Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what brought you to where you are today?
My name is Scarlett Rose, I am a Trans Woman based in Liverpool with my Husband. I am an artist, writer, poet, public speaker and Trans and Queer Activist. My journey as a Trans woman has been a short one, in terms of when I started my transition, but realistically my exploration of oneself and my path to finding my truth has been a lifelong set of discoveries. I have always been a creative and passionate soul, always bouncing between creative projects, and I always struggled to find my tribe. Even living as (to the outside world) a gay man, friendship groups were always something that seemed so fleeting. Now that I am an out and proud Trans woman, and living in Liverpool, I have been able to find connections with a beautiful community and use my voice to help the community that has helped me so much.
How did you first hear about Sahir, and what led you to connect with us?
I remember communicating with other Trans people, in a few Facebook groups, ones focused in Liverpool. Sahir house was one of the services that were brought to my attention, and upon my discovery of my Transness I was very eager to get my journey started and contacted Sahir without hesitation. I vaguely recall emailing and then being called by Kath while I was nervously browsing the NYX makeup counter in boots. I had a phone call with Kat as well and they were both so kind and sweet, and I felt a little overwhelmed by their kindness as kindness is something that I have not received a lot of in my life. They both made me feel so safe, and seen, even from those first phone calls. We talked about my self-discovery and what Sahir could offer me in terms of support, and this is where my relationship with Sahir began to bloom.
In what ways has Sahir supported you, and what difference has that made in your life?
Sahir have been there from the very beginning of my transition, even just before I started hormones. I went to my first couple of Gender Proud meetings presenting as male, and I was so nervous. I can still remember the nausea, and the uncontrollable shaking. This was where I met Kat for the first time, and I can honestly say that she has been one of the key people in helping me through out my transition. She may claim to have not done much but I don’t quite think she knows how much joy, self-love, and confidence she has instilled in me from her kindness and her support. She has always been there to talk to me, give me advice, and she is one of the kindest and most authentic human beings I have ever met. She has seen me at my lowest and my highest and never once has she turned away from me. Sahir house is full of wonderful people, and it’s people like Kat, Kath, John and Jared (these are the lovelies I have interacted with most), that I can confidently say I wouldn’t be the woman I am today. I am tearing up typing this, because I think of all the times Sahir house have supported me, encouraged me, and urged me to thrive. They even offered me counselling when I felt I had no one to turn to. Counselling which to be completely honest. Had a hand in saving my life when I was at my lowest.
Not only have they supported me as a Trans person, but they have also supported me as a creative and an advocate. Gracing me with opportunities to speak my truth and perform my poetry at some of their events. Every opportunity they offer me like that, truly is an honour. I will be forever grateful to Sahir House and intend/hope that Sahir and the wonderful people who work there, will be a constant part of my life and my journey.
Where are you now on your journey, and what are you most proud of?
I am only just over a year and half into my transition, and while it still feels like I am very much at the beginning of my journey, a lot has happened/changed. Aside from the physical changes that have been so wonderfully affirming for me, as well as finally allowing myself to feel at home and connected in my body, the mental changes have probably been the most significant.
I think more clearly, I speak more confidently and carry myself in a way that states to the world, I belong. It’s through this constant change of self-awareness and growing confidence that I have been able to build myself up as an activist and advocate within my community. Pre Transition Scarlett would not have been able to do what I am doing now, and that is cultivating a loving community for myself, and being able to know my own voice, and use that voice for positive change. I am speaking more at events, giving speeches, reciting poetry and now I am doing something that allows me to effect positive change for a community so full of love, that I will never be in short supply of spiritual fulfilment, having a purpose as a human being and transperson, and feeling like I belong. What I am building, and what I will be able to do for my community. That is what I am most proud of.
What are your hopes for the future, and how can we continue to support you on your path?
What my hopes are for the future, are basically a super-sized version of what I am beginning to do now. Advocacy for my community alongside my creativity, is what I want to do with my life. I am just starting to do that now in a real way, and I am hoping that will continue on an upward trajectory.
In terms of what Sahir can do to support me on my journey, is exactly what they are doing now and have been doing for many many years for our community. They have been such a lifeline for me, not just as a Trans person but also as a human being. I can say with absolute confidence and speaking from personal experience, that what they do is lifesaving.
Why is LGBTQ+ History Month important to you?
LGBTQ+ History month is so important to me, as it raises awareness for our community and through exploring our history we can remember and respect the people who fought for us, and to show people that we have always been here. We are a natural and beautiful part of humanity and that is something to be celebrated. By learning about our history, we are reminded that we have fought and won before, and in today’s current political climate, even in spite of the level of volatility and vitriolic hate we are subjected too, we can fight, and we can overcome. Our history reminds us of our strength as a community and how we can and should come together to lift each other up and help each other thrive. Our history is important because it also shows us that what rights we do have right now, were hard fought for by our community, and why we as a collective need to stand up and fight even harder. Those who came before us did it, often at great cost to themselves, and that is one of the many reasons why we should do the same today.
Follow Scarlett on Instagram @HRHScarlettRose