An unprecedented hope

Munroe Bergdorf is 31-year-old activist and model who has inspired many to love themselves and fight for their rights. In a world of oppression, privilege and power, she is the contrast we all need

Seeing someone like Munroe, who I’ve idolised for so long, sitting in front of me talking about her hopes for the future of the world gave me an unprecedented feeling of hope. I don’t feel hope very often and in truth I am very cynical, but there is something fundamentally soothing about hearing Munroe talk about herself. It rubs off on you and makes you think that maybe, just maybe you also can make a change. Munroe didn’t romanticise herself, her cause, or her struggles as a transgender black woman but she was authentic and kind.

Munroe being unapologetic about her identity is a breath of fresh air, during the talk she discussed the micro aggression of having to explain and discuss her identity and oppression. She talked about the notion of not having to actually partake in discussions with people who belittle your experiences.

As a black woman I related to what she was saying. In the past I’ve had people roll their eyes at me and minimise my experiences. It’s a micro-aggression and I sometimes forget how it actually affects me. It makes me feel like my opinion doesn’t matter, like I can’t be vocal about things that matter to me and it ever so subtly leaves me questioning my position in society.

Her advice to value yourself enough not to justify your importance and rights really stuck with me. Munroe Bergdorf was such a powerful presence, whose message of self-acceptance and self-love really stuck with me.

Aiesha

"Social media is a mirage"

Yesterday evening I attended an hour-long discussion with LGBTQ+ representative Munroe Bergdorf.

As a transgender homosexual woman, Bergdorf has much to tell us about her daily experience of navigating today's society. She talked of self-care and surviving whilst baing apart from the white, cisgendered, heterosexual 'elite'. I found her talk thought-provoking and incredibly powerful.

Many of us deal with our own struggles and Bergdorf made sure to make everyone feel included. The audience at her talk was "one of the most diverse I have ever spoken to," she said.

She covered a large variety of topics. The one that resonated most with me was her statement that "Social media is a mirage." This came during her discussion of her mental health and her teenage experience of body dysmorphia before she transitioned. It's so easy to be sucked into the lie that is 'Social Media', especially on apps where everyone's goal is to make their lives look flawless unlike their day-to-day reality. This has led many people unstable mental health. Some who I know have had to take deliberate breaks from social media to allow themselves to heal.

This topic seemed to really hit home with the majority of the audience, as the atmosphere in the lecture theatre was thick with personal reflection - as well as awe for Munroe Bergdorf.
 

Jordan Warwick

"No-one is transgender in a vacuum"

One of the most inspiring messages from Paris Lee's talk today was that if you are part of something bigger than yourself, it gives your life more meaning.

This is true, not just for the LGBT community, but for all other minority groups. "No one is transgender in a vacuum," and no one should feel alone. But no matter how much negativity the world gives you, you can kill it with positivity and understanding. Let's kill the world with kindness, people!

I am so privileged to have heard Paris Lee talk today; I think that if more people fought for not only their own identity, but for the identity of those around them, the world would be a much better place.

Jenni Brooks

"Get them to get it"

The moment Paris Lees entered the room, a respectful silence followed. People from all walks of life had gathered to have their ears and eyes opened to the struggles of the trans community - struggles some have faced and struggles that some wouldn't believe.

 

Paris's captivating talk took us on a journey from the summer in which she "ditched her boy clothes" to her discovery of her political voice through charities and media outlets. The Gender Trust Charity, Trans Media Watch and All About Trans are just three of the organisations with which she has campaigned.

 

When you watch Paris talking, you notice how comfortable she is in her skin, how she dominates the space, and really tries to connect with what she is saying.

 

Starting with The Pink Paper, Paris also gained a foothold in journalism. She then moved onto other publications, including The Guardian, and is currently an editor for Attitude magazine.

 

While these achievements are awe-inspiring, she also spoke about the wider picture. Increasing transgender representation in shows like Eastenders and The Voice will help to "get them to get it" - and by "them" she means the ones who would use the trans community as a "punchline or a punch bag."

 

Paris's message was simple, yet effective. "Get out there and do it - just live." A mantra that everyone should live by.

 

 

Jack Wilkin