It is not easy to fight these fights, push these doors or have these conversations, but Lena finds the strength and warmth in herself to continue anyway, and it is impossible to overstate how impressed and thankful I am for that. It seems as though this skill and knowledge comes easily to Lena, and I am constantly in awe of her and all that she can achieve - but, I know that to say it comes easily diminishes the weight of this amazing work. Anyone who has been in meetings with Lena on trans issues will know she is immensely knowledgeable and passionate, but that this insight is used always in the service of brighter and better outcomes for trans people in the University and beyond it. To list the successes here would take an age - but they are far reaching and concrete, tangible impacts to the trans experience here in Exeter. She has cultivated a safe, warm and dedicated trans space in trans cafe, and navigated difficult and often frustrating conversations and situations with unparalleled grace and patience, without ever wavering in her commitments to her values, to supporting and uplifting the trans community, and fighting the good fight. Nevertheless, she persists, and to phenomenal results. I know first hand the after-work and weekend hours that the work we do together costs, and how draining the work can sometimes be. To say she works 'tirelessly' would do her a disservice, because the work is at times, exhausting. I have worked very closely with Lena this past year and seen first hand what a force of nature she is. To everyone who would be being celebrated here but is not out/not out enough to be posted so publicly, you are recognised, valued and loved, and thank you for all you do, big and small, to make the world a better place. However, visibility can come at a cost, and there are many reasons people may not feel able or want to come out and be visible, but not least of these reasons is the concern that they will be met with transphobia. Visibility can be wonderful, it can celebrate our successes and achievements, showcase our depth and breadth of experiences, and hopefully give a positive representation, to everyone but especially to other trans and/or nonbinary people. This nomination is for those specific people, but also every trans/nonbinary person who would be nominated and celebrated this TDoV, if not for the risks and concerns people understandable have about coming out. They are people who give back endlessly to the community - they volunteer, they do support work, they are activists, and they are chosen, family. There are dear friends of mine, who change the world a little bit every day with their commitment to kindness and warmth. There are several people that I wanted to nominate (and I'm sure others are in the same situation) but can't because those people are not out publicly enough to be celebrated on this platform.

Trans day of visibility 2021