Inclusive Loss

In every stride I make breaking through academia, I carry the weight of profound loss. Each victory is shadowed by the absence of those who once cheered me on, now lost to systemic violence or struggles with access to care. Their belief in me—"go to school, you smart hoe"—fuels my journey, even as I mourn their absence before seeing my achievements.

My successes are bittersweet, a tribute to their influence. They're the reason I persist. They saw the ‘they/thems” before I did. The path is fraught with contradiction—a blend of sweet victories and unspeakable losses. Yet, it's precisely because of them, and for them, that I continue to forge ahead, carrying their legacy with every step. They taught me that even in the face of systemic barriers and personal grief, one can find the time to celebrate our messiness and complexities.

As I navigate the academic world, I am constantly reminded of the cost of these milestones. Yet, I am also reminded of the love, the support, and the fierce advocacy that propelled me here. This journey is a tribute to those who have passed, a relentless fight against the injustices that persist, and hope for what can be achieved. It's a testament to all of us still here, not just in body but in memory and spirit, navigating this path together. We carry forward the legacy of those we've lost, ensuring their presence is felt in every step we take.

Rafael Coronado

Erica Flores

Sista Moon

Gloria SantaCruz

presente.