LIBERATION-Brittan

For so long I struggled with my purpose in life I think one of the key reasons for this was the battle of being who I created myself to be vs who society and folx around expected me to be This summer was a pure reminder that who I created.... is more than qualified to live, breathe, and exist as freely as possible

When I created Next Generation Men of Transition in 2018, I came up with a slogan: I Chose Me To Survive No one truly knew the underlining to this now lifelong affirmation used daily in my transition from surviving to thriving The thoughts run through my mind as I think back to all the sacrifices I needed/had to make as I embarked on this journey Trusting a being I had only seen in my sub conscious mirror and my dreams I had given the world the mere version of who I was expected to be for too long, I could no longer suffocate my ability to thrive Brittan could no longer live in the shadows; my destiny lie within his eyes Comfortability was no longer a cushion I remembered thinking if I don't choose me...then whats next...??

I relocated temporarily to Jacksonville, FL for a short time to find some type of grounding within myself Prior to my move, my ex-wife and I divorced, I know longer woke up to my children getting ready for school, or Sunday family dinners because all of those things had become the roadmap to what I thought was the rest of my life A major change after 10+ years In those moments of truly starting my life over, many days I would journal about every door that has opened thus far I trusted myself more than I had ever; knowing I couldn't let me down "I Chose Me To Survive", I returned home about 6 months later with a bond I created with self based on sacrificing what I knew I had in life vs the undying urge to live in the ever

growing "me" that I had ran away long enough to nurture. I was now able to BREATHE on my own Today, I cherish each moment I sacrificed whole heartedly, I thought I was leaving my children behind yet the bond we have today reassures me I made the right decision In choosing me to survive, I broke the expectations placed on me from the moment I came into this world Learning to thrive daily while sharing with others that you to have the ability to make a decision too Here is your courage

As teenager I started traveling to NYC for pride in 2005, I would always return to Rochester saying everyone needs to experience this form of liberation I had never seen so many people free, proud, and visible in my life 18 years later as I traveled through the state experiencing prides in almost every region. I was thankful to see what was once just a mere thought in my mind; is now a state wide liberation 365 days a year! To be a part of an ever growing change in society ensures me every sacrifice was worth it for the lives that will continually be changed in this generation and many many more to come To live in a time where support, love, and a passion for change aligns with folx across the state as well as the nation, reassures me choosing me was never just about me I may not be here to watch the tree grow branch's but I was here planting the seeds

Hey New Pride Family,

Can you believe this is the 3rd issue of Period'.?

Our summer was filled with reminders of the liberation and the freedom we continually fight for daily. Thank you for trusting us to uplift and amplify voices throughout the state. Pride season kicked off with victory in the air Governor Kathy Hochul signed the Safe Haven For Trans Youth & Families Bill, the Lorena Borjas Transgender and Gender Non-Binary (TGNB) wellness and equity fund expanded by 3 million dollars, and the LGBTQ+& HIV Long-term Care Bill of Rights. 2023 marked the 4th consecutive record breaking year for anti- trans legislation It is time to mobilize Are you ready? We are quickly approaching the 2024 legislative session, we are calling on you our community-family to helps us secure another win. In 2023 alone, 574 bills have introduced throughout 49 states, 83 have passed another 125 failed and we currently have 366 active. We must continue to fight together It is our duty to make sure TGNCNBI New Yorkers and those relocating to New York- the home of Stonewall and now the Safe Haven for Trans Youth & Families are protected by the work we are all putting in. We are firm believers at NEW Pride that “No equality for some of us without equity for all of”. We will fight until we have equity for ALL

Brittan N. Hardgers

I have recently accepted the New Pride Agenda Director of Advocacy & Community Engagement. I am thrilled and excited to embark on this new journey. Stay tuned for more about our monthly advocacy townhalls, our 2024 advocacy agenda and advocacy day in Albany.

“Together will we build on the state wide vision of equity for all!