Faces of Fortitude

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Faces of Fortitude

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Faces of Fortitude
Podcast
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Home
About
Faces of Fortitude
Podcast
Educate
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Blog

Booking

April 2023
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I was 45 when I publicly came out as transgender.

I was 45 when I publicly came out as transgender. I had lived a full life in many ways. Raised a child, been married, I was in the early stages of perimenopause even.

I was never quite comfortable with the person I saw in the mirror. Felt like my clothes never fit right onto my shell. My “meat-suit” was always ill fitting to who I was. In my 20s I started to feel like I had two sides to myself, and would say I felt like I had a “gay man” inside me. I had no idea what that meant.

We didn’t have words and definitions for things like we do now. And the education around what it MEANS and how it FEELS to be transgender, just didn’t exist.

I watched things come to light over the last 5-10 years, and always in my head would be the imposter voice saying “You are too old. If only I would’ve found out about this when I was in my 20s..!”

I feel SO MUCH JOY, when I see stories of people over the age of 35 - coming out as trans.

We have SUCH a huge responsibility right now as OLDER trans people, to both ourselves, and younger trans people.

It has NEVER been more vital for young trans kids to be able to see themselves older in the world, living happy lives. They need to know it's possible. THIS IS SUICIDE PREVENTION WORK.

I KNOW it's scary. Over HALF of my blood family openly votes for representatives and politicians who are ACTIVELY trying to erase the queer and trans communities. That won’t stop me, or us.

Today is about TRANSGENDER VISIBILITY.

Today at 48 years old, I’m feeling better than I ever have in my adult life. My clinician has stated that hormone therapy has been so WELCOMED by my body. My therapist of 9 years said she has seen HUGE shifts in my mental health. Both physically and mentally, it has saved my life.

WE ALL deserve to exist and to have the resources to take care of ourselves in the best way possible and with full autonomy. It's a BASIC HUMAN RIGHT.

To anyone struggling right now with their identity - I am here to remind you that you CAN find happiness. Your life matters. You matter. I see you. 🏳️‍⚧️💜💙

Self-portrait, acrylic/mixed media by me.

I am honored to be showing a pop-up of my work thi

I am honored to be showing a pop-up of my work this SATURDAY evening, at the 2nd annual Blooming With Grief, put on by A Sacred Passing and the brain-child of my dear friend and mentor, Lashanna Williams.

Since the suicide of my brother, I have struggled with a fear of sudden or traumatic death. A Sacred Passing has welcomed me under their umbrella, along with my fears, and have been gently sharing education and healing around the subject for the past few years.

Is my fear gone? Not at all. But, I have learned so much about the roots of my fears, as well as am finding comfort in sitting and talking about them now, rather than diverting.

We all have grief. Whether you lost someone to death, you lost a pet, a relationship, a home, a job, etc. grief comes in so many forms. Humans crave connection, and when we are grieving, connection can feel so far away.

This event last year was SO special, and I am thrilled to be a part of it again showing my photography. If you are around Saturday evening, its a beautiful space held by people that work in the grief and death doula space to openly feel and be supported around the topic of death, dying and grief 🖤

Jason sat for me in the early months of this proje

Jason sat for me in the early months of this project. I remember being immediately taken back with his vulnerability and softness.

Jason is a photographer, videographer, artistic/motion designer and DJ. I remember him making me smile the minute we started. When we were talking about what he wanted me to write for his bio he said “I think I’m most likely a time traveler that forgot he’s a time traveler” and flashed a kind grin.

When I talk about seeing moments of sheer light and joy within this project - this is what I mean. This topic digs into each of our most painful moments, but it also helps us make room for light.

Jason had lost 3 friends to suicide in high school, then went on to college and lost 4 more. The amount of LOSS he had experienced was enormous. At one point he shared that it felt that growing up his town even became known for it. But like I said - he also carried so much LIGHT. Even when he was sharing the hardest parts of his story, bringing him to tears, he always had a way to try to move past it.

Jason and I had such an important conversation about suicide prevention work. We both think so many things are being missed, meanwhile the wrong things are being focused on. He spoke about how our society does a shitty job of helping us with our self worth, and how the key isn’t teaching people to “reach out” if they need help, but rather for US to reach out to others.

Repost from @unitedwayofbroward • We’re bringi

Repost from @unitedwayofbroward
•
We’re bringing you a special message from one of our Behavioral Health Conference keynote speakers — M Abeo (@facesoffortitude)!

They will be speaking at our 8th Behavioral Health Conference – The Power of Prevention.

Join our @uwbc_commission in collaboration with @browardbehavioralhealth, the @myflfamilies and the @signature_grand.

Attend informative sessions and hear from keynote speakers and subject matter experts to learn, network and discuss issues related to behavioral health practices, policies and research.

*CEUs are available.

Early-bird pricing ends on March 31st. Click the link in our bio for ticket info.

#BHC2023

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