#TransLiberationTuesday: Let's Celebrate, Not Mourn Transgender Lives

The first Trans Liberation Tuesday was February 10, 2015, when transgender women of color led a march and die-in at San Francisco City Hall. Friends, advocates, and allies were seeking a cathartic response to the murder of Taja DeJesus, a beloved member of the local LGBT community who became the fourth trans woman of color killed in less than a month. 

Activists at the first #TransLiberationTuesday action called for an end to anti-trans violence, better and more accessible support for transgender residents, and more safe, affordable housing. “The #TransLiberationTuesday art series aims to amplify and celebrate this liberation struggle,” writes artist Micah Bazant. 

Bazant is a queer artist who lives in Berkeley, Calif., and identifies as trans, gender-nonconforming, and timtum (one of six traditional Jewish genders). The artist uses the gender-neutral pronoun they and them, and proudly works with trans people across the U.S. in their ongoing illustration series. 

“Art is a powerful way to honor and celebrate people, and to change the story,” Bazant tells The Advocate. “Trans women of color aren't just victims — they are leaders, artists, and freedom fighters. And we need their leadership to make the world a more safe place for everyone.”

Read on to learn more about the #TransLiberationTuesday art series and Bazant’s intentional, inclusive process for the ongoing project. Discover what makes Kiki Williams (depicted above) so powerful by clicking here. 

Follow Bazant’s #TransLiberationTuesday Art Series on Tumblr, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.