This story originally appeared in Up + Rising, a celebration of extraordinary Black voices, and is the first chapter of i-D’s 40th anniversary issue (1980-2020). i-D chronicled over 100 activists and artists, musicians and writers, photographers and creatives, in Atlanta, Baltimore, Minneapolis, LA, London, New York, Paris and Toronto.
“The violence of this system enrages me and the disregard of the masses wears me out.
I am angered by the refusal of France to acknowledge the word “race” even though it racialises my entire existence.
I am exhausted by interpreting silences, evaluating the amount of transphobia, restraining who I am.
I am angry that the only thing we have to say about trans women are alarming statistics.
I am exhausted by all these so-called activists who don’t question how their actions have next to no impact on our lives.
I am angry when I see queer people of colour being pushed to the brink of survival in 2020.
I am exhausted but do not think my will is undermined, on the contrary. I am angry and I transform this spite into a driving force, an almost unerring motivation.
In reality all I can do is continue the work, the fight, the struggle of Marsha and everyone who was dedicated to the cause, so that despite the systemic violence and the indifference of the masses, we can love ourselves and be proud of who we are.”
Credits
Photography Joshua Woods
Styling Dan Sablon
Hair and make-up Aurore Gibrien at Bryant Artists using L’Oreal hair and Dior make-up.
Set design Kaduri Elyashar.
Photography assistance Kyle Keese.
Styling assistance Latif Samassi.
Make-up assistance Ruben Mas.
Casting director Samuel Ellis Scheinman for DMCASTING.
Casting assistance Alexandra Antonova.