The alt text for this image is amazing.

(3/3)
I don't know what Sam would have wanted, but in sharing news and information about him and his life, I'm choosing to share ones with photos that he took and shared himself after he had top surgery.

And.
Sam should still be here.

(2/3)
When trans people have accessed interventions to change their outward gender expression, a lot of them do not make a regular practice of sharing photos of what they looked like before surgery...

Some both/and reminders (or perhaps some new information) for allies to the trans community as news is shared about Sam Nordquist:

Trans people are still trans even if they have not accessed medical or surgical interventions to change their outward gender expression.
and...
(1/3)

I hope you keep writing✨

Dumpster fire

A blessing

Trans and gender-expansive community:
You were valuable and loved beyond measure long before any government validated your existence.
You are valuable and loved beyond measure even if a nation state fails to
validate your existence.
You are valuable and valid.
You are loved beyond measure.

Remember:
You can say "No." You can refuse to comply with unjust laws, directives, and orders.
It may come with a cost. But you have choices.
You're not alone.
Let's have one another's backs.

a silver paperclip on a yellow legal pad

Just a reminder that paperclips are not only a useful tool, but they have also been used as a symbol of resistance, such as by those following their conscience and signaling their refusal to obey unjust laws and orders.
[image: a silver paperclip on a yellow legal pad.]