Being a trans woman of color, i have come to face many challenges and obstacles that have definitely made me feel inadequate or not worthy of opportunity. Everything from gaining employment, to acceptance in sport, religious beliefs, to sex work, relationships and love. Almost every aspect in life the "normal" person would take for granted.

Discrimination at its finest has been the main reason for high suicide rates and death brutality especially for our trans women of color. All because we are only stereotyped out to be freaks, fetishes, secrets etc. That is because the most mainstream representation we have had is either what you see on Jerry Springer and/or Adult sites (porn).

Not until recently we are seeing Trans Advocates and role models take up space. A recent popular film series, POSE has been released and is centered around 6 trans women of color played by trans women of color. This is the change that we desperately need in order to change the mindset of our trans community in order for us to see that we are worthy of fulfilling our dreams. However, this movement and action needs to also be taken place here in AUSTRALIA.

My point is that we urgently need positive representation in all social forums. We need to be visible in ALL industries. So my quest is one, demanding and using my platform to shed light on this issue and 2 to ask and challenge the general public to offer us these positions and opportunities. I assure you my community will not let you down. We are the most compassionate, resilient, easy going, driven people not only because of our loving nature but through all the hardships we have had to endure throughout our years of neglect and darkness. Be that change and help our trans community find liberation in not only by living authentically but by giving us the equal chance at life to pursue whatever field we feel passionate about.

Written by Ella Ganza

Ella Ganza is a powerful proud trans woman of color from Meanjin (Brisbane) and is the founder of The Runway Movement, (a queer people of color activist group). She is also the Mother of the House of ALEXANDER and makes up 1/3 of the super star drag trio THICC SHAKE. She is an advocate for the trans community and for queer people of color.

Keyword: Transgender Day of Visibility Transgender Day of Visibility Transgender Day of Visibility Transgender Day of Visibility Transgender Day of Visibility Transgender Day of Visibility Transgender Day of Visibility Transgender Day of Visibility Transgender Day of Visibility