Dear JQYers Near and Far,

Today is Trans Day of Visibility (TDOV) — a day to celebrate trans+ people and all the ways you show up as yourselves.

This past Thursday, in honor of TDOV, we hosted our annual Trans Bonanza at the JQY Drop-In Center. With Pesach around the corner, we chose the theme Split the Sea and be Free. Our space became a blue ocean scene with glowing jellyfish included. JQYers decorated seder plates with paint and other dazzling materials, taking the age-old tradition of beautifying the seder plate and made it their own. 

This year has been filled with fear, anger, and suppression of Trans+ individuals. This morning’s Supreme Court ruling is yet another infuriating example. This week, we celebrate both TDOV and Pesach, and we get a nod from the heavens, saying you are held among those who, despite great odds, paved their way to freedom.

And yet, while we all left Egypt together, each person’s experience was different. Some adventurous Jews grabbed their matza, put on their favorite playlist, and started walking. But others found it really rocky and must have felt at times like walking all this way with wet shoes was not all that glorious or exciting. All of them, though, are part of our story of freedom. 

At JQY, we want you to know that we see each and every one of you, no matter if and/or how you choose to express your transness. There is no one right way to be trans. Each of you is a hero simply because you dare to imagine yourself authentically. You are never alone, and we are holding that vision along with you. 

We wish you a chag that brings even a little more room to be yourself — whatever that looks like for you right now.

Just like the Jews in the Red Sea, keep going, keep dreaming, and keep taking the next step. 

With great admiration,
Tali Benkoe (they/them)
Trans and Gender Non-Conforming Support & Volunteer Coordinator, JQY