In Their Own Words: Our Staff's Most Powerful Moments in 2022
2022 was an awesome year for personal goals and manifestation. When the year began I set strong intentions for myself, and released all expectations of when and how they would arrive… Little did I know that one of my largest blessings would arrive in the form of my opportunity at LRP. Through my position here I’ve been able to travel and connect with folx really out here DOING THE WORK. It’s brought me so much perspective and valuable insight to the systems that orgs like ours are working against to bring liberation and justice to our communities, and the bulk of my teachers have been trans like me. As I heal my younger self, I’m grateful that she has so many amazing mentors walking beside her paving the way forward.
- Farren Rice, she/her, Outreach Coordinator
Last summer, I was tabling at Trans Pride in Seattle with Farren and Jaelynn. We had people trickling by slowly at first. But gradually as more and more people stopped by, we got so busy that all three of us were talking to different people at the same time: introducing ourselves, the organization, and giving a pitch about what we're about. I remember looking over and hearing Jaelynn break down and explain the components of our mission and what each department does, and then hearing Farren so sincerely explaining our work to other folks as well. It made me feel such an electricity in that moment. Tabling with them reminded me of all the unique human elements you get to experience just talking to people in community. It feels like these things are at the core of the work we do. Also, I think I still owe Farren a tamale.
- Sabrina Rodriguez, they/them, Paralegal
Last year while managing Emergency Housing Vouchers, I recognized that when I checked in with community members after moving into their homes, their needs decreased dramatically. Whether or not they needed resources during that check-in, it felt that everything was much more possible now that they had a home. It made me realize how important our work is to advocate for housing and the physical property itself. Knowing that you have a permanent home gives people their will and confidence back.
- Ebo Barton, he/they, Director of Housing Services
Being a part of the development team, I get to support all of the amazing work that my colleagues do for our community and I am constantly reminded why that work is so important. One specific instance was when we hosted the Black Trans Comedy Showcase. Not to brag, because this is our signature special event, but because of the outpouring of love that went into and was equally received by the community. This show was in response to the numerous transphobic comments in the media. I felt so empowered to bring this show to life and highlight Black trans comedians and it reminded me that we are still here, we still deserve joy and laughter and that we will continue to do this work. It was the joy we needed in the darkness and now it can be something that not only I look forward to every year.
- Angel Patterson, they/them, Development and Communications Associate
In 2022, Lavender Rights Project worked with community organizer nikkita Oliver (they/them) to collaborate with our GBVP and Legal Department. nikkita and I spent the first half of the year creating a power mapping strategies for program projects, and later worked with King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCHRA) on a training series for staff. Together we modeled out workplans, built relationships with KCRHA, negotiated contracts, and constructed curriculums based in an intersectional analysis that will address harms and biases against gender diverse community members. Working with nikkita oliver was an important part of my year as there was communal sharing of knowledge, experience, and creative brainstorming that transformed their professional work with education and policy change. I look forward to this continued collaboration in 2023 as we both will facilitate training together and stay connected with a shared love for art, sketching, and conversations that reflect a deep love for community.
- Mahkyra Gaines, they/them, Community Engagement Manager
My favorite part of 2022 being at LRP was attending the Lavender Law Conference. Being able to see what’s working in other areas and what isn’t working in those same areas, and then being able to share what we’ve been able to achieve in Seattle at LRP and what may be possible in other places. Not just in the US, but around the world. Being able to meet with so many different communities and cultures, and how we can be united. It is all sorts of awesome.
- Nicole Perry, she/her, Paralegal
If I were to have an absolute favorite moment of 2022, it would be traveling to San Francisco with LRP and attending the Compton's Cafeteria Riot Party. We got to meet TS Madison, Raquel Willis, Dominique Jackson, Aria Sa’id, and the team behind the Transgender Cultural District in the Tenderloin. They were so lovely to us, and it was such a fun time connecting and exploring. Moments like this make organizing so refreshing and rejuvenating. I came back from that trip so inspired and in awe of how far we’ve come as an organization.
- Randy Ford, she/her, Director of Development
One of the more powerful moments at LRP in 2022 was our Black Trans Joy party, hosted in collaboration with the Transgender Cultural District and the National Black Census project. The Black trans joy party brough love and life to me and our staff just when we needed it. The Covid 19 infection numbers were in decline and we were all getting a little more comfortable venturing out. For two years, we were in isolation and it began taking its toll on us. Our organization grew significantly during the pandemic, we developed new programming, made many new partners, and formed new relationships with Black trans individuals across the country. However, quarantine was beginning to take a toll on me and likewise, our staff.
The Black Trans Joy party was beautiful. We met in person community members who have either received services for us or who have been following our advocacy work. We learned more about them and how they have survived during the pandemic. The event also allowed us to deepen our partnerships with other Black LGBTQ-led organizations and deeply connect with each other. I felt myself fighting back tears as I met Black trans women who told us about how much our work meant to them and how they were glad we were fighting for them.
More importantly, we learned from this event how to build community power through joy and celebration—and not just mourning our losses. We learned that there is power in cultural and joy-based base building. We can’t sustain ourselves in suffering alone. In joy, we can sustain the long road ahead of us.
- Jaelynn Scott, she/her, Executive Director