Hunter Gender Alliance and Writers Present

Let’s Talk Stories

A Digital Writing Exhibit

Our Stories, Our Voices.

In 2019, HGA applied for Aurora Grant Funding to run projects that benefit the trans and gender diverse community. This is the first installment in our “Let’s Talk” series - “Let’s Talk Stories.” We’ve put together a writing exhibit by trans and gender diverse authors to share our stories. We connect with each other through stories, and we break down barriers and stigma.

Disclaimer: These stories are written by real people, and as such contain themes of dysphoria, family discord, and occasional strong language. We’ve added content notes for pieces that cover strong themes, in consultation with our editorial team. We’ve published voices without censoring or editing for phrasing. HGA does not necessarily endorse the views, wording or statements of individual authors.

Be safe and be smart about what and when you read - your health is important.

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Photo of yellow lamp, lightbulb and pen on open, spiral bound notebook

Photo of yellow lamp, lightbulb and pen on open, spiral bound notebook

Photo of rainbow water, with one drop causing circular ripples

Photo of rainbow water, with one drop causing circular ripples

Photo of kitchen, with large ship drifting in sink with tap

Photo of kitchen, with large ship drifting in sink with tap

Photo of headphones, microphone and blank notebook page on wooden desk.

Photo of headphones, microphone and blank notebook page on wooden desk.

Opinion and Perspective

Read opinion and perspective pieces from trans and gender diverse writers.

Click here to read more.

Photo of two shadows holding hands against yellow wall.

Photo of two shadows holding hands against yellow wall.

Allies’ Stories

Read stories from allies of our trans and gender diverse community.

Click here to read more.

Photo of blocks forming column graph over printed graph data background

Photo of blocks forming column graph over printed graph data background

What trans and gender diverse writers want you to know.

We asked our writers what they want people to know about being trans or gender diverse, and their experiences. We want to know what you think! Add your quote using the form below.

“We have always been here, and always will be.”

“My experience does not represent the entire trans community”

“Trauma and mental illness don't cause transition - being trans causes transition. Stop using *my* trauma to justify someone else's transphobia.”

“Just keep on going no matter how hard life is or what it throws at you, just keep going strong - you can make it.

“The community is an amazing group of accepting, talented and beautiful people.”





“I'm not brave, I just didn't have a choice.”

“We are just people trying to navigate life like everyone else.”

“The gender we are inside is the gender we really are. Also, you never truly know someone else's experiences. Don't judge their life based off your own assumptions.”

“Transition allows people to be their true selves and be happy. My brother would be dead had he not been allowed to transition.”

“Making small efforts to use TGD’s peoples correct pronouns, use gender appropriate or gender neutral language can make a really big difference in trans and non binary people’s lives.”


“No two trans experiences are the same.”

“The TGD community is awesome and being trans is beautiful and natural.”

“AMAB butches who feel totally alienated from femininity exist and are very much still butches and dykes.”

“The way that trauma can permanently shape gender is not something to try and sweep under the rug for the sake of respectability. We need to tell our truest, queerest stories.”

“I'm not ashamed.”


“We are deserving of love and respect.”

“Not all of us look or want to look "normal" or "blend in" with cishet society and that's okay.”

“TGD people are diverse and they don’t need to look androgynous, masculine or feminine to be valid.”

“You will find people who love and care about you without condition and it's okay if those people aren't your family. Your life is your own and no-one else's, live it how you wish and people that value you will follow.

“I'm the only expert in my identity.”