LISA SALAZAR — BLOG

Imagine, for a moment, that you possess an extraordinary quality. This could be a unique talent, an exceptional ability, a rare physical attribute, or an unparalleled beauty — something that is profoundly integral to your identity and how you experience the world. This quality is not just a superficial trait; it's a deep-seated part of who you are, shaping your interactions, dreams, and sense of self. It is something that makes you special, valuable, and worthy of respect in your eyes and the eyes of those who truly understand you. Now, envision a society where this very quality - the source of your pride and joy — suddenly becomes the target of stringent laws and policies. These aren’t just any rules; they are specifically designed to suppress, control, and even erase the visibility of your unique attribute. Laws that dictate how you can express this part of yourself limit your access to resources and communities that nurture and understand your gift and challenge your right to li...

I have three reflections, as I refer to them, that intertwine with my journey as a transgender person. The first one was sparked upon hearing about the tragic loss of another trans person in January 2014. A year later, in January 2015, a moment of clarity enveloped me one serene Sunday morning. The third emerged through my contribution to a special issue dedicated to Trans Lives, featured in the New York Times in September 2018. Because calmness is precious to me While I don’t consider myself a poet, and writing presents its challenges, there are moments when inspiration strikes, compelling me to articulate the emotions deep within my heart. At times, the words flow with ease, yet, more often than not, I find myself wrestling to capture the essence of my thoughts. It may require numerous attempts before the precise expression emerges. Recently, I embarked on a project to weave together the varied themes from these three reflections into a singular piece.  Journey to Myself In the q...