transgender

Trans Hirstory In 99 Objects Book Release At The Hammer Museum / March 21, 2024 by Edgar Fabián Frías

Zackary Drucker, Edgar Fabián Frías, Raquel Gutiérrez, Amos Mac, David Evans Frantz, Christina Linden, Chris Vargas at The Hammer Museum for the release of MOTHA’s (Museum of Transgender Hirstory and Art) book Trans Hirstory in 99 Objects

Last night was truly a profound and unforgettable experience. Being invited to participate in the iconic event for the release of Chris E. Vargas' Trans Hirstory in 99 Objects book at the Hammer Museum was an immense honor. To be surrounded by such trailblazing trans luminaries like Zackary Drucker, Raquel Gutiérrez, Amos Mac, Uri McMillan, Christina Linden, and David Evans Frantz was incredibly powerful.

The entire evening had an almost sacred energy, as if the spirits of our trans ancestors were present, guiding and blessing us. Chris' vision with the Museum of Trans Hirstory & Art (MOTHA) as a "forever under construction" container to celebrate trans hirstory and existence is so profoundly needed. In a world that has tried to erase and deny our narratives for centuries, MOTHA unapologetically inserts trans magic into the spaces where it is most vital.

I felt immensely grateful to Chris, Christina, and David for their years of labor in crafting this phenomenal book that weaves together our vast, complex trans lineages and legacies. The care and intentionality they brought in organizing this event was palpable.

Edgar offering a collective three card tarot reading using Rachel Pollack’s The Shining Tribe Tarot at The Hammer Museum. Photo taken by Maria McKee.

Being invited to share a personal three card tarot reading using The Shining Tribe Tarot deck, which was also my contribution to the book, allowed me to open up in unexpectedly emotional ways. Drawing The Strength card for our collective present moment imbued the space with a sense of fortitude and resilience that I know we'll all need as we navigate the continued challenges ahead.

Witnessing the outpouring of love, support, and celebration for this work and our community left me in awe. I hope the recording of this historic gathering is released publicly soon so that the ripples of trans brilliance and affirmation can extend even further. My heart is overflowing with gratitude to have been a part of such a sacred night amongst my siblings and ancestors.

You can watch the full video of this event below:

Interview with Hermés / September 25, 2023 by Edgar Fabián Frías

I am so excited to share this wonderful interview I just had with Hermés who is a FEMME ICON and an incredibly talented artist, advocate, activist, and so much more. You can learn more about her and all of the amazing things she does by clicking here.

E: Hi, can you share a little bit about yourself! How did you come to be the incredible artist, shapeshifter, sorceress, and monstress that you are? What is important to you at this moment?

H: Thank you, Edgar! Including being an artist and all the things, I also claim and embrace being a trailblazer. As an Aries, being the first has been a recurring theme in my life. The first to be born in the states, the first born of 3 siblings, and the first to graduate from college. The first to move out from my hometown and move to the Bay Area.

My familial roots come from México, El Salvador, and Spain. What is important to me at this moment is the process of deconditioning and divesting from patriarchal capitalist colonial programming, which includes reclaiming ancestral wisdom and practices.

E: I am obsessed with the art you’ve shared on the tezos blockchain on objkt and would love to hear more about it!

H: Yes, how I would describe the art that I put out there is FFF – Fantastical, FEMME, and Fun!

E: What is your relationship like with art practice, performance, and digital art? Does it intersect with other mediums/practices and, if so, how?

H: What comes to mind is the performativity of gender. As philosopher Simone de Beauvoir said: “one is not born, but rather becomes, a woman”. Performance can also be ritualistic, ceremonial, and ancestral. I think performance can be elevating and seductive.

I’m inspired by femme, feminist, and surreal visual art, which in college I took a women’s studies class called, feminist-art-power. My favorite visual artists that are coming up for me are Leonora Carrington, Leonor Fini, and Remedios Varo. I love that these artists incorporate their mysticism into their art. For example, Leonara Carrington created her own version of the Major Arcana cards.

To me, art, creativity, magical praxis are all interconnected. Art intersects with my astrology and tarot studies and practices. Overall, my art/work is devotional.

E: Do you have any advice you’d like to share with any baby witches or aspiring artists?

H: Take risks and experiment! How I personally learn and grow is through trial and error. I’m also a big book nerd, so I love to read!

E: What are your favorite forms of ritual or magic that you incorporate into your daily life?

H: Good question! I like to keep it simple and cute. I pull tarot cards everyday. I give little offerings to my guides, such as offering incense,water, and leaving sweets, flowers, and adornments to my altar spaces.

E: Are there any people, practices, or artworks you’d like to uplift and share? Why does it feel important to share them?

H: I love my star poets and artists. With my own astrology practice and study, I’m tremendously indebted to astrology/tarot reader/educator/writer Diana Rose Harper and her mentorship, workshops, and readings she offers and her Patreon. I definitely recommend checking her work for those wanting to dive deeper and learn about astrology. Her wonderful workshops that I want to highlight include, Fundamental Needs, Required Resources: The Collaboration of the 1st and 2nd Houses and Fierce Compassion: Natal Astrology as Radical Self-Care.

E: This is a very intense time astrologically (or so I’ve been told by a few friends) do you have any astrological insights that you feel are important to share?

H: Based on what’s happening, I think discernment is crucial and seeing beyond the veil. At this time, cultivating community care is crucial. Despite the challenges, we have to remind ourselves that we have agency and autonomy.

In addition to Diana Rose Harper and her work, I love tuning in to astrologer Jessica Lanyadoo’s Ghost of a Podcast. Each week she goes over weekly transits. She also does episodes on what to expect for the year ahead. Aside from the astro data, she also provides valuable solid advice. For example in an episode she mentioned that an antidote to fear can be by taking action, and that taking small incremental steps can create a big impact.

E: What’s something you are hoping to accomplish in the next year or two?

H: Alongside the visual art that I create, I want to dedicate more time to my writing and grow my girl blog!

E: Please let us know about anything exciting going on in your life right now!

H: Ah there’s always so much going on! What comes to mind is how energizing living by the water can be and being immersed with the Bay Area magic and connecting with other Bay Area artists and witches!

E: How can folks connect with you and your work?

H: I’m always open to collaboration! (I’m a libra rising.) You can find me on instagram (@hermes_hermit). I also have my linktree posted there. You can also check out my blog and podcast!

Behind the Scenes of Mz Neon's "So Far" Music Video / August 25, 2023 by Edgar Fabián Frías

Click on this image above to watch Mz Neon - So Far (Official Music Video)

I am beyond excited to share my extraordinary experience as a back-up dancer in Mz Neon's revolutionary music video, "So Far." This is more than just a video – it's a powerful statement about the struggles and triumphs faced by the trans and gender-expansive community, particularly in the United States amidst the alarming surge of anti-trans rhetoric, discriminatory laws, and heartbreaking violence. Join me as I take you on a profound journey behind the scenes of this impactful creation.

A Vision of Empowerment and Inclusion

Directed by the brilliant duo Allen Henson and Mz Neon, "So Far" transcends the boundaries of music videos. It's a visual and auditory masterpiece that brings to light the challenges that the trans and gender expansive community navigates daily. Mz Neon's meticulous attention to art direction, set design, and wardrobe choices ensured that every element conveyed the message of resilience and empowerment.

Strength in Unity

The video boasts an impressive lineup of talents, each playing a vital role in conveying the song's powerful message. Alongside Mz Neon, the video features artists like Tricky Youth, Dagger Polyester, Clem Goldberg, Lilian Void, Love Bailey, Emily Lucid, Sasha Forests, Drew Arriola Sands, and numerous others who contribute to the video's diversity and depth. It was an absolute honor to share the stage with such a passionate and talented group of individuals.

Voicing Resilience

The lyrics of "So Far" are a poignant reflection of the challenges faced by the trans and gender expansive community. The song emphasizes the importance of fighting back, standing tall against adversity, and embracing our authentic selves. As a back-up dancer, I felt an incredibly deep connection to these themes, moving in harmony with a group of individuals unafraid to defy the bigotry and transphobia that is running rampant in this country and around the globe.

Portraying the Journey

The music video beautifully encapsulates the song's core message. Through choreography and cinematography, it vividly depicts the struggles and triumphs that the marginalized community experiences. Each scene tells a story of resilience and strength, offering a window into the indomitable human spirit.

An Anthem of Empowerment

"**So Far**" transcends its role as a song; it's a rallying cry, a call to arms, and a celebration of the diverse tapestry of identities. The chorus resonates with the idea that, even amid adversity, we stand strong and committed. The song's authenticity and raw emotion make it an anthem of empowerment for everyone within the trans and gender expansive community.

A Heartfelt Thank You

My gratitude knows no bounds as I extend my heartfelt appreciation to Mz Neon, Allen Henson, and the entire team for allowing me to be a part of this profound undertaking. I also want to acknowledge my fellow dancers, the talented artists, and the unsung heroes behind the scenes who worked tirelessly to breathe life into this video. Your passion and dedication shine brightly.

A Call to Stand Strong

"In the face of adversity, an act of defiance..." These words now hold even more weight for me after my involvement in "So Far." This video is a reminder that embracing our identities and fighting for justice is a revolutionary act in itself. Let's celebrate our diversity, challenge injustice, and continue pushing boundaries in the face of adversity.

Don't miss out on experiencing the impactful music video "**So Far**" available on all major streaming platforms here. It's a testament to resilience, a beacon of hope, and a catalyst for change.

Rest in peace and in power Rachel Pollack 💖 / April 10, 2023 by Edgar Fabián Frías

TransSisters The Journal of Transsexual Feminism Rachel Pollack Yellow Magazine Cover — https://www.digitaltransgenderarchive.net/files/70795771g

Rachel Pollack passed away on April 7, 2023. She was a trans activist, tarot reader, comic book and science fiction creator, and much much more.

Check out my post on Instagram about Rachel’s passing where I share how I was asked almost exactly a year before her passing to create a written contribution to respond to her tarot deck The Shining Tribe Tarot, which is one of the 99 objects included in the forthcoming book Trans Hirstory in 99 Objects edited by Chris E. Vargas, David Evans Frantz, Christina Linden and a part of the Museum of Trans Hirstory and Art.

The Sacred Web A Gender Neutral Tarot Deck Full Review Unboxing and Flip Through / November 20, 2022 by Edgar Fabián Frías

For those of you who know me, I am a queer & nonbinary tarot reader who loves gender neutral, nonbinary, and gender expansive tarot decks. Being a part of the LGBTQIA+ community, I am always searching for divination tools that resonate with me and my communities.

The Sacred Web Tarot is a gender-neutral tarot deck by Jannie Bui Brown, James W. Brown IV, and nonbinary artist Liv Brown and is published by HarperOne, a publishing imprint of HarperCollins.

From The Sacred Web Tarot's website: The Sacred Web Tarot deck was co-created out of a traumatic brain injury sustained in 2017 by my son, James, who, at the time, was 25. Out of his pain and throughout his recovery, James drew images that I came to understand were the beginnings of a tarot deck. Our reimagining of cards that typically elicit fear or concern when they appear to a reader into images of beauty convinced me that we needed to complete this tarot creation journey.

We discovered that The Sacred Web Tarot (The SWT) knew at its essential center that the shadow and the struggle are the great teachers; that there is nothing to fear when you perceive the challenging experiences of your life as opportunities to evolve and grow.