Intergenerational Gurl Talk

ANNUAL GURL TALK

The Roses program centers on the voices and leadership of trans girls of color and is building a future free from violence against trans women and girls. Through Roses, our team is creating space for girl leaders to connect, develop their skills, and step into their #TransGirlPower. Roses is a program within the Gender Justice Leadership Programs supported by Transgender Law Center and GSA Network.

Based on Roses’ mission, an Intergenerational Gurl Talk Space is essential for the work to continue and gain momentum. We know that trans girls and women have BEEN organizing in the community and within our chosen families to keep each other alive and our resources accessible. We also know community relationships matter a lot in this work and supporting inter-community connection; this includes prioritizing intergenerational relationship building between trans girls and trans women in our movement. These discussions are an opportunity to share skills and stories among generations of trans girls and women doing the work. This is a space we hope girl leaders feel seen, heard, and connected.

WHY INTERGENERATIONAL CONVERSATIONS ARE IMPORTANT

By: Mulani Jackson

Intergenerational conversations amongst femmes are essential for the growth and development of the Gender Justice and Trans Liberation movement. These conversations provide a platform for sharing experiences, knowledge, and perspectives across different age groups. Through these discussions, younger femmes can learn from the struggles and achievements of older generations. In comparison, older femmes can gain insight into younger generations’ challenges.  

Moreover, intergenerational conversations help to bridge the gap between different waves of gender justice. The first wave focused on voting and legal rights, while the second emphasized reproductive rights and workplace equality. The third wave centered on intersectionality and inclusivity. By engaging in dialogue across generations, we can ensure that each wave builds upon the successes of previous ones.  

Intergenerational conversations amongst femmes are crucial for maintaining a robust, Gender Expansive, and Liberated movement. They allow us to learn from each other’s experiences and perspectives, ensuring that our fight for gender equality and overall equity continues to evolve with time. 

Fourth Annual Gurl Talk 2024

Manola Jackson (she/her), the Roses Initiative National Organizer at GSA Network and Co-Director of Tranzzlation, hosts a conversation around sisterhood, caregiving, and how Black and Latinx trans communities care for each other. Joining Manola in conversation is Ro Boyce (she/her), Angel Flores (she/her), and Jordyn Walters (she/her).

Third Annual Gurl Talk 2023

In this video, you will see two women of Trans experience across generations discuss what Trans Gurl Power looks like to them and the ways each of their unique upbringings has shaped the way they navigate their gender within a society that was not built for them to win or even exist in. The video adds to last year’s discussion about Returning to One’s Roots. 

“Returning to Our Roots Part II” is a powerful and insightful conversation that sheds light on the struggles and challenges faced by transgender women and fems of color in a society dominated by cisgender, heterosexual patriarchy. The speakers do an excellent job of highlighting the intersectionality of oppression faced by these women and fems, who are often marginalized not only because of their gender identity but also because of their race and ethnicity. 

Speakers: Lyric Gibson (22) La’Cretia Springer (76) Facilitator: Mulani Jackson (24)

Second Annual Gurl Talk 2022

In this video, you will see a group of Trans femmes and women of color across multiple generations discuss what Trans Gurl Power looks like to them and the ways each of their unique upbringings have shaped the way they navigate their gender within a society that was not built for them to win or even exist in. 

“Returning to Our Roots” is a powerful and insightful conversation that sheds light on the struggles and challenges faced by transgender women and femmes of color in a society dominated by cisgender, heterosexual patriarchy. The speakers do an excellent job of highlighting the intersectionality of oppression faced by these women and femmes, who are often marginalized not only because of their gender identity but also because of their race and ethnicity.

The discussion is well thought out and comprehensively analyzes the issues at hand. The speaker’s use of personal anecdotes adds depth and emotion to the dialogue, making it more relatable to listeners. Additionally, these femmes offer practical advice for those seeking to support transgender women and femmes of color in their fight against oppression.

“Returning to our Roots” is essential to the ongoing conversation about gender identity and equity. It highlights the unique challenges faced by transgender women and femmes of color while also offering hope for a more inclusive and just society. 

Panel Guests: Ro Boyce, Amayas Gonzalez, Cathy Kapua, Safara Malone  

Facilitated By: Mulani Jackson 

First Annual Gurl Talk 2021

In this video, you will see a group of Trans femmes and women of color across multiple generations discuss what Trans Gurl Power looks like to them and the ways Pride has been gentrified and co-opted by big corporations. #transgurlpower #transpowerhour

Panel Guests: Raquel Willis, Amayas Gonzalez, Cathy Kapua, Agaiotupu Viena 

Facilitated By: Mulani Jackson