Jordyn Jay in episode one of of “Artistic Legacies”: “Jordyn’s Story.” (Screenshot from YouTube)
Nonprofit media organization TransLash Media celebrates Pride Month by highlighting Black Trans Femmes in the Arts (BFTA) through testimonials in “Artistic Legacies,” a new short docuseries available on YouTube.
The three-part series includes the stories of founder Jordyn Jay, musician and songwriter Iman Hill, and ballroom legend Kimiyah Prescott.
The series highlights how this community uses artistic expression to change themselves and the world around them, as well as bring hope to a demographic that is facing unprecedented levels of political backlash and violence.
In Episode 1, Jordyn’s Story, Jay shares what inspired her to create BFTA amidst social unrest in the United States during the summer of 2020. BFTA has since become an international organization, and this episode follows the preparation and execution of the organization’s inaugural fundraiser in Brooklyn as Jay reflects on what this group means to her and other Black Trans Femme artists worldwide.
“Before I started BTFA, I didn’t have Trans community,” Jay said in her episode. “But now, I have a family and I have a community and I have a reason to keep going.”
In Episode 2, Iman’s Story, Hill shares her journey of growing up in Atlanta, Georgia with a passion for music. Hill became infatuated with the oboe, becoming classically trained and playing with esteemed ensembles such as the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Atlanta Opera.
Hill explains that although she loves her craft, she felt a suppression of individuality in these environments and did not feel she could be her true self.
“I still want to be a part of my community, but I don’t want to be judged,” Hill said. “I don’t want to feel like I’m like inhibiting myself from my potential just because I’m scared of what people will think.”
Lastly, Episode 3, Kimiyah’s Story, follows Prescott and her ballroom career, religious upbringing and journey to liberation.
“When I got to ballroom, just seeing people that are unapologetic and just living in their truth and being happy, I wanted that,” Prescott said.
“Artistic Legacies” is an insightful series and a unique opportunity to see inside the life of the community that has fought the hardest for LGBTQ+ rights, and yet faces arguably the most discrimination from outside of the community.
The full series and more information on BFTA can be found here.
