Georgia Here we are
While the majority of Georgians support equal rights for transgender folks, there is still a long way to go to see that equality reflected in law. Many transgender people still deal with prejudice, misunderstanding, exclusion, and harm. By sharing personal stories from transgender Georgians and beyond, we can create a more inclusive and accepting state. Our goal is to empower all Georgians to live openly and authentically in a state where everyone can thrive without fear.
Connecting Our Communities.
The campaign shares the real stories of transgender people in a time when 71% of Americans claim that they’ve never met someone who is transgender. By sharing these stories, "Here We Are" helps create connections between and among communities who otherwise may never meet, increasing transgender visibility and affirming that transgender people should have the freedom to live their lives without discrimination or prejudice.
Here we are.
The stories presented on this website communicate a simple truth: we all want to be our authentic selves and express our identity openly and without fear. We all just want to walk out of our front doors and live our lives with freedom and safety.
If you are one of the 71% of Americans who believe you have never met a transgender person: Here we are.
Southern Voices, Universal Truths
Every person has the right to be their authentic self and express their identity openly and without fear.
Nadya
I'm 20 and currently studying at the Savannah College of Art and Design.
I’m an artist at heart and love everything about expressing myself through creativity. As a student at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), I’m pursuing my passion for performing arts and fashion design. Singing, dancing, and performing bring me so much joy—there’s just something magical about interacting with people and the energy that comes from live performances. At the end of it all, I’m just a girl who wants to make sure everyone is shining as brightly as they possibly can.
My family plays a vital role in my life.
I love my dad and my mom so much—they've always been supportive of me, standing by my side no matter what, and I feel incredibly blessed to have such a loving family. I know that without them, I wouldn't be the woman I am today.
My dad is my rock.
My dad, Mickey, has been a mechanical engineer for over 40 years. He is my rock, my safe space, and my best friend. Even now, while I’m here in Savannah studying at SCAD, he continues to support me in every way. Growing up, he was like my personal Uber driver, taking me to rehearsals and events—and those long car rides led to really deep conversations about life, school, and all the little dramas I was dealing with. He always listened to my stories, gave me advice, and was really just there for me. Even now, he texts me all the time using my lingo, saying things like “period, mama.” It’s hilarious.
My parents found it challenging when I told them I was transgender.
My dad especially didn’t know much about being transgender, but he made the effort to learn and understand so he could help and support me. Both of my parents were there for me through my journey, even when it was hard and even when they didn’t understand. But they’ve always loved me.
Step outside, free from fear.
One of my best memories as an actress is playing Rizzo in a production of Grease. Being up on stage and performing as a strong, unapologetic character really resonated with me. That moment was profound. It made me realize the impact of simply being visible and authentic.
For anyone out there struggling, I want you to know that being yourself is the most powerful thing you can do. And with love and support, you can overcome any challenge. We can overcome any challenge. Here we are, being ourselves and embracing every moment.
Gio
This is my story.
I am a veteran of the US Air Force, a community advocate, a brother, an athlete, and a lover of sneakers. My story starts from birth - I’m the child of two teen parents, and my mom is one of the dopest people I've ever met.
Growing up, our house was total chaos but in the best way possible. We were a family with lots of siblings, so our house was always filled with friends, cousins, and family. We were always playing sports, so managing schedules was crazy, but it was a fun and loving household that prepared me for the challenges of military life.
All about love.
Our family was all about love. No matter what happened, we always showed each other love. My mom always said, "Love is an action word," and she lives that every day. We showed up for each other in ways that mattered most, whether it was through food, support at sports events, or just being there for one another.
Being the oldest of ten siblings, I’ve always taken pride in being there for my younger siblings and we all are still really close. I love being an uncle, and really enjoy the way we all laugh together, support each other, and even bicker—it’s all part of what makes us stronger and more united.
High school was a time where I thrived. I played four varsity sports, participated in choir and band and I graduated at the top of my class. Being inducted into my high school Alumni Hall of Fame was a significant milestone for me.
The journey isn't only ours.
When I told my family I was transgender, it was definitely challenging for them to wrap their heads around - especially my mom. But through love and education they came to understand and respect who I am and now we’re closer than ever. My whole family - my mom, dad, and siblings - all show up for me, supporting me really in every way possible. My dad is definitely a quieter person, but he loves me and shows support in his loudest ways.
I live in a small town that’s quaint and quiet, and just like any other suburban area. Saturdays at my house are dedicated to Alabama Crimson Tide football. I’m also a huge sneaker head and collecting shoes is a huge part of my life; they're more than just shoes—they're a culture, a conversation starter, and a way to connect with others.
Integrity above all else.
Serving in the Air Force taught me invaluable lessons that guide my life today. The three pillars I learned—integrity above all, service before self, and excellence in all we do—mirror the values I was taught growing up. Integrity, in particular, is something I hold dear, striving to do what is right even when it’s difficult. These values helped shape my character, reinforcing the lessons of love, support, and resilience my family instilled in me.
We should all be able to live authentically and free from fear. Being transgender is just one part of who I am, and I want people to understand that we are so much more than just one thing. We are family members, veterans, athletes, and friends. I hope that by sharing my story, I can help create a world where everyone feels safe to be themselves and is valued for who they truly are.
Ashton
My name is Ashton, and I'm from Columbus, Ohio.
Born and raised here, I've made this place my lifelong home. I’m a passionate advocate for the LGBTQ community, focusing my efforts on transgender rights. I know that by sharing my story I can help others understand the importance of equality and acceptance.
Beyond that, I have a lot of interests that keep me grounded and happy. I absolutely adore my cat, Teddy—he’s my little companion. I love being outdoors, whether I’m running, hiking, or kayaking. I live near a beautiful park with lakes and trails, so it’s easy for me to connect with nature. I also love to cook, play guitar and am trained as a yoga teacher.
Love and acceptance
Growing up, my dad was always there for me. We love going to hockey and basketball games together, hiking, and taking road trips. When I told him I was transgender, his first reaction was, “I love you. We’ll figure this out together.” His acceptance and love have been unwavering and, even though he comes from a pretty conservative background, he made the effort to learn and understand who I am and what it means to be trans. His support has been incredible, and he’s even become an advocate himself. He often says, “We’re just regular people, and my son is just a regular guy.” And that’s the truth.
Here I am, happy and proud.
People can be incredibly mean, and there are times when I have felt unsafe simply being me. I’ve lost friends, have worried about losing family, and wonder about being able to pursue my dreams. But I know that there is more love in this world than hate: I just want to be able to live my life free from fear, and simply be who I am.
Here I am, happy that I know exactly who I’m supposed to be. I am proud of my journey and I dream of a future filled with family, deep friendships, world travel, and continuing to make a positive impact. I dream big - that’s never going to stop. I can’t wait for all that’s yet to come.
Resources
Trans Lifeline
Lifeline is a grassroots hotline offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis – for the trans community, by the trans community
Georgia Trans Resources
