You don’t need to pass to be valid as a trans person or “prove” your identity. To use the words of actual trans folk to talk about this topic: “The idea of passing can be toxic," Eva Echo (@evaech0) told Refinery29, "especially if you don't meet the typical standards." Thin, pretty and white: the triad pervades all aspects of beauty, even for cisgender women. But for the trans and non-binary community, particularly trans women, it is exacerbated by gender dysphoria (when a person's biological sex and their gender identity do not match)”. "We shouldn't be moulding ourselves to fit society. Society needs to make room for us – accepting us as we are," says Eva. "We aren't here to steal things or be whatever people like J.K. Rowling say we are," she continues. "Simply listening to trans people and sharing our experiences helps." #trans #bodypositivemovement #womenillustration #transpride #representationmatters #blackartwork #womenofillustration #transart #transman #inclusionmatters #r29regram #blackwomenarebeautiful #blackjoy #blackartistspace #allbodiesaregoodbodies #creativewomenclub_ #effyourbeautystandards