How do you show up in the world? Are you living your truly authentic life or are you adhering to some kind of framework presented by a society that seems to prefer conformity? I spent many years chasing goals that were not my own, doing things because they were expected of me and wondering why I wasn’t happy when I achieved them. If you aren’t aligned with your truth can you ever truly be happy?
Yesterday was Trans Day of Visibility. I was invited to a celebration by a trans friend and I was eager to support him so I gladly accepted the invitation. The evening consisted of a screening of a film about pioneering black trans singer Jackie Shane and then some open sharing from audience members. Both the film and the personal shares were very moving and I was humbled to be in the presence of such authenticity, strength and vulnerability. Choosing to live authentically is an easier road for some more than others and I have to recognize my privilege as a cis white woman in this space.
Jackie Shane was born at a time and place where queer people were widely discriminated against and she heroically refused to compromise her individuality. She became a highly successful performer in the Toronto scene in the 1960’s and was drawing attention from many in the music industry. She turned down offers to further her career if they would require her to tone down her femininity or to conform more closely to the gender norms of the time. But even still, she was never able to truly be her authentic self while she was in the spotlight as a performer. Jackie Shane eventually chose to leave her burgeoning career to begin living full time as a woman in relative obscurity. Circumstances forced her to return to her birthplace and fearing continued discrimination she became a recluse. She chose living her truth, being her authentic self, even if it meant she had to give up everything else.
I dream of a world where people need not choose between participating in the world and being their authentic selves. In the meantime, I applaud those that have the courage to be themselves even in the face of adversity and hardship.
Raven's Breath Somatic Facilitation 