Black trans women and femmes have always been at the center of Black communities. We are the mothers, aunties, sisters, cousins, caregivers, creatives, doulas, and so much more, and this tradition has been passed down for millennia, long before colonialism even existed. Unfortunately, our stories are frequently erased from history due to the intersections of white supremacy, anti-Blackness, and transmisogynoir. And that erasure continues to be true in even the most “progressive” of places, including our beloved Pacific Northwest.

Today, we want to share about a deeply beloved ancestors, Mother George. Mother George was a Black trans woman who lived in what was called Gray’s Lake, Idaho throughout the late 19th century. Over decades, she delivered 1,000+ children for Black and White families alike. Before coming to Idaho, she escaped slavery in the post-reconstruction era, then settled in the Pacific Northwest with Black community searching for a place to call home. Mother George was beloved as a doula and midwife, and she played a key role in taking care of her community.

Unfortunately, there is not much else known about Mother George because her history has been erased. The few academic writings about her life were authored with a transphobic and problematic lens. But in this moment, given the political climate and transphobic attacks on transgender people, we hope it is healing to tell her story and in our voices. Mother George is undoubtedly from a long tradition of Black trans and queer midwives and doulas that created, and still are creating, sanctuary for those around them and caring for the future generation.

Our graphic designer for Mother George’s Brew, Amari Leach (he/him) had never heard of our ancestor prior to this project, but kept having visions of waves at a beach. This inspired Amari to create a field of lavender on the can itself, which represented to him how Lavender Rights Project “blossoms so much love and commitment” for the communities that we serve. To Amari, our field of lavender is not unlike a wave at the beach. To him, the lavender and the waves say to choose yourself, grow into the person you want to become, and stand up for those you love because “we all have a story” worth fighting for. Amari is inspired by the interdependent nature of a single blade of lavender, how a single seed of beauty births a field of glory.

Black trans people have always been integral to the communities they have lived in, and especially with the care and well-being of families, friends, and loved ones. Trans folks have been here a long time and we aren’t going anywhere. A huge thank you to Metier Brewing for this opportunity to uplift our history and community and share space during the launch event this past weekend. A purchase of Mother George’s Brew is a gift to Black trans community, and a donation to Lavender Rights Project recognizes the significant role in our families, both chosen and by origin.

Donate to LRP today: bit.ly/givetolrp