Radical Rest Interviews
Radical Rest was a photoshoot created as a space for Trans People of Color to relax, to enjoy the softness of nature, and feel beautiful. So often our existence is about resilience and strength. This day was to showcase rest as a radical and powerful form of resistance. Alongside the photo shoot, we did a short interview.
Jay (they/it)
What are ways you give back to yourself and restore your energy?
Really I don’t take very good care of myself. I restore by eating sugar and taking naps. Occasionally I get to talk to my therapist but in the meantime the best I can do is to take care of my body. The more active I stay, the happier my body is with me and the less I feel burdened by physical pain.
What does community care look like to you?
The idea of community care for me takes me back to my days in social work. Or anytime I have worked with people really. The one thing I want to do the most in these settings is to ask people the question that really had a lot of impact on me. And that question is “what is the life that I would actually choose and what is the best way for me to live that life?” Giving each other encouragement and empowerment to make the best choices for ourselves, to choose the things that would suit us best is what I feel is the best that I can do.
If we didn’t have to work under capitalism, what would you want to do with your time?
If I didn’t have to work under capitalism I would love to spend my time meeting new people and finding out what needs they could have in that moment and how I could help them to meet those needs. Sometimes we just want to be seen and heard and other times I feel like we are having to make it through the day on much less affection and we really need. A lot of our needs are so simple and uncomplicated and capitalism puts all of these hurdles in our way. I would love to spend more time meeting one another’s needs.
If you could give a gift to every trans person, what would that be? (Doesn’t have to be a physical item)
The one thing that I wish that I could give trans people if I could is more time with the people who make them feel good about themselves. I have lost a lot of people and I often feel disconnected from the people who I love. I know that’s not uncommon and I know that when I’m surrounded by love I am more myself and I am more likely to grow.
Michelle (they/them)
What are ways you give back to yourself and restore your energy?
Long stretches. Slow mornings. Quiet showers. Calming baths. Deep breaths.Yummy meals. Gardening and growing. Going to bed early.
What does community care look like to you?
Community care begins at home. The people in my life that offer a soft place for me to land are my family. Some by blood and those I have met through my life journey who have become my chosen family. I tap into community care through intentional check ins, home cooked meals, heartfelt letters, long phone calls, and so much more.
If we didn’t have to work under capitalism, what would you want to do with your time?
If I had the luxury of more time, I would want to learn how to grow all my own fruits and vegetables. A goal of mine is learning to cook and eat seasonally. I think I would feel more connected with nature by learning what is naturally available during every season and making delicious meals from those ingredients.
If you could give a gift to every trans person, what would that be? (Doesn’t have to be a physical item)
Eternal love. I wish every trans person could feel cared for and free in their expression. That every trans person could know love without ever having to compromise who they are and how they show up in the world. I wish that as every trans person realizes their trans identity, that they have a loving community ready to be there for them and make life more beautiful
Moe (uses names as pronouns)
What are ways you give back to yourself and restore your energy?
Some ways that I give back to myself are by making my mental and physical health a top priority, upholding boundaries with people who deplete my energy, and I allow myself to rest without feeling guilt or shame for not being "productive".
I restore my energy by spending time in nature, specifically being near a moving body of water like a waterfall or the ocean really helps reenergize me.
What does community care look like to you?
I'm not sure, to be honest I have yet to find a community that feels safe or genuinely caring.
If we didn’t have to work under capitalism, what would you want to do with your time?
I love this question; I enjoy asking people this question all the time!
If I didn't have to work, I would go back to school to learn more about the subjects that I'm interested in, learning without the pressure of making a profit would be so freeing!
I would also create meaningful art and I would travel the world connecting with people who are willing to share their culture and life's story with me.
If you could give a gift to every trans person, what would that be? (Doesn’t have to be a physical item)
If I could give a gift to every trans person I would give everyone the ability to make all of their dreams come true!
Nocturne (they/them)
What are ways you give back to yourself and restore your energy?
Honestly, the only way I really give back to myself is by indulging in music. It's such a core part of me that most times I can't function without it. That includes relaxing. It gets me through every emotion until I feel that I am level again. Music is the biggest energy that I thrive on.
What does community care look like to you?
Community care to me is the openess and willingness to help those around you and the trust that they will also help you. Sometimes we become so closed off and guarded that it is hard to see past what we have been taught to judge people by. Being able to trust your community and know that you won't be turned away or have people upset with you for needing help is a relief that not many of us get to enjoy on a daily basis.
If we didn’t have to work under capitalism, what would you want to do with your time?
Firstly, fuck capalitalism. If I could do what I wanted with my time I'd be traveling the world. I would see the beauty that I have longed to see outside of pictures and videos. Feeling the sands and cool waves of the Santorini beaches on my feet. Tasting all of the food that Italy has to offer. Exploring Ireland and its beauty. Finally getting to make my way to Nigeria and Liberia before exploring the rest of the African continent. I just want to see the world and want it truly has to offer. I wasn't created to sit still in one place for so long. My heart and mind gave wandered the wold since I was a kid. It's time that the rest of me get to join in on those adventures.
If you could give a gift to every trans person, what would that be? (Doesn’t have to be a physical item)
A gift I would personally give every Trans person is the gift of a soft life. We are out here everyday jumping through hoops just to be recognized as humans. So many of us are living nightmares because society is so obsessed with everything we do but they don't want to give us full human rights. We deserve to live the softest of lives without struggle and hatred. We deserve to live out our best fantasies of safety and love.
