Girl Talk

Tonight our Catalyst group went to an event called Girl Talk. It is a show that provides community and a platform for the voices of trans women. Some of the women performed poetry, some shared stories and others just talked about what they were doing and who they were. It was amazing. It was beyond amazing. My mind was blown after seeing what these women have to say. After the show Justin, Shawyn and I had a great conversation that I think helped us sort out everything we had heard, at least a little bit. I thought I had a basic understanding of trans issues before the show, but after I realized that I know almost nothing. It made me question a lot of things, but ultimately I have learned that identities are deeply personal and that no two people identify in the same way, even if they use the same terms, definitions or labels. I also learned that I have A TON of work to do as an ally to educate myself and figure out what I can do in an ally role. It was a great experience and I feel really lucky to be on this trip and to have the opportunity to see things like this and experience this culture. Its almost beyond words, what I have written here really doesn’t do it justice but I know that this trip is an experience that I will never ever forget.

-- Cal