Practicing visibility, part one
On celebrating connection
Wow. Last week was a reminder that we are indeed constantly writing our stories—dreaming and manifesting. I wrote back in January that the intention for this “stage” of HAMPI was connection. Here I am now, reflecting on a week packed with so many opportunities for just that.
I was invited to deliver a keynote address at the University of Chicago last Monday. For its first-ever Trans Week! It was an honor to be back at my alma mater to inspire and empower trans and nonbinary students on their own journeys. Admittedly, writing this speech was difficult for me, constantly weighing the power of visibility against its dangers, all while grieving too many losses (some very personal, too) this season. Yet, the evening was one I will always remember fondly because of how folks met me: in their own vulnerability.
We were able to explore this vulnerability further on Tuesday during our storytelling workshop. I’m grateful for the courage folks channeled in their pieces, as they tapped into themes that I’m sure were difficult at times—abandoning old messages about ourselves, (re)embracing our physical bodies, and reflecting on tough life lessons, in conversation with our ancestors, our (other) loved ones, and even our mirrors. There’s nothing more special to me, though, than to witness other people’s stories, so I left Tuesday with a full heart. Still thinking about how our bodies can be our allies.
On Wednesday, I got to reflect on being an artist, in conversation with another trans artist. The challenges and opportunities in balancing so much: the personal with the professional, expression with productivity, power with authenticity, and so much more. And on Thursday, I got to share some early lessons from building collaborations in my survey research work, centered around greater inclusivity, with fellow trans folks growing in their own fields, many in STEM. I’m looking forward to sharing even more at my first in-person work conference in years in a few months.
It wasn’t easy to balance all these events with work and leisure, with my EDS kicking me in the butt at various different points throughout the week, but we did it. Being an ally to my body meant respecting when it needed rest and shaking off any unnecessary FOMO. I got to connect and reconnect with so many wonderful individuals, reminded time and again that it’s really all about love in this life. It’s most certainly my why when it comes to my art and my work.