Black & Trans at 40

Greetings My Priesthood,

I hope this blog post finds you well. It's been quite some time since my last post. As per my previous post , I needed to take some time for me and my mental health. That time included getting acclimated to a job has changed my schedule, so I've taken time to settle into the new role. In spite of the adusting and corporate climbing, I reached another fantastic milestone!

On the Ides of March, I turned 40! That's right I turned 40! I can't describe the gauntlet of emotions leading up to my 40th and even afterwards. I am estatic about 40. I stand victorious as a Black Transwoman during this current administration. Turning 40 in 2026 is an act of resistance! Turning 40 is changing the life expectancy for Black Transwomen. I refuse to be erased!

It was imperative that I celebrate this birthday! It was imperative that I find joy during the vicious assaults on Trans Rights. I refused to let transphobia and transmisogynoir, disrupt a paramount celebration and milestone. The struggle was one of many reasons it was essential that I turn up and show out for my 40th.

I would be remiss if I didn't venerate the transpeople who are now ancestors and give honor to those who are fighting still! I honored Marsha P. Johnson, Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, Sylvia Rivera, Jahaira DeAlto Balenciaga, Lucy Hicks Anderson and the many ancestors who came before me. I honor my living transwomen for their continued fights. I honor my trans-siblings that I've seen blossom and continue to make waves for community.

I celebrated not only for myself, but for the Black trans, non-binary people that came before me, stood with me, and those who are blazing my trail. I celebrated in protest of anti-trans sentiments. I celebrated in opposition of racist ideaologies. I celebrated life, victory and the standing fight! I celebrated tangible proof that transwoman are human and capable just like cis people. Decade 4 proved herself to be vital weapon against systemic oppression. However she also brought forth celebration of Priestess being Priestess.

My birthday celebration found me surrounded by love from chosen family, intimate partners, and biological family. Despite previous birthdays spent alone, betrayed, and scorned, I would still celebrate just to piss of my ops! However Decade 4, proved to me that I am loved, have love, and give love. I never would've imagined having a loving partner, bestfriends, and family by my side. Decade 4's arrival exceeded my expectations and then some. I am still in awe.

While in awe of my birthday extravaganza, I reminisce on the days of singing in church. I thought about the time I've spent with my Grandma and the various stages of life she witnessed. I think about my school days and the ups and downs of childhood. I even thought about my tenure in church and my path into deconstruction. Without the church, I never would've found music, nor would I've tried to pastor. I am grateful for the experience. I learned alot about myself. I could go on and on.

I have 40 years of stories, experience, and music pouring out of my soul. I wonder what this decade holds. I wonder what chapter 40 will teach me?

Here's to being Black, Trans, & 40!