We Are All Just Braided Snakes
The fresh smell of Mr Clean floor concentrate still lingers on the rubber puzzle tiles, warmed by the radiator. It’s dark outside and people walking by are looking inside at the illuminated aquarium of trans bodies braided together like snakes–rolling around on the floor. My last experience with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was MMA fighting (and mostly losing) in the swamps of Biloxi, Mississippi. Memories of sweat, testosterone, and a broken nose fill my mind while my opponent pulls on my gi. I’m matched with our instructor, a purple belt who easily traps my head and arm between her legs, for a triangle choke. I feel at home here. I can’t breathe and I need to tap out but I’m with my trans siblings. With my family, I am safe.
It’s been a year. So many obvious challenges. So many things that must get better but don’t seem to be. I’m constantly forced to ask the age old question, what do I need right now? What do I need to feel whole? Food? Estrogen? Love? If I begin to think about the future or past, the spell will be broken and my peace will be gone. I ask again…what do I need RIGHT NOW? This is where I find peace in such a troubling world. It’s going to be okay. It has to be.
I have news!
With the Iceland episode wrapping up, I’ve decided to move forward with a second episode. I can’t wait to show you the pilot. Once the animations are finished, I can show you. The goal was New Years but maybe not. Soon. soon! soon? In the meantime, I’d like to announce that the second episode will be in Oaxaca, Mexico. We will be meeting people who identity as Muxe (third gender, feminine presenting, mostly indigenous, AMAB people) and transgender people who don’t identify as Muxe. More details to come as well as a, more than likely virtual, screening of the Iceland episode of A World in Transition.
Happy New Year!
PS! Things are rough for many people. If you’re alone, especially during the holiday, feel free to respond to this message. Let’s chat! No need to be isolated during isolation. I have (virtual) battleship, chess, and magic the gathering. I also have an ear to listen and plenty of bad advice. Let’s do this. <3