Transgender Awareness Week

As Transgender Awareness Week ends, I find myself reflecting on my journey, not just as a trans woman but as someone who has fought to elevate the voices of my community in a world often too ready to silence us. I’ve been blessed to call Miami Beach home, a city that embraced my authenticity and allowed me to grow into an activist, model, and proud advocate for LGBTQ+ equality. Receiving a Proclamation in 2021 from Commissioner Alex Fernandez, declaring November 30th “Lauren Foster Day,” was an incredible honor. But today, my joy is tempered by deep concern.

The recent election of Donald Trump as President casts a shadow over the progress we’ve made. For trans women, his administration’s track record is a chilling reminder of how fragile our rights are. From banning trans people from serving in the military to supporting laws that allow discrimination under the guise of religious freedom, the Trump era was one marked by hostility toward our community. His return to power feels like a looming threat, one that could undermine decades of hard-fought progress for LGBTQ+ rights.

As a trans woman, I worry about what this means for the next generation, those just beginning their journey of self-discovery. Will they grow up in a world where their rights to healthcare, education, and employment are respected? Or will they face a society that tells them they are unworthy simply because of who they are? The thought keeps me up at night, not just as an activist but as someone who has lived the consequences of ignorance and prejudice.

Here in Miami Beach, we’ve been fortunate to build a haven of inclusivity. Our city has shown that equality is not just a dream but a reality we can achieve when we work together. But even in progressive enclaves like ours, we are not immune to the ripple effects of national politics. A federal government hostile to LGBTQ+ rights can embolden local legislators to introduce harmful policies, stripping away protections we’ve fought so hard to secure.

It’s a sobering reminder that our work is far from over. Transgender Awareness Week isn’t just about celebrating visibility; it’s a call to action. We must remain vigilant, not only advocating for ourselves but standing in solidarity with others whose rights are under threat. Equality is not a single-issue fight, it’s a shared responsibility.

To my trans siblings, I say this: You are not alone. Our community is resilient, and our voices are powerful. We’ve faced challenges before, and we will face them again, but we will not be silenced. To our allies, I urge you to amplify our voices, vote for candidates who support equality, and educate those around you.

On this Transgender Awareness Week, I call upon everyone to reflect on the kind of future we want to build, not just for the trans community but for everyone. A future where love and acceptance triumph over hate and fear. Together, we can ensure that progress isn’t just a moment but a movement.