Hosted by Andy Citino, whose warmth and humor immediately made everyone feel at ease, the August 29, 2024, ‘Conversations on Acceptance’ session at Allendale UMC was a powerful gathering. Andy welcomed folx into a supportive space, introducing the evening’s inspiring conversation starters who shared personal journeys and reflections on acceptance, growth, and resilience.
Highlights
Acceptance as a Journey in Conversations on Growth
Acceptance is not a one-time realization but a continuous journey. Jules Rayne, a trans woman and founder of the Florida Transgender Alliance, shared her experience of coming to terms with her identity in her forties. She spoke about the layers of acceptance—within oneself, by others, and in society—and the struggles along the way. Her story underscored how acceptance can foster hope and inspire a desire to live fully, despite societal rejection.
Intersectionality and Acceptance within TransNetwork
Daylina Miller, a nonbinary journalist and advocate, emphasized that acceptance is multifaceted and often influenced by factors like privilege, visibility, and intersectionality. Growing up in rural Appalachia, Daylina noted the challenges of understanding their own identity in a cis-normative environment. For Daylina, acceptance is about living authentically, despite the judgments and labels imposed by others. They highlighted the importance of showing up as a visible representation of joy and resilience for those who cannot yet live openly.
Defying Stereotypes and Advocating for the Community
The speakers discussed the misconceptions about what it means to be trans and nonbinary. Jules explained that being trans does not fit into one rigid narrative and that acceptance involves redefining societal expectations. Daylina and others shared stories of helping friends and community members through their transitions, emphasizing that support often starts with accepting others as they are, wherever they are in their journeys.
Acceptance as a Tool for Growth
Through their personal narratives, the speakers illustrated how acceptance can be a source of growth, both individually and collectively. The group reflected on the importance of embracing one’s past selves, recognizing that identity is ever-evolving. As one participant eloquently put it, “Humans are haunted houses”—we are shaped by the different versions of ourselves from childhood to adulthood, each phase contributing to our identity.
The Role of Privilege and Accessibility
Privilege within the trans community was another important theme. The speakers recognized that not everyone has access to medical resources or the ability to transition fully. Acceptance includes acknowledging these disparities and supporting each other without judgment. As one attendee put it, “You are valid in your transness, no matter where you are in your journey.”
Channeling Anger into Action
The discussion also touched on the challenges posed by current legal and healthcare barriers, particularly in Florida. The recent court rulings have created obstacles for trans individuals in accessing healthcare. The speakers emphasized the importance of channeling frustration into action—through voting, community organizing, and supporting each other.
Key Takeaways
- Acceptance is an ongoing journey that requires self-compassion, resilience, and the willingness to grow.
- Intersectionality adds layers to acceptance, and each individual’s experience is unique, shaped by factors like privilege, visibility, and societal norms.
- Support within the community is vital, especially for those facing challenges accessing healthcare and other resources.
- Acceptance empowers action—from advocating for inclusive policies to fostering a supportive network for trans and nonbinary individuals.
Join Us for Future Conversations
This session was a powerful reminder of how acceptance can transform lives and build community. As we continue these conversations, we invite all members and allies to join us in fostering a safe and inclusive space for exploration and growth.
Stay tuned for future events in the “Conversations” series, where we’ll dive into more topics relevant to our community. And if you’d like to get involved and support our initiatives, visit our Get Involved page to learn more about how you can contribute!
Location: Allendale UMC
Related Organizations: Equality Florida