TransGriot Note: Guest post by mezzo soprano Tona Brown who recently became the first African-American trans person to perform for a sitting US president.
I have been questioned by some as to why I feel that performing for LGBT Pride events are important to me.
Those
of us affiliated with the transgender community have felt for quite
sometime that lesbian gay and bisexual organizations and pride
functions exclude our community.
We are constantly disappointed when
its time for organizations and legislators to support our community only
for these organizations to show us time and time again that the
transgender, transsexual and/or gender non-conforming community is not
important and can be dropped from the discussion, out of legislation or
not included at all.
Or worse, programming that has nothing to do with
trans issues and to see that a drag show is used to say that these
organizations are open to the trans-community.
To answer to the question of why I feel that performing for the LGBT Pride functions and events are important to me: Simply put I am a part of the LGBT community. This is why I feel I should perform and or speak at these events whether they accept that or not.
It
is my belief that not only does the transgender community need to
regroup and build our own infrastructure and plan for change but that we
make ourselves known whenever possible. No longer will and can these
organizations use the excuse that there are "no transgender people
available" for boards, discussions, television shows, panels etc. The
transgender community is showing its importance in monumental ways
everyday.
And although the media both mainstream and gay does not like
to report our triumphs unless it's mixed with scandal; we must work
harder to share our stories, to develop and learn more about our history
and showcase why we are an important community in today's society.
If
the transgender community is going to complain about not being
included in the discussion or being excluded from legislation then it's
imperative that we do what we can do to be seen and heard.
It's far
more powerful to put a face to a community then just to have it
mentioned as a letter.
Do your part. Support these events especially
those that have programs and outreach for trans people and we are on
their boards. Make it known that you would like to be a part of such
boards and follow all steps to do so. I currently sit on the advisory
board for the LGBT Academy of Recording Arts, the organization that
organizes the Outmusic Awards.
Whenever invited to perform
or speak for various events in the LGBT community I try my best to do
what I can to be a part of them and perform for them. My schedule is
very busy but these events are very important if we are EVER to be
included in this GLB (T) community.
When I walk into the room I know that I am representing not only myself but others like me in the best way possible!
So ladies and gents join me in Baltimore in October. Dream bigger and shoot for the stars!
I
will be performing the Baltimore Black Pride events on October 8-9 and I look forward to seeing you there!
****
TransGriot Note: These are the Baltimore Black Pride events Tona will perform at. Check them out if you can.
October 8 Baltimore Black Pride Cultural Affair and " ICON WE LOVE" Awards
Honoree(s) Del. Mary L. Washington of the 43rd district
Archbishop Carl Bean of The Unity Fellowship Church Movement
Featuring Artist : Mezzo Soprano Tona Brown
Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center
847 North Howard Street
7pm-11pm : DRESS ATTIRE SEMI-FORMAL....DRESS TO IMPRESS
Lite Buffet, Open Bar, Live Entertainment and Dancing
Donation $50.00
October 9 Sunday Spiritual Service
Unity Fellowship Church of Baltimore
Sermon by Rev. Sam Offer
Featuring Artist : Mezzo Soprano Tona Brown
UFCB Mass Choir and special guest
Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center
847 N. Howard Street
11am- 1pm
