Marietta, GA

“It started because I met the guy that created the bisexual pride flag. Michael Page. We were talking and he said, “You know, the trans community needs a flag too.” And I was coming up with all kinds of designs and ideas. And he says “Now, the important thing to think about is to keep it simple. Because the least amount of sewing they have to do the cheaper it is.” That stuck with me. So, my mind was thinking about all different things. And then, one day when I woke up, and I was still recovering from sleep, just lying in bed. And all the sudden, the pattern and colors came to me. And I got up and I drew it and I thought “Yeah, that looks nice.” I started taking it

EVERYWHERE. EVERYWHERE! People would always ask, what’s that? And I said “Well, it’s the transgender pride flag.” Now, the only continent I haven’t seen it on is Africa. One of the people at the Smithsonian, where I donated the original flag, her son is gonna be an engineer with NASA. I told her, I said, one of the coolest things I’d like to see is the trans flag displayed in the international space station, especially on TDOR.

It’s still mind-boggling. To know that I created something that people are using all over the world, that’s just something that I still can’t wrap my mind around. I’m going, okay - that’s definitely now mainstream. I don’t know what to say about that. People praise me and all this other stuff, and I really get a little humbled and embarrassed. It’s like okay, okay.

And so, I say - if you have a voice, use it. Don’t be afraid of using your voice. Take whatever opportunity you can to make us visible. And, (long pause) don’t be afraid. There’s a lot of bad things going on out there, but, stay the course. This is not the easiest life in the world. I hit my 20-year mark just recently, last week. And, it’s so much different in the 20 years. Use your friendships to help. And, I don’t know what else to say. “