This article was originally published by QNews. You can find the original article here.
As Trans Awareness week begins, Trans Person of the Year Kitty Obsidian shares the power of being visibly trans.
Being Awarded Trans Person of the Year isn’t something Kitty Obsidian had on their bingo card when Trans Month began.
Also awarded Creative of the Year, they are proud to know they are making a positive impact on our community.
“I was completely blindsided, but also really stoked when I found out,” Kitty said,
“Because the Trans Person of the Year award was completely out of the blue.
“I spoke to other nominees, and we didn’t know about it.
“Transgender Victoria messaged me about performing at the Gender Revel Gala but I was already booked to perform in Brisbane.
“Then a week out from the Gala I found out that I was nominated for a couple of the awards.
“It felt very special to have my contributions recognized.”
Kitty was nominated for Influencer of the Year and Creative of the Year.
The winners were announced at the Gender Revel Gala kicking off Trans Month.
Kitty wears their many hearts on their sleeves as an aggressively queer and trans Wiradjuri/Gamilaroi artist.
Living with disabilities, Kitty proudly creates space to advocate, raising awareness and visibility.
They continue to create conversations and art that shine a spotlight where needed.
A force for our community
But it isn’t about the awards, living authentically and advocating is what it is all about.
“The nominations and the awards were very special, but it’s not like that’s why we do what we do.”
“As queer artists who are also activists, we don’t get to not be political,” Kitty said,
“It’s not for recognition, but it is always nice to see that what we are doing, what I’m doing, does make a difference.”
Admitting it was a real punch to the heart, in a good way, Kitty admits it is easy to feel like you are not making a difference.
This is why the Trans Visibility Awards were so special, seeing that you are making a difference.
“Victoria has so many incredible trans people who are amazing and work their butts off.”
“To be recognized as Trans Person of the Year is a little bit overwhelming.”
“I’m very grateful that I have metaphorically touched as many people as I have.”
“It’s sweet that they want to recognise my contributions, but it’s still a little bit overwhelming,” Kitty said.
Kitty’s boyfriend Teddy accepted the awards in their place on the night.
And when they won Trans Person of the Year, he took a moment to say a few words.
“I have watched Kitty’s journey since they came to Melbourne almost six years ago now.”
“And they have grown and they have blossomed and they have become such a force for our community,” Teddy said.
“I love every smidgen of recognition they get because I honestly don’t think it’s enough.”
“They are just amazing are so amazing for our community.”
Pic by Dean Arcuri
Look at the world around you.
The intersectionalities that are part of Kitty’s life don’t make them what they are.
But it’s how they use them to create space and awareness that makes a big impact on the world around us.
“I advocate in so many different ways.”
“I’m very much a finger in every pie kind of guy as I think it’s important we look at the intersectionality of things.
“We can’t keep trying to put people in little boxes and then ask them to stay in their lane.
“Humans are messy and complicated.
“The intersectionality of Aboriginal rights and being trans and also disabled rights are all complex.
” We have to look at them in that complex weaving that is our society.
“Feeling like I’m constantly asking people to look at these things in the greater tapestry sometimes makes me feel like I’m banging my head against a brick wall.
“Or that I’m shouting into the void.
“But a recognition like this makes you realise that you aren’t.
“That you are making a difference and that you are helping.”
Grateful to have received their awards, Kitty wanted to make sure that credit was being given its due beyond that.
“I want to give a huge shout-out to all of the other incredible nominees as well as the incredible trans people quietly doing the work.”
“That is the work that we rely on as a society.”
It’s about more than just Remembrance.
Today is the start of Trans Awareness week, which concludes with Trans Day of Remembrance and a host of events for Trans Month.
It’s a time that is filled with both joy and sadness for Kitty, who admits to feelings of a double-edged sword.
“It’s important we get to celebrate some incredible trans people.”
“But I have a bit of a vested interest in Trans Day of Remembrance because it also happens to be my trans boyfriend Teddy’s birthday.
“Every year he has to deal with this weird double feeling of remembering the fact that we have lost so many trans people.
“He has been affected by transphobia-related violence and loss of family.
“But that day is also his birthday.
“It’s important we recognise the people we’ve lost.
“But at the same time, there’s happiness to be found in that, and there is still celebration to be found in the things that are difficult.
“Which is kind of a really good metaphor for how the entirety of Trans Month feels.
“Yes, it’s fucking hard right now. Like it is.
“We have people coming for our rights.
“And we have people that deal with transphobia on a daily basis.
“But we still have so much to celebrate and so much joy.
“It’s so important to remember that joy.”
Click here to learn about a Trans Day of Remembrance Vigil near you.
Find out more about the events taking place during Pride Month.
Find out more about Kitty Obsidian here.
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