WORTHY by Averi Rose

This poem by Averi Rose was originally featured in TransLash Zine Vol. 3: Pride Month Edition (2021). Enjoy our animated short film inspired by the poem by accessing the QR code at the end, or visiting translash.org/transbodiestranschoices, the hub for all of our #TransBodiesTransChoices content.

WORTHY

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.

FILM CREDITS CREATED BY IMARA JONES DIRECTION & ANIMATION BY JAY KATARA WRITTEN & PERFORMED BY AVERI ROSE PRODUCED BY RUBY ROSE FLUDZINSKI & TILER WILSON SOUND DESIGN BY RUBY ROSE FLUDZINSKI SOUND MIXING BY ANTON JIRACEK DIGITAL AND CONTENT STRATEGY BY DANIELA "DANI" CAPISTRANO

AUTHOR BIO My name is Averi Rose. I am a model, poet, and an active voice for the trans community. I recently found my voice after reading countless news articles targeting trans youth. I am quite sensitive to the subject of children and their well-being—especially as it pertains to trans children. I struggled with myself growing up. I didn’t have the same courage at their age to fully vocalize my concerns surrounding my identity. I silenced myself out of fear. However, children today are fearless. Their parents are listening and it’s extraordinary to witness. I refuse to remain quiet while the law attempts to silence them.

ACCESS THE ANIMATED SHORT VERSION OF THIS POEM.