Trans Joy is a weekly blog series celebrating the positive side of trans experiences, in an attempt to bring some balance to contemporary trans discourses. This week I’m writing about the excitement of seeing a fellow trans person when I’m out and about in public.
CW: Mention of Transphobia
I’m walking through town, headphones over my ears and zoned out from the world. Then I see you, asymettrical brightly coloured hair, an undercut, an outrageously patterned shirt. Or even just a face I recognise from the local scene. In that moment of recognition my heart jumps with excitement and I pass you with a smile on my face.
Often these people will also be my friends, and some of the excitement I feel in that moment can be attributed to the joy of seeing a person I love. But I think there is more to it than the simple pleasure of friendship. With cis friends I don’t have that reponse, like a puppy jumping up excitedly when they see another dog. And even when it’s an acquiantance rather than a friend I still have that little part of me which goes “Trans? THERE’S ANOTHER TRANS!”.
So often queerness is excluded from public spaces. We are pushed into our own safe spaces and our own little enclaves. When I’m out in public I am often on edge, knowing that being visibly queer puts me at increased risk. So seeing other queer and trans people taking up public space and being unapologetically visible is powerful. It’s beautiful to see trans people being out and proud in public, and it brings it’s own special thrill of excitement and joy.
I hope you all find some joy this week too ❤ If you want to contribute to this project then please get in touch 🙂
