The Trans Renaissance

Here at Pride Learning Academy, we have been working on historical research projects. Students were able to choose any topic as long as it relates to some historical figure, event, or time period that they have a genuine interest in learning more about.

I find that providing an example product can be helpful, especially when there is so much choice involved for the student (topic choice and presentation method choice, in this case). So, I developed a sample presentation (which you can view here) about the Harlem Renaissance. As I went through an accelerated process of researching the topic in order to generate a sample source list, fact list, Works Cited page, and slideshow, I felt truly inspired by the amazing artists of the Harlem Renaissance. If you aren't familiar with that time period, view my sample presentation for a quick overview.

I began thinking about how much inspiration and creativity was pent up inside people of color, especially African Americans, after the end of slavery in the United States and into continued oppression, segregation, forced migration, and overall discrimination. These events led to so much anger, distrust, grief, and other powerful emotions. Once Black and Brown people in this country had some semblance of safety and hope after moving into larger cities, especially in the north, they were able to channel those strong emotions into world-changing art, from literature to music and beyond.

It is with a similar emotional state that I believe trans and non-binary people, not only in the United States but across the world, can channel our rage and internalized shame into art that could shift the narrative entirely surrounding gender norms and expectations which have held women, non-binary, intersex, and trans people down for centuries.

I am going to commit to continuing my creative expression through whatever modalities it wants to come out, from community development to poetry, from fictional storytelling to yoga and dance. I encourage everyone, regardless of their sex assigned at birth, to make art of all kinds - to express themselves fully and authentically, and to share their art with the world. Use hashtag, #transrenaissance (and careful with the spelling there as renaissance is a tricky word) when you share so that we can compile our art and push it further into the world together.

Loving reminder: It is very difficult to have the time and resources to make art when you are in survival mode. Reach out to others for help and support, prioritize self-care and creative time, and try to ensure your basic needs are met regularly (food, water, safety, connection).

With love for all,

Mx. Leo Wilder