A Tribute to Transgender Lives Through Time: Past, Present, and Everlasting
Reborn from the Garden's Soil: An Ode to Trans Lives Past, Present, and Future
Penned by trans activist, Raquel Willis, this heartfelt ode salutes the strength and resilience of the trans community, performed by the vibrant cast of our latest cover story.
No tale of creation is complete without us,And the marvels we spawnAfter all, our ancient roots ran deep in the garden floor,Unbidden, we intertwined with the soil,Crafting misfortune into opportunities,Burying norms and constraints.
Perhaps that's why we were a menace?
As branches, we reach Towards the skies,Leaning on the Matriarch tree,To infinite chances,Encapsulated by the celestial above us,We shatter the silence,Embracing new tongues,Refashioning the mundane into fresh movement,Re homing the lost,And pollinating those devoid of power,With purpose.
Perhaps that's why we are a menace?
Every trick should have exterminated us,Unyielding earth, merciless air,Infernos, tides, and piercing gazes,But we adapt the horrors of existence,Turning desolation into beauty,And love into renegade laws.We're sturdier in unity,Sheltering each other from soul-crushing oppression,Family-maker, community-groomer, life-breeder,Swaddled in light,Every beam a source of warmth.We bear fruit,Overflowing with an authentic essence,Nectar for our sustenance,In times of turmoil,When we must recall thatWe've shaped this world to our desiresBeforeAnd we will do it againAnd againAnd that's why we will always be a menace
Directed by Camila Falquez,Styled by Lorena Maza,Cinematography by Fran Rios,Flaunting Marquise Vilsón Balenciaga, Wes Balenciaga, Arewà Basit, Willow Defebaugh, Amarilla Diosa, Ceyenne Doroshow, Nirvana Garcia, Ariel Loh, Chelsea Manning, Lío Mehiel, Bobbi Salvör Menuez, Junior Mintt, Mobéy Lola Irizarry, Jinkx Monsoon, Aariana Rose Philip, Ita Segev, Nala Simonet, Yên Sen, Quori Theodor, Fran Tirado, Kian Volk, Raquel Willis.
This beautiful tribute was made possible with the support of Future Being.
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Exploring the Heart of Raquel Willis' Legacy
Raquel Willis is an illustrious activist, journalist, author, and media strategist, fiercely committed to the trans community. Her profound advocacy has a profound impact on various aspects of trans life:
- Activism and leadership: She co-founded the Gender Liberation Movement, a movement emphasizing bodily autonomy, self-determination, and liberation for all[1][5]. By merging the fight for reproductive justice and gender-affirming care.
- Media and Public Engagement: As a media strategist, she provides amplification to trans voices, highlighting struggles and triumphs alike. Raquel has been featured in various media projects, discussing topics like trans rights and radical rebellion [4][3].
- Historical Context and Legacy: Raquel is dedicated to preserving the legacy of trans icons like Marsha P. Johnson. She helms a podcast series called "Afterlives: Marsha P. Johnson," which focuses on Johnson's life and invaluable contributions to the LGBTQ+ movement [3]. This work ensures that historical figures become aenduring inspiration for modern activism.
Overall, Raquel Willis plays an essential role in forging trans liberation, honoring trans heritage, and championing the rights of trans individuals, particularly Black trans people.
In the heart of art and culture, Raquel Willis' groundbreaking work has served as a community-groomer, life-breeder, and family-maker, nurturing and empowering the trans community. Her contribution extends beyond activism, with a focus on media and public engagement to amplify trans voices and rewrite the narrative of trans lives, just like the pages in Atmos Magazine, a magazine dedicated to entertainment and exploration.
Here at Biome, our membership community, we strive to follow in the footsteps of visionaries like Raquel Willis, supporting their work and fostering a space where diverse perspectives can thrive. In this spirit, we invite you to join us in our journey, not just as supporters, but as contributors, shaping the culture and future we desire.
