Dear John,
As we welcome cooler weather, Equality Virginia has welcomed 30 trans and gender-expansive storytellers to our Transformation Storytellers program!
In July, we completed a 4-week workshop series, “Storytelling as Leadership,” where twelve storytellers worked diligently to craft, refine, and share their personal narratives, preparing them for public advocacy platforms.
Throughout this series, participants explored the power of storytelling as a leadership tool, using their experiences to inspire and lead within their communities. The stories shared were a testament to the resilience and strength of our trans and gender-expansive community.
Earlier this month we partnered with Oakwood Arts to offer a storytelling video booth, giving participants the opportunity to professionally record their stories. These stories will be featured on future public platforms, amplifying voices that need to be heard and creating a powerful archive of lived experiences.
One of our storytellers, Evelyn, shared her thoughts on the program: “The Transformation Storytelling Workshops gave me the support needed to actualize my dream of not only telling my story, but helping other trans individuals tell their own stories. Ariana creates a collaborative, nurturing environment that inspires as well as comforts.”
We are proud of everyone who participated and deeply grateful for the support that made this possible. This is just the beginning, and we can’t wait to see how these stories continue to shape and lead our community.
Telling our stories is a transformative act of empowerment. It is more than just sharing experiences; it is about claiming our voice, owning our narrative, and connecting with others. Our stories have the power to inspire, to challenge perceptions, and to create change within our communities.
When we tell our stories, we bring visibility to our journeys, honor our truths, and contribute to a collective understanding of our lived experiences. In doing so, we not only affirm our identity but also empower others to find strength in their own stories, fostering a sense of community and solidarity.
Thank you for being a part of this journey with us. Stay tuned for more updates as we move forward with the next phases of the Transformation Storytellers program!
In community,
Ariana (they/them)
