Autymn
What makes you feel empowered in your identity?
When I’m not seen as trans, but as a girl. Being trans isn’t the goal for me… being a girl is. And in Oklahoma, USA in 2023 there’s certain expectations you have to live up to and being seen and treated as any other female makes me feel good. But tbh being seen for more than just this one aspect of my life is much more important to me. I’m more than my gender and I’d rather have people focus on that. I’m an artist, I’m a writer, I’m a loving and loyal friend. My gender or sexuality shouldn’t define who I am, but rather what I do and what I put my heart and passion into.
What does your 2SLGBTQ+ identity mean to you?
My identity as a trans lesbian actually doesn’t mean that much to me. I don’t put a lot of weight into it and a lot of times I just kinda forget it’s a thing. I’m an artist, I’m a loyal and loving friend, and a wife to an amazing woman who pushes me to better myself in every aspect of life. Most people don’t need to know what I do behind closed doors or what’s in my pants… But I’ll light up and probably talk for hours if you mention art or music!
What is one (or more) of your favorite things about yourself?
Style and art. As an emerging graffiti artist I love the passion and creativity that comes forth when painting pieces and seeing my heart and mind on a canvas or wall. Seeing the improvement I’ve made over the past two years blows my mind and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for my art! I also really love fashion and clothing and my personal brand of style, “VamPirate” which I absolutely love!
What is your favorite part about the 2SLGBTQ+ community in Oklahoma? What would you like to see more of?
If I had to say something, I would say the people within the community are close, passionate about their beliefs, and willing to fight for the safety of people they care about. I, personally, would love to see more support for those who wish to be more in the shadows or just blend into the wider Oklahoma culture. Not everyone within the LGBT community shares the same beliefs and that’s the beauty of it. But I feel like as a community, it’s become exclusively focused on “out and proud”, “live without consequence” and “my sexuality/gender is what makes me me” which in turn marginalizes a large group of people who wish to just be able to exist.