How Saying Hello Became Part of My Work in Trans Community Care

What if we did more for each other?

Over the past 18 months I've travelled the country working with trans communities, helping trans families move, and helping people develop holistic operational systems of care and safety.

If you're looking for a simple place to start getting involved. Find ways to connect with people we otherwise wouldn't. In so many parts of this land of the free people say hi to each other on the street and start up whole conversations sometimes. This is a simple way of how we can do more for each other. Say good morning to people as you're walking down the street.

This has shown me that most times folks will smile back at you, but every once in a while something unexpected will happen. Of course, please make sure that you are safe when doing this and there is definitely a time and place for when to not do this especially if you are a marginalized person.

This story is one time where I was truly surprised.

As Forrest and I were in an Lyft on our way to finish loading a moving truck to help a family with a trans child move from South Carolina to Minnesota the strangest thing happened. A man in his 50s with a deep southern accent started talking to us about how the government is fearmongering us because Iran wants a seat at the table. He was telling me about how much he hates our dipshit President and in that moment I was yet again reminded, that we have friends everywhere.

In that moment I got to reminisce about the early 2000s in my time as early activist and we found common ground. In that 15 minute car ride we found friendship and were able to offer each other solace in the fact that there's still joy to be found in every day life. I don't think he knew I was a trans and the music he was listening to was very much not for me, but we got to talk about things that brought us closer to each other.

If you're looking to become part of the movement and you don't know what to do start by saying hi to people and look for those who want to find harmony with each other. Look for the organizations who are looking to find harmony and celebration while taking powerful steps to do more for each other.