“We persist”: Advocate-artisan Mila Jam reflects on the significance of Transgender Day of Remembrance
The intricate dance between artistry and advocacy is a realm well-explored by Mila Jam, a transgender crooner, lyricist, and performance virtuoso whose artistic endeavors reverberate with a desire to stir commotion and instigate transformation.
“I harbor an affection for pop culture and a penchant for eclectic mediums. The amalgamation of art and its sonic counterpart is a source of fervor for me,” she articulates to Yahoo Life. “If I can seamlessly fuse the two, serendipity unfolds. This was the genesis of my ‘Stop killing us’ campaign.”
The 2019 initiative manifested through a music video accompanying her track “Masquerade,” where Jam, in a vulnerable act, emblazoned her body with the words “Stop Killing Us.” As the summer unfolded and protestors rallied against police brutality, Jam resurrected those potent words.
“This has been a quest for trans emancipation, a chapter in the Black Lives Matter narrative. We’ve traversed the streets, advocating for our existence because our lives are singular, and not everyone comprehends the ordeal of marginalization,” she asserts.
To pay homage to those silenced voices and commemorate those lost, November 20th stands as Transgender Day of Remembrance. Incepted in 1999, this day pays homage to transgender individuals whose lives were extinguished through acts of anti-transgender violence.
“We ought to be eternally remembered for the aspirations we chased and the lives we aspired to lead. Many who cannot articulate their plight merely desired tranquility and coexistence,” Jam passionately conveys.
The struggle for equality and security endures. As per GLAAD, 36 trans and gender non-conforming individuals have fallen victim to anti-transgender violence in 2020. Most of these casualties were Black trans women or women of color, cherished members of their communities, yet their lives were forsaken in a culture that persistently targets and vilifies trans individuals.
Determined activists and advocates relentlessly toil to heighten awareness and reform laws for the safeguarding of the trans community, albeit at a gradual pace. Nevertheless, Mila Jam identifies specific milestones deemed worthy of celebration.
“There’s a burgeoning visibility of Black trans women on television, in the musical realm, and across media platforms, unabashedly sharing their narratives and standing tall,” she notes. “We exude passion, garner love, and stand uplifted as formidable women.”
This fervor attracted the attention of Out Leadership, a global LGBTQ business network fostering connections among LGBTQ leaders and organizations. Jam assumed the role of Senior Advisor of Global Trans Initiatives, focusing on content creation.
“I always emphasize our role in bridging the divide between brands, sponsors, corporations, and companies, creating space for our voices to resonate,” Jam explains.
While the engagement with trans advocacy holds a deeply personal significance for Mila Jam, she acknowledges the broader scope of the fight for equality, transcending individual narratives.
“I’ve engaged in conversations with trans elders in their 70s and 80s, an aspect I hadn’t pondered – to be an elder recounting times when our existence wasn’t even a topic of conversation,” she reflects.
“There’s gratification in sharing these moments and engaging in dialogue with trans elders, providing a glimpse into eras devoid of discourse.”