Stone's Gender Journey
Donation protected
Hi bbes, Im Stone (Motherless Cold), aka Tre Turner (she/they/re).
I acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nations, the Traditional Owners of the land and waters in which I live, work and play on. I pay my respects to their Elders past and present. Sovereignty was never ceded, Always was and Always will be Aboriginal Land.
I am Stone, Arrernte Kwartekwarte - a Sistergirl - a First Nations non-binary transfemme and a queer artist. I have been based in Naarm for the last 6 years. Throughout my time as a performer, I have been so welcomed by Elders and the Blackfulla community, and embraced by the queer scene. Thanks to these communities, and the queer and trans family and friends around me who have always held me and encouraged, I have been able to reflect on my life and who I am. This has brought me to realisations about myself and my life, with many confusing thoughts clicking into place. One of the most radical things I can do, as an Indigenous transwomxn, is to love and heal my sovereign self.
My transness and Blakness are inherently linked so a large part of my gender journey, and understanding and healing as a Kwarte-kwarte (Sistergirl, Blak Transfemme) is to be on Arrernte Country. To reconnect, recuperate and rejuvenate. To be with family, hear the stories, speak in language, to dream and take care of Country will be a large part of my healing process.
My stubbornness is a gift and curse, and has unfortunately held me back from asking for help and support. Due to the past couple of years spent in lockdown, my main source of income from performing and projects within the Arts had been largely disrupted (with little to no help from the gubbament). I ended up houseless during the end of last year (2021), unable to access to my drag and work material during those 5 months. I have a lot of financial catching up to do, causing a strain on my health and wellbeing, exacerbating my gender dysphoria.
Re: Gender dysphoria. That, along with transphobia and a rigid gender binary were brought to this continent through colonialism, actively trying to destroy the roles, lives and stories that queer Mob had across many Nations for many millennia. Blak queer and trans Mob continue to fight against a Western heteropatriarchal system that enforces both racist and transphobic standards and rules that put our communities under so much duress. Which means many can't focus on much else other than surviving, myself included. These funds will be used to support my journey and wherever it will lead towards gender euphoria. eg.
-Future laser hair removal sessions. I have just finished my 6th (out of 10) laser hair removal sessions for my beard and neck area. I will need to pay for a few more sessions to follow up on the rest of the hair, roughly between $50-$150 for a session
-fiscal support while I organise and access HRT, a limited resource in Central Australia. Funds will go towards internet access and travel for medical and other appointments.
-Ubers and/or travel to above appointments, for safety and accessibility
-flights for heading back to Country (around Mparntwe) in March - funds towards initial accommodation, food and bills as I find a safe source of income (Living in the NT is incredibly expensive)
-A new laptop or laptop repair. My screen has cracked and the frame is splitting, now turning the laptop into a soon to be unusable desktop. A large majority of my work is done on my laptop (admin, drag tracks and side hustles)
-all these, and some funds going towards rent, bills and food, will provide stability while I work towards a steady income.
Thank you for your time, love and support for my happiness and health.
These are such trying times for many so I appreciate any and all funds put through, and sharing and letting people know is just as appreciated. Help a Sistergirl out.
These are such trying times for many so I appreciate any and all funds put through, and sharing and letting people know is just as appreciated. Help a Sistergirl out.
Blak Trans Lives Matter!
Pay The Rent!
Always Was Always Will Be! Aboriginal Land!
Resources and links
-Brotherboys And Sistergirls: We Need To Decolonise Our Attitude Towards Gender In This Country: https://junkee.com/brotherboy-sistergirl-decolonise-gender/262222
Organiser
Tre (Stone) Turner
Organiser
North Melbourne, VIC