To our Trans siblings,
As details continue to come out about the life brutally taken from their family and their community, we at the Center want you to know that we are here for you, and we grieve with you. We should not have to endure such grief so often. It is not easy to move through this level of violence and be expected to function normally. It is ok to move slowly, grieve openly, and move through anger. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. I hope you are able to find moments of grounding and rest, to lean on and feel held by your community, and, most of all, to know that you are loved, that you belong, and that you help make this world better.
We deserve so much more than what this world gives us. You deserve to feel safe and celebrated. You deserve to live a long life where you flourish as your truest self. Every Trans person is a gift to our community and should be cherished as such.
To our allies and everyone who loves us, listen to the requests made by the students organizing at UW. Do not stand for Juniper being deadnamed or misgendered. Do not allow their transness to be erased. Demand that the UW listen to the students on how to keep their Trans students safe.
Seattle’s LGBTQ+ Center is doing what we can in supporting our communities and simultaneously centering the needs and asks of the family.
Nakita Venus
Executive Director
Seattle LGBTQ+ Center
