Trans' Personal Sovereignty - It Is Our Birthright

     There is a word that I keep coming back to lately.  Not just in my writing, but in my body and soul.  That word is sovereignty.  It's more than a political concept.  It's a sacred truth!

    I believe every country is sovereign among other countries.  That no nation - no matter how powerful - has the right to override the self-determination of another.

    I believe that in the United States, each state is a sovereign entity unto itself.

    And I believe every citizen is a sovereign individual.

    That means me.  That means you.  That means every transgender individual who's ever been told that they need permission to exist.

    I don't believe the federal government should ever assume authority over the states.  I don't believe any state should assume authority over the individual.  And I definitely don't believe any institution - religious, medical, legal - should claim ownership of our bodies, our names, our transitions, and our truths.

    This matters!  It matters because sovereignty is the foundation of liberation.  And for the LGBTQ+ community - especially for trans folks - our sovereignty is constantly under siege.

    We're told our gender is up for debate.  Our care is up for legislation.  Our names are negotiable.  Our spirits are invalid, unless they fit someone else's theology.

    But, I say no more!  We are sovereign!  We are sacred!  We are not asking for permission - we are claiming what was always ours!

    This blog, this body, this voice - they are expressions of that sovereignty!  And, if you're reading this, I hope you feel it, too.  The quiet fire in your chest.  The truth that says:  "I am mine!"

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