On Navassa’s 8th Anniversary
Eight years ago, I started what I assumed would be a hobby. And, like most hobbies, the interest would gradually fade away. But it hasn't. Eight years later, Navassa is a project—a demonstration—of what happens when we believe in each other. Believe in a brighter future.
This year has been more remarkable than the rest, not just in maintaining our course but continuing to create initiatives that create, advocate, and support marginalized communities. This year, that mission continues in the Bernadine Casseus Transgender Laureate of the Kingdom of Navassa. Named after my late aunt, this is a first-of-its-kind in the world, appointing a laureate who embodies the trans community's hopes, wishes, and determination, with a mission to continue centering and uplifting trans voices through storytelling, art, or public gatherings. This summer, we received nearly 30 applicants from across the United States and Canada. However, there is one that stood out above the rest. We are very excited to announce the inaugural laureate this November during Transgender Awareness Week.
The program serves as a reminder that, regardless of an organization's or a community's size, it can maintain bonds of solidarity and make a meaningful difference in the world. And over these seven years, Navassa has continued to do so. From our first-ever drag calendar fundraiser to the world's first trans laureate, we take pride in knowing that our small community can make big waves.
Congrats, Navassa, on seven years—and here's to many more!
