My Thoughts About The Ashia Ajani Article

March is Women's History month, and I was surprised to see this Ashia Ajani article celebrating the 14 years that TransGriot has been around to drop knowledge about the Black trans community and express myself about the current events of the day since January 1, 2006.

If you haven't seen the article, here's a link to it.

Every time I start thinking I haven't done enough for the community, or wonder if anyone is even paying attention to what I write at TransGriot, an article like this comes out reminding me yes, you have been doing a lot since 1998, and I'm still blessed to be in a position to do even more.

I'm also blessed as a yelder to watch and mentor the current generation of Black trans leaders, and also have them drop knowledge on me that causes me to think about issues from a different angle.

Thank you Ashia for the article, and for the reminder that y'all see me as a journalist.

All I've done is pick up the torch that Roberta Angela Dee left behind when she joined the ancestors in 2003, and took it to another level.   I suspect that when it is time for me to pass it on, there will be other Black trans folks I inspire to get into media work, because telling our stories for historical posterity is important.

It is also vitally important in a media environment that seeks to demonize trans folks every chance they get, that we have Black trans media folks pushing back against the lies and disinformation.

We also need people to accurately tell our stories, and also talk about our successes, not just push the 'tragic transsexual' narrative.

Moni's Thoughts On The Root 8 Trans Women Of Color Doing More Than Being Visible Article

I had three major goals when I began my transition in 1994. On of them was wanting to be a visible role model for other girls like me.

The other was I wanted to be considered a complimentary to Black womanhood and not seen as a detriment to it.

The third was wanting to be the best Moni I could be to the point that my trans and cis sisters would be proud of me and whatever I accomplished.

I've been honored with a lot of awards, profiled in articles and added to some lists, but was not expecting to be part of this Samantha Master article in The Root that profiled 8 Trans Women Of Color Doing More Than Being Visible.

Speaks to how long I've been in the movement when I've met or personally know the other seven amazing women who were profiled in this article.

While I'm honored to be one of the people in this article, and I thank everyone for the kudos on my FB page, I can't nor will I let you peeps forget we have some amazing trans women of color leaders across this country and beyond our borders.

Let's not forget we have some powerhouse Latina sisters like Bamby Salcedo, Jennicet Eva Gutiérrez, Arianna Lint, Maria Roman, Joanna Maria Cifredo, Ruby Corado, Johanna Saavedra, and Elizabeth Marie Rivera. just to name a few of them.   

My native Hawaiian sisters like Cathy Taffy, Ashilana Hawelu-Fulgoni, Stacia Ohira, Hina Wong-Kalu, and Maddalyn Ashton Sesepasara and Asian sisters like Kim Coco Iwamoto, Cecilia Chung, Tita Aida, Geena Rocero and Andy Marra.  

Native sisters Mattee Jim, Stella Johnson, Michelle Enfield and Trudie Jackson.

And a shoutout goes to all trans women of color who are yet unknown on a local, statewide or national stage, but are doing their part to lead in their communities and advance our just trans human rights cause.

All trans women of color are representing our overall community not only as leaders, but as leaders role modeling a transition experience formed by their cultural experiences.

Women of Color means more than just a default way to write Black or African-American.

While the media focus may be on Caitlyn Jenner, Trans World, our trans men and allies know who the people are who have been doing the heavy lifting to make it easier for Caitlyn and other to have a community to come out to.and who would have her back when the haters started coming out of the closet.