"We Are Here, and We Are Human": Phoenix Laxton Speaks at the Pride Flag Raising

"We Are Here, and We Are Human": Phoenix Laxton Speaks at the Pride Flag Raising

This Pride season, our Programs Coordinator, Phoenix Laxton, was invited to speak at a local flag raising ceremony. What he shared was a reflection on stress and survival, on what it means to see yourself represented in the open, and on the simple, radical truth that trans people are human beings entitled to joy. We're proud to share his words in full.

"My name is Phoenix, but you may know me by other names, depending on where you meet me. In my day job as the Program Coordinator of the HVLGBTQCC, I go by Phoenix. In roller derby, I go by Tripping Hazard, because I fall a lot. Or if you visit the unicorn often, you may know me as Cyan Nide, where I produce many shows and community events.

Regardless of the name, my identity remains the same: a white, queer transmasc, originally from Long Island but now a New Paltz local for the past six years.

I am incredibly grateful to be given the opportunity to speak at this year's flag raising. Seeing the pride flag displayed out in the open, not just by neighbors, but also by our local government offices such as this one, gives me a moment to catch my breath. We are bombarded by the most upsetting news on a daily basis, like this is the new casual norm. It manifests as stress in my body, creating a tightness in my chest. It's the stress of not knowing what horrors may await us tomorrow. It's the stress of not feeling like I'm doing enough. It's the stress of trying to survive but also find joy in my life. It's the stress that comes from the frustration of my loved ones telling me that they've been stopped by ICE. But in moments when I'm driving, and I see the pride flag, a flag that not only resembles me but my chosen family and community, I feel my shoulders relax a little, and I take a deep, gentle breath.

Because it signals to others who wish harm upon my community that their hatred is not welcome here. Ulster County is filled with queer and trans folk. We should feel welcome and protected in the place that we call our home.

One more thing I would like to say, and this message is really for those who have a lot of "opinions" when it comes to trans people: we are human beings, just like you, trying to survive. We are entitled to joy and happiness just as you are. Maybe our joy looks different than yours, and that's okay. I encourage everyone to never stop learning, and to know that it's okay to be wrong sometimes."

— Phoenix Laxton, Programs Coordinator