In lieu of a Eureka post, today I want to write in loving memory of Madeline, aka Faeriedae, as I have received confirmation that she passed away earlier this week.
Madeline was a cornerstone of ANIM’s community. She was endlessly intelligent, funny, and kind, and her presence enriched all of the community spaces she was in. She was a close collaborator with the ANIM team, and good friends with many of the people in the community. She was a friend and a role model to myself and others, and I only regret that I didn’t get the chance to spend more time with her. There are simply not enough words in the world to express the love which we all felt towards her. She will be sorely missed and fondly remembered.
In the midst of celebrating the wonderful things Madeline brought to the world around her, I must also speak out about the circumstances of her tragic loss. We live in a world that kills trans women. Every single day, transfems and other marginalized people are being pushed to our deaths by the cruelty and violence of society. Madeline didn’t deserve that, and neither did any of the other women whose names I never got to learn. It is painful, it is unfair, and it is not how things should be.
It is up to all of us to create a better world, and if you’re reading this I encourage you to take part. Speak out against oppression. Add your own voice to the chorus calling for justice. And please, materially support transfems in need however you can, especially through donations to individual fundraisers or trans-oriented charities. All of us have the power to help make change. And, along with all that, do your best to survive and keep yourself safe, in spite of the people who want us dead. The world is a better place with you in it, and together we can work to honor the memory of our fallen siblings.
Don’t forget to love and cherish the people around you, especially the transfems in your life, as much as you can. Make every moment with them count. You never know which one will be the last.
Much love to Madeline and everyone who knew her. She was a wonderful person. I’m so sorry.
germansingergirl
discoholicmusic
gummygunk
turnnoffyourmind
snowghoul
kaledo-art
theartofmadeline
prguitarman
