I'm driven to do the same for others in need.
Regarding how transgender people are treated, we need to stop accepting the bare minimum. Everyone grows up differently, but that's no excuse to repeat your family's bigotry without critical thinking. Many don't realize the hardships of being "out" and proud. I've known who I was since I was 8, but had to hide because it wasn't safe to live openly.
Transgender people deserve the right to thrive. The life expectancy for Black transgender women like myself isn't high. At 25, I've lost many friends from the community.
Queer and trans people deserve to grow old. We deserve to start families like everyone else. How can we do that if we're constantly fighting for our lives? We must fight against ideals and laws that harm the LGBTQIA+ community.
Treating trans humans with basic respect is the bare minimum. In reality, transgender people aren't abnormal. We're teachers, lawyers, doctors, activists, sisters, brothers and more.
To me, thriving means achieving my dreams. I deserve to grow old and start a family. I deserve to chase my dream of being a musical superstar touring internationally. Transgender people should flourish in any career we pursue. We are someone, and trans people deserve the chance to thrive — forever and always.
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