Celebrating Trans Women: Shea Diamond

This month, as we celebrate the role of women in American history, it’s important to also take the time to explore how we may expand our understanding of “woman.” Historically, trans women have lived uncelebrated and separated from their contributions to culture and society. Here, we remind ourselves that 

trans women are women.

Shea Diamond is an American black trans woman, singer, songwriter and activist. 

At an early age, Shea owned her femininity. She shares her story about being a product of abandonment, from her family to the foster care system, from society to incarceration. “My existence was a rebellion,” she has said in an interview.

She now turns those painful experiences into empowerment for anyone who has ever felt like an outcast. She is also an outspoken trans activist who challenges cis singers to be inclusive and help elevate trans people and their music.

Reflection: How might you uplift the narratives of the trans community?