CHICAGO, ILL.
By Michael Oboza, Special to GoPride.com
During my last year as a volunteer photojournalist, I am grateful to have had the space to help give people in our community their flowers. I am grateful to acknowledge a person who stayed true to herself. Thank you, Jazmine Williams, for your time, legacy, and for allowing me to be a part of your story.
Many know what it's like to be born in a different body.
"Around eleven, I knew. I hid and wore girl clothes. I prayed to God to make me a girl when I woke up. My parents found out, but they didn't disown me."
"As an adult, my life before coming out was a fun experience. Being a police officer, pro wrestler, instructor in the academy, and mentor to many people. I have met so many awesome people."
"But I felt empty inside of me. I knew I had to find that empty void. The thing was, I knew what it was. But I was too afraid to explore and become what I truly wanted to be."
After coming out, some are the lucky ones.
"I was terrified of coming out. I was afraid I was going to lose my status as a mentor to many people. I was afraid of losing friends and family. But one day, I sat down and said, 'If they are truly my friends and family, and if they look up to me, they will have my back.' And everyone did! Not one person turned their back on me. And the ones I thought would were my biggest supporters in my transition."
"My Chicago Police job has been one of the biggest supporters in my journey thus far."
"My greatest supporter has been my wife. They have made this journey of mine so easy. Without them, I don't know if Jazmine would have existed."
"I celebrate my national holiday in April and my celebration of happiness, finding my truth birthday in December."
"After coming out, I felt lighter. Nothing felt heavy anymore. Nothing."
Survived lived experience advice is worth remembering.
"Stop worrying about what other people think about you. Be who you are. Be happy with you! Don't let someone take your happiness away. Always keep your head up and be confident in yourself. When people see that, they can't mess with you."
During my last year as a volunteer photojournalist, I am grateful to have had the space to help give people in our community their flowers. I am grateful to acknowledge a person who stayed true to herself. Thank you, Jazmine Williams, for your time, legacy, and for allowing me to be a part of your story.
Many know what it's like to be born in a different body.
"Around eleven, I knew. I hid and wore girl clothes. I prayed to God to make me a girl when I woke up. My parents found out, but they didn't disown me."
"As an adult, my life before coming out was a fun experience. Being a police officer, pro wrestler, instructor in the academy, and mentor to many people. I have met so many awesome people."
"But I felt empty inside of me. I knew I had to find that empty void. The thing was, I knew what it was. But I was too afraid to explore and become what I truly wanted to be."
After coming out, some are the lucky ones.
"I was terrified of coming out. I was afraid I was going to lose my status as a mentor to many people. I was afraid of losing friends and family. But one day, I sat down and said, 'If they are truly my friends and family, and if they look up to me, they will have my back.' And everyone did! Not one person turned their back on me. And the ones I thought would were my biggest supporters in my transition."
"My Chicago Police job has been one of the biggest supporters in my journey thus far."
"My greatest supporter has been my wife. They have made this journey of mine so easy. Without them, I don't know if Jazmine would have existed."
"I celebrate my national holiday in April and my celebration of happiness, finding my truth birthday in December."
"After coming out, I felt lighter. Nothing felt heavy anymore. Nothing."
Survived lived experience advice is worth remembering.
"Stop worrying about what other people think about you. Be who you are. Be happy with you! Don't let someone take your happiness away. Always keep your head up and be confident in yourself. When people see that, they can't mess with you."
