Nothing in life is random. Even when we struggle to understand certain events, each one has shaped us in ways we may only recognize in hindsight. Looking back, I can now connect the dots—the moments that defined me, the lessons that strengthened me. If I could, I would reach back in time and embrace my younger, confused self, reassuring them that one day, it would all make sense.
Not all experiences carry the same weight, but some irrevocably shape who we become. Can you pinpoint those pivotal moments in your own life? I bet you can.
Some moments propelled me forward beautifully—they turned me into a seeker of truth. Others were painful: losing my grandfather at eight years old, or learning firsthand that merit doesn’t always win when my best grades were overlooked in favor of privilege. Yet, it is often hardship that teaches us the most. These experiences led me to the existential questions that carried me through life: What is our purpose? Where do we go when we die? Who is telling the truth, and who is lying?
At 40, I finally found the answers—both to life and to my own identity. I had known since I was four years old that I was a girl, despite the world telling me otherwise. But with no internet, no role models, and only negative portrayals of trans people in the media, the possibility of living as my true self never even crossed my mind. Today, I understand that misinformation kept me in the dark, and that being trans is not a tragedy. It is beautiful.
Choosing Consciousness Over Silence
One of the most profound shifts in my life came when I encountered the worldview of indigenous communities living in isolation from Western teachings. Their perspective on life and death was so radically different—so full of beauty—that I had to know more. The final push came when I watched a TED Talk called The War on Consciousness by Graham Hancock. In just 18 minutes, I understood that I was caught in the middle of this war, whether I wanted to be or not. I had a choice: to stand for consciousness, truth, and justice, or to let the forces of oppression erase what is good and fair. Sitting in the middle was not an option.
That’s why I am baffled when I hear people say they “aren’t into politics.” I get it—politics is full of corruption and lies. But when your existence is threatened, when injustice stares you in the face, doing nothing is not an option. Believe me, I could find a million better ways to spend my time than fighting bigotry, but here I am. Because it’s the right thing to do.
A trans person in today’s world cannot afford to be apolitical. But fighting bigots with logic and reason doesn’t always work, because bigotry isn’t based on reason. Cognitive dissonance makes people shut down when faced with uncomfortable truths. So how do we change minds? There must be a better way—and there is.
The Most Radical Act: Living a Joyful, Authentic Life
Rather than pushing against resistance, the most powerful way to challenge stereotypes is to live openly, beautifully, and successfully as a trans person. Hate thrives on misconceptions, and nothing confounds bigots more than a trans person thriving.
They expect us to be broken, angry, and full of resentment. Instead, let’s surprise them by embracing joy, love, and success. Let’s shatter their expectations not through arguments, but through our existence itself.
In my corporate presentations, I show two photos: first, a famous trans entertainer, whom everyone recognizes. Why? Because society expects trans people to be in entertainment—to be extravagant, not serious. Then, I show them a photo of Martine Rothblatt, a businesswoman no one can identify. And yet, here is her CV:
- Founder of SiriusXM, revolutionizing radio broadcasting
- Founder of United Therapeutics, developing life-saving medications
- Pioneer of electric aviation, leading the world’s first full-size electric-powered helicopter flight
- Author, legal expert, entrepreneur, and one of Forbes’ “100 Greatest Living Business Minds”
Not what they expected, right? Trans people are everywhere—scientists, artists, financial experts, leaders. But those who spread hate want to erase our success stories and replace them with fear-mongering narratives. The truth is simple: We exist, we have rights, and we deserve to live in peace.
Love as a Revolutionary Force
Choosing love over hate is an act of courage. It is also the only way humanity evolves.
Writer, artist, and comedian Alok Vaid-Menon explains that people who attack us do so from a place of deep internal pain. Instead of meeting their hate with more hate, they choose compassion—not as submission, but as resistance. As the Buddha wisely said:
“Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.”
Compassion doesn’t mean being a doormat. It means dismantling the systems that allow cruelty to flourish. Sometimes, strong reactions are necessary in the face of violence. But beyond defense, we must be strategic. Our greatest power lies in unity and in a clear, undeniable message: We exist. We refuse to be erased. And we will live our truth with joy.
The Call to Action: Be Part of the Change
I believe we are stronger than we realize. We have the numbers, the voices, and the power to stop hatred in its tracks. If you’re an ally, here’s what you can do:
- Educate yourself. Knowledge is your responsibility.
- Celebrate trans joy. Seek out stories of trans excellence and amplify them.
- Speak up. Use your voice to challenge lies and misinformation.
- Recognize your importance. Every person in this fight matters.
Let’s build a world where trans people don’t just survive—we thrive.
And let’s make sure that when future generations look back on this moment, they see a time when love, truth, and justice prevailed.
RELATED TFA BLOG ARTICLES….
- When Being Yourself Is Illegal: One Transgender Woman’s Experience Living In The UK Under Infamous Section 28
- How to Be a Trans Ally in 2025
- Where to Find Positive Trans News & Media in 2025
Nothing in life is random. Even when we struggle to understand certain events, each one has shaped us in ways we may only recognize in hindsight. Looking back, I can now connect the dots—the moments that defined me, the lessons that strengthened me. If I could, I would reach back in time and embrace my younger, confused self, reassuring them that one day, it would all make sense.
Not all experiences carry the same weight, but some irrevocably shape who we become. Can you pinpoint those pivotal moments in your own life? I bet you can.
Some moments propelled me forward beautifully—they turned me into a seeker of truth. Others were painful: losing my grandfather at eight years old, or learning firsthand that merit doesn’t always win when my best grades were overlooked in favor of privilege. Yet, it is often hardship that teaches us the most. These experiences led me to the existential questions that carried me through life: What is our purpose? Where do we go when we die? Who is telling the truth, and who is lying?
At 40, I finally found the answers—both to life and to my own identity. I had known since I was four years old that I was a girl, despite the world telling me otherwise. But with no internet, no role models, and only negative portrayals of trans people in the media, the possibility of living as my true self never even crossed my mind. Today, I understand that misinformation kept me in the dark, and that being trans is not a tragedy. It is beautiful.
Choosing Consciousness Over Silence
One of the most profound shifts in my life came when I encountered the worldview of indigenous communities living in isolation from Western teachings. Their perspective on life and death was so radically different—so full of beauty—that I had to know more. The final push came when I watched a TED Talk called The War on Consciousness by Graham Hancock. In just 18 minutes, I understood that I was caught in the middle of this war, whether I wanted to be or not. I had a choice: to stand for consciousness, truth, and justice, or to let the forces of oppression erase what is good and fair. Sitting in the middle was not an option.
That’s why I am baffled when I hear people say they “aren’t into politics.” I get it—politics is full of corruption and lies. But when your existence is threatened, when injustice stares you in the face, doing nothing is not an option. Believe me, I could find a million better ways to spend my time than fighting bigotry, but here I am. Because it’s the right thing to do.
A trans person in today’s world cannot afford to be apolitical. But fighting bigots with logic and reason doesn’t always work, because bigotry isn’t based on reason. Cognitive dissonance makes people shut down when faced with uncomfortable truths. So how do we change minds? There must be a better way—and there is.
The Most Radical Act: Living a Joyful, Authentic Life
Rather than pushing against resistance, the most powerful way to challenge stereotypes is to live openly, beautifully, and successfully as a trans person. Hate thrives on misconceptions, and nothing confounds bigots more than a trans person thriving.
They expect us to be broken, angry, and full of resentment. Instead, let’s surprise them by embracing joy, love, and success. Let’s shatter their expectations not through arguments, but through our existence itself.
In my corporate presentations, I show two photos: first, a famous trans entertainer, whom everyone recognizes. Why? Because society expects trans people to be in entertainment—to be extravagant, not serious. Then, I show them a photo of Martine Rothblatt, a businesswoman no one can identify. And yet, here is her CV:
- Founder of SiriusXM, revolutionizing radio broadcasting
- Founder of United Therapeutics, developing life-saving medications
- Pioneer of electric aviation, leading the world’s first full-size electric-powered helicopter flight
- Author, legal expert, entrepreneur, and one of Forbes’ “100 Greatest Living Business Minds”
Not what they expected, right? Trans people are everywhere—scientists, artists, financial experts, leaders. But those who spread hate want to erase our success stories and replace them with fear-mongering narratives. The truth is simple: We exist, we have rights, and we deserve to live in peace.
Love as a Revolutionary Force
Choosing love over hate is an act of courage. It is also the only way humanity evolves.
Writer, artist, and comedian Alok Vaid-Menon explains that people who attack us do so from a place of deep internal pain. Instead of meeting their hate with more hate, they choose compassion—not as submission, but as resistance. As the Buddha wisely said:
“Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.”
Compassion doesn’t mean being a doormat. It means dismantling the systems that allow cruelty to flourish. Sometimes, strong reactions are necessary in the face of violence. But beyond defense, we must be strategic. Our greatest power lies in unity and in a clear, undeniable message: We exist. We refuse to be erased. And we will live our truth with joy.
The Call to Action: Be Part of the Change
I believe we are stronger than we realize. We have the numbers, the voices, and the power to stop hatred in its tracks. If you’re an ally, here’s what you can do:
- Educate yourself. Knowledge is your responsibility.
- Celebrate trans joy. Seek out stories of trans excellence and amplify them.
- Speak up. Use your voice to challenge lies and misinformation.
- Recognize your importance. Every person in this fight matters.
Let’s build a world where trans people don’t just survive—we thrive.
And let’s make sure that when future generations look back on this moment, they see a time when love, truth, and justice prevailed.
RELATED TFA BLOG ARTICLES….
- When Being Yourself Is Illegal: One Transgender Woman’s Experience Living In The UK Under Infamous Section 28
- How to Be a Trans Ally in 2025
- Where to Find Positive Trans News & Media in 2025
