#WeAreInaLotofTrouble

A short 9-panel comic reading “NEEDLES” as the title. The first three panels include a kid in side profile holding the strap of their backpack, to pricking their finger on buttons fixed to the strap, then a closeup of their pricked finger. The second three include the kid seated at a desk with their head resting on their palm and their elbows on the desk, with the second panel involving a safety pin pricking their elbow and the third showing the pricked elbow and open needle. The bottom three panels include the kid’s head and shoulders, the face/head slowly being consumed by pinpricks that eat away at it.

NEEDLES: A reflection on the gap between intention and impact, where symbols of care can quietly wound. In 2016, safety pins were worn to show solidarity, but as a trans youth, they hurt more than they healed. Allyship isn’t a trend or adornment - it’s action.

#WeAreInaLotofTrouble #TransKidDiaries

Polaroid of a young queer kid in 2016, wearing a black button down with floral sleeves and in side profile.

A colorful repetition of hearts, skulls, smileys and other sketches you’d find in a high school sketchbook - with the repetitive text reading “i’m ready 2 DITCH America” reduced to “i’m ready 2 die”.

A high school math classroom whiteboard that reads, “WE ARE IN A LOT OF TROUBLE” - an ominous scribe I walked into class to after the results Trump’s initial election.

“WE ARE IN A LOT OF TROUBLE” is an ongoing reflection of my experience as a Midwestern trans kid navigating a world riddled with intolerance. I share this to validate my inner child, and encourage a future where trans youth thrive. I would love to see others’ relics of 2016.
#WeAreInaLotofTrouble