I do my best to be out and proud and try my best to be hyper-aware of my actions and how they affect the people around me. Before transitioning I identified as a queer female and was quite invisible in society. I had to raise my voice to be heard and I had to fight to make sure that my accomplishments were not overlooked by my male counterparts. Now I identify as a white male and society sees me that way. Now I am seen, I am heard. But I remember how it felt to be invisible and remind myself everyday of the women and minorities who are still invisible in this white-male dominated world. They should be seen/heard too. I ask myself how can I help them be heard? How can I be sure that I am not dominating the space? The answer is to listen. To pause when I hear a voice that is trying to be heard, to hold space so that person can speak. Sometimes it can be difficult to shut my mouth, but it is important that I do because my core value is to treat others in the way that I want to be treated.
I participate because this project is a great concept and has the potential to spread good messages to people. I like to participate every year because I'm constantly evolving/changing and want to reflect that.
