We recently connected with Qween Amor and have shared our conversation below.
Qween, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
In the beginning of my journey, I found myself unhoused and sleeping on the streets basically. All I really had was my speaker and a suitcase of clothing. Dancing on subways and street corners (a practice known as busking) along with sex work is how I survived and got by. I understood that even though I may not have a place to live, following my dream is worth the sacrifice. I wasn’t really homeless, I was unhoused. I say this because being unhoused opened a space in my life to be able to travel around, so anywhere I went to was home for the moment. I felt like, if I give up and go get a basic 9-5 job then I’ll have wasted my time. Enduring struggles for the sake of your dreams, I think is resilient.
As a trans-woman of color, I am faced with an onslaught of violence, verbal & the threat of physical, just for walking down the sidewalk. To say that I survived thus far, is an understatement. There’s a natural resilience in our community to be able to manage whatever the world throws at us and do the best we can working it out. For me, I believe my resilience is manifested through my passion for life and the value that it has. I believe in myself and at the end of the day the work I do is worth fighting for, no matter what struggles come my way. There really has never been anything that I couldn’t face and ultimately get through. Ultimately, knowing that life eventually works itself out allows me to take the good with the bad.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m a trans-queer performance artist that utilizes various mediums of performance to send a message of love, freedom, truth and beauty to the general public. I travel from city to city with my message, often demonstrating at political rallies as an activist for social justice and the rights of my community to exist without fear of persecution. My platform ranges from the street to stage productions.. The dance is a brilliant spectacle that directly speaks to the hearts and minds of the audience which allows them to view life from a different perspective. This perspective is largely characterized through a non-conforming use of gender where male and female are intertwined as one. I intend to create a blurred line between right and wrong through the use of religious iconography and the unapologetic use of my body.
The rights of LGBTQ people — and especially transgender people — across the country are being systematically threatened and undermined by national anti-LGBTQ groups coordinating with anti-equality lawmakers to wage an unprecedented war on the LGBTQ community. In fact, some of these bills are similar to or even worse than anti-LGBTQ legislation that has been rejected in previous years, including the Indiana religious refusal bill of 2015 and North Carolina’s infamous HB2. Bills that have become law so far this year range from making it a felony to provide transgender youth with life saving health care to banning transgender girls from participating in sports to erasing LGBTQ people from school curriculum to granting broad licenses to discriminate against LGBTQ people. This crisis cannot be ignored and necessitates concrete action from all those with the ability to speak out. These bills are not only harmful and discriminatory, but also represent a failure in our democracy and the commitment elected officials make to protect and serve their constituents. Now is not the time for reluctance or passivity, it is time to take urgent action to protect the basic rights and humanity of LGBTQ people in America.
I perform as a means to promote positive body image, freedom of expression and to blur the lines between gender and what people think is right and wrong. Society has clung to outdated forms of religion and morality. We have the right to believe in what we want and we have the space to practice our faith and to be free in what we’re practicing but we also cannot use our own personal moralities and our own religious beliefs to attack and demonize other people, other communities that’s not what religion is therefore. I believe too many people have suffered at the hands of religious zealots that religion was created out of an act of suffering and to continue imposing that suffering on other people is not ok. So I carry the cross. I carry a cross because I do not believe that we can use religion as a means of oppression. I believe in Christ I believe in God and it’s also recognizing our own divinity and knowing that everything, it’s all you. When someone punches me in the face and then uses God to justify that act of violence, I’m not okay with that. (Remove this statement, I have decided to transition medically) I identify as trans queer as I grow I haven’t quite decided if I want to take hormones and if I want to alter my body to present myself in a way that is more like a woman. I don’t feel as if I need to have tits or a vagina in order to be a woman. I don’t have to choose between being a man or being a woman because I can be both. (Add this statement instead). People’s own personally held religious beliefs do NOT dictate how other people should live their lives. I do NOT have to adhere to the moral values of someone else’s religion. I have my own spiritual beliefs and principles. I have the right to express myself however I choose. I can display all aspects of my humanity through my body. My body is an instrument to express Who I am. Society conditions us to act and behave in accordance with genitalia but we are not our genitals. I am not my penis, I just happen to have one. I also have tits now and still people expect me to adopt the social standards that women are supposed to uphold. I can only be me and my goal is to be the truest expression of me! There is no difference between man and woman except the ideas that are imposed on them because of their bodies.
If there was ever a time in history for trans women of color to be so bold, loud and unapologetically visible it would be now. To be a trans woman of color is to exist in the intersections of racism, misogyny, and transphobia which leaves her vulnerable to a myriad of violence and discrimination. There’s something incredibly powerful as a trans woman of color to stand on top of a structural symbol of racial oppression and then use it as a stage. Take it a step further and incorporate a symbol of a faith that’s been weaponized to justify my oppression and then own it! Simple gestures are now an act of rebellion and a proclamation of my liberation. To make such statements amongst other women and to be met with overwhelming joy and love creates an atmosphere of hope and affirmation. It reverberates our collective desire for universal liberation. The liberation of one Trans Woman of Color is liberation for us all. We aren’t asking for space or permission to speak. We are simply taking space and speaking at will. The liberation of Black Trans Women is crucial to universal liberation. Our existence is an act of resistance. Don’t talk to us about respectability politics because assimilation will get us nowhere. We will be seen and heard in whichever way we choose to show up. Celebrate us because our appearance signifies the coming of our collective liberation.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Perserverance, Fortitude, and Passion.
For anyone out there that has a dream about being something more than they are or making a difference in the world, PURSUE THOSE DREAMS! When I first started performing, I started on street corners. People thought I was crazy (and still do) but I had this dream about bring life to a world that is seriously lacking in spirit. We get so caught up in the everyday hustle and bustle our society demands of us. We get lost in the chaos and forget that our lives are more than a paycheck, more than bills and more than our jobs. We owe it to ourselves to see what can become of our lives.
Perserverance: There were times when I first started my work that really had me questioning whether or not this was worth doing. There’s been so much struggle and hardships. I didn’t really make much money performing and the violence that I was predisposed to made it incredibly hard to believe that it was worth it. At the same time, that little voice in my head and that unshakeable feeling told me that this is something that must be done. When I actually thought it about it, I realized that I have the right to hold space in any given space at any given time. I have the right to exist and live freely. It’s my god given right to express my liberation. Being subjected to violence and consistently being arrested is exactly why doing what I do is necessary. No one should have to endure that kind of hostile oppression. People need to see liberation. Society does not get to dictate what’s right and wrong. Despite the hardships, I choose to keep going. I keep going for the ones who feel lost and alone. For the people who have no hope and feel as if there is no reason to smile. I will continue dancing and fighting for the liberation of my community until my very last breath and I would die for this. No matter what anyone has to say about it, it’s worth it.
Fortitude: A word that resonates with strength and resilience. It stands tall, unwavering, like an ancient oak tree in the face of tempests. In the crucible of adversity, fortitude emerges—a quiet flame that refuses to be extinguished. It’s the unwritten chapter in the story of courage, etched into the hearts of those who endure.
When life’s gales howl, fortitude whispers, “Stand firm.” It’s the grit that turns stumbling blocks into stepping stones, the quiet resolve that defies defeat. So let us raise our banners high, inscribed with the indomitable spirit of fortitude. Let it echo through the ages, a hymn sung by souls who dared to rise above, who found strength in vulnerability, and who, against all odds, chose to persist. Developing fortitude is akin to forging a resilient spirit—an inner armor that sustains you through life’s storms. Here are some steps to cultivate this noble quality:
-Acknowledge Adversity: Face challenges head-on. Recognize that adversity is an inevitable part of life. Rather than avoiding it, embrace it as an opportunity for growth.
-Mindset Matters: Cultivate a growth mindset. Understand that setbacks are not failures but stepping stones toward progress. View obstacles as chances to learn and adapt.
-Embrace Discomfort: Fortitude thrives in discomfort. Step out of your comfort zone intentionally. Whether it’s physical exercise, public speaking, or confronting fears, each experience builds resilience.
-Learn from Setbacks: When life knocks you down, rise stronger. Reflect on setbacks. What lessons can you extract? How can you bounce back? Use failures as fuel for resilience.
-Practice Perseverance: Persistence is the heartbeat of fortitude. Break down daunting tasks into smaller steps. Keep moving forward, even if progress seems slow.
-Seek Support: You’re not alone. Lean on friends, family, or mentors during tough times. Their encouragement and wisdom can bolster your resolve.
-Self-Care: Fortitude isn’t about stoicism; it’s about endurance. Prioritize self-care—physical, emotional, and mental. Rest, nourish, and recharge.
-Visualize Success: Create a mental image of overcoming challenges. See yourself resilient, standing tall amidst adversity. Visualization primes your mind for fortitude.
-Learn from Role Models: Read about historical figures or everyday heroes who exemplify fortitude. Their stories inspire and provide practical insights.
-Celebrate Small Victories: Every step forward counts. Celebrate your progress, no matter how minor. These victories accumulate into resilience. Remember, fortitude isn’t a sudden transformation; it’s a gradual evolution. Like a sturdy tree, it grows deeper roots over time.
Last but not least Passion: Being passionate about what you are doing is truly the heartbeat of a dream. It’s the reason we endure and persevere. Passion, that fiery ember within, is the elixir of pursuit. Let me illuminate its brilliance: Passion is the fuel for will. It transforms mere “have-to’s” into resolute “want-to’s.” When you yearn for something deeply, willpower ignites. You persist, undeterred, until your dreams materialize. Imagine a river that never runs dry. That’s passion. It infuses every endeavor with boundless vitality. When you’re passionate, nothing feels mundane or draining. Even the challenging parts become stepping stones, not stumbling blocks. Passion is the Essence of Commitment. It stirs us, propels us. Without it, actions lack meaning. Passion is the seed from which commitment blossoms. It’s the unwavering resolve to keep pushing forward, even when the path is rugged. It’s not always easy, always worth it. Pursuing passion isn’t a breezy sail. It’s a tempest-tossed voyage. Yet, it’s worth every tempest. Some are fortunate—their passions align seamlessly with careers. But for others, it’s about carving time amidst life’s chaos. Whether it’s feeding the hungry or sheltering the homeless, passion finds a way. Passion is the alarm clock that jolts you awake. It whispers, “Today, chase your purpose.” It fuels your perseverance, making you see silver linings in storm clouds. It says, “Yes, you can!” even when doubt knocks.
So, my fellow dreamer, let passion be your compass. Let it propel you toward the stars, for within its flames lies the map to your destiny.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
In all honesty, it has never been just one person that’s helped me throughout this journey. It’s been an entire community of people that have gotten me through some of the most difficult times. It’s been the kindness of strangers who would send donations so that I can have food in my stomach and a place to sleep. It’s been other artists who have believed in my work that have given me insight in to how to make it better. When I first started out, I was pretty much homeless and the struggle was real. Oftentimes, people would see this struggle and made sure that, even if for a night, I had a warm bed to sleep in. People I shared community with knew I had something to say and they gave me a platform to say it. I honestly don’t know where I would be right now if it wasn’t for community and the people who genuinely believe in me and the work I do. Back in 2020, I had just finished my prerequisites for nursing school and got accepted into nursing school. Unfortunately, my financial aid was exhausted and the nursing board tried to deny me entrance into nursing school because of my transition. With the help of my community, I raised all the money I needed to pay for nursing school and hundreds of letters were written to the nursing board that addressed allowing me into the program. It was the most beautiful thing that has ever been done for me. I am now a registered nurse and I truly couldn’t have done it without the help of my community.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.qweenamor.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/qweenamor
- Facebook: facebook.com/amorqween
- Twitter: @qweenamor
- Youtube: youtube.com/qweenamor
