BISA BUTLER - DEAR MAMA (2009)

I remember reflecting in a mirror that didn’t reflect me. I used to run in circles around my identity.

The noise of social conditioning was deafening, and I felt defeated. What purpose would I have if I was no good to myself? The world was different then, and my voice was still developing. Acceptance starts from within, and courage is like a muscle. There is no right time to find or redefine your individuality. Womanhood is precious. It’s not limited to one experience or idea.

Womankind is ever-evolving — revolutionary— creating space for women like me. Trans women, black trans women, are worthy of all the goodness this world has to offer. Our lives have been disproportionately snatched away at the hands of insecure men. Men who would rather silence us than admit their love for us We deserve love, unconditional love, and most of all–– we deserve peace. I am a woman. I am a black trans woman. And I am worthy.