Pgh Lesbian Correspondents

Today is the International Trans Day of Remembrance as well as a day to honor trans resilience. In lieu of our usual Friday #AMPLIFY profile, we are sharing these previously published Q&A posts with transgender neighbors living in Western Pennsylvania. Visibility is an important component of resiliency and a luxury many of us may not realize as our privilege.

15 neighbors who identify as trans have shared their stories – from Allegheny, Butler, Cambria, Erie, Fayette, McKean and Westmoreland counties.  They represent 20% of the respondents. We would like to add your voice to the AMPLIFY project.

Rashod Is An Unapologetic Trans Man of Color

Donna Met a Female Impersonator Who Made a Lasting Impression

Katie-Anne Speaks As Two Spirited Bi Gendered Resident of Johnstown

CJ Describes Living Stealth As A Trans Man

Patrouious Describes His Fears & Frustrations as a Trans Man in McKean County #AMPLIFY

Sivynn Acknowledges That Some People Just Don’t Pay Attention to His Transition

Brandon Believes Pittsburgh Should Have Better Trans Health Resources

Jesse Believes in the Power of [Trans]cendence

Jessi is a Trans Lesbian Who Asks Questions

Kitty Is Out and Open as a Bisexual Trans Woman in Erie County #AMPLIFY

Alex is a Black Trans Man Who Doesn’t Apologize For His Existence

Jesse Talks About Living as a Trans Woman in a Culture of Fear

Janie From Brackenridge: Being Trans Limits Many Things

Kaley is Trans, Queer and a Fan of Gender Outlaws

Roman Knows to the Depths of His Soul That He Is a Man #AMPLIFY

I would be remiss if I did not ask you to continue to say the names (even to yourself) of our trans sisters who lost their lives to violence this past year. You can read the complete list of lost trans neighbors and friends here.

Please continue to say their names.

1. Papi Edwards, 20, Louisville, January 9
2. Lamia Beard, 30, Norfolk on January 17
3. Ty Underwood, 24, Tyler TX on January 26
4. Yazmin Vash Payne, 33, LA on January 31
5. Taja de Jesus, 36, San Fran February 1
6. Penny Proud, 21, New Orleans February 10
7. Bri Golec, 22, Akron on February 13
8. Kristina Grant Infiniti, 47, Miami on February 15
9. Keyshia Blige, 33, Naperville IL on March 7
10. London Chanel, 21, Philadelphia on May 18
11. Mercedes Williamson, 17, Alabama on May 30
12. Jasmine Collins, 32, Kansas City MO, June 23
13. India Clarke, 25, Tampa on July 22
14. K.C. Haggard, 66, Fresno on July 23
15. Amber Monroe, 20, Detroit on August 8
16. Ms. Shade Schuler, 22, Dallas, date of death unknown
17. Ashton O’Hara, 25, Detroit, July 14
18. Kandis Capri, 35, Phoenix, August 11
19. Elisha Walker, 25, Smithfield NC, date of death unknown
20. Tamara Dominguez, 36, Kansas City MO, August 17
21. Kiesha Jenkins, 22, Philadelphia, October 6
22. Zella Ziona, 21, Gaithersburg MD, October 14

Rest in power, sisters and neighbors.

A list of Trans Day of Remembrance events near Pittsburgh can be found here.