#4 The Intersectionality of Trans+ History: Trans People of Colour and Their Impact

When we talk about trans history, we must talk about intersectionality - the ways that race, gender identity, and lived experience all overlap to shape someone’s journey. To understand the full story of the trans+ community, we need to centre the voices of trans people of colour, who have long been at the forefront of the fight for rights, recognition, and justice.

At Casual Reign, we believe that history isn't just about dates and names - it's about people. People who stood up, spoke out, and made space for the rest of us to live more freely. This post honours the legacy of trans people of colour who’ve shaped the world and our movement, even when their stories were pushed aside.

What Is Intersectionality and Why Does It Matter?

Coined by scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw, intersectionality is a framework for understanding how overlapping systems of oppression - like racism, transphobia, sexism, and classism - affect individuals in unique ways. For trans people of colour, these intersections often mean facing higher risks of violence, discrimination, and poverty, while also building some of the most powerful movements and communities we know.

Trans people of colour aren’t just surviving - they’re leading. They’ve always been leaders in resistance, healing, and celebration. Recognising their impact means writing a more honest, complete history.

Key Figures Who Changed the Game

Marsha P. Johnson

A Black trans woman and activist, Marsha played a pivotal role in the Stonewall Uprising of 1969 and co-founded the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) to support homeless trans youth. Her advocacy laid the groundwork for many LGBTQ+ rights movements today.

Sylvia Rivera

A Latina trans activist and co-founder of STAR alongside Marsha, Sylvia fought fiercely for trans rights - especially for those often left out of mainstream LGBTQ+ conversations, including people of colour, poor people, and incarcerated individuals.

Miss Major Griffin-Gracy

A Black trans elder and activist who survived the Attica prison uprising and has spent her life advocating for trans women of colour, particularly those impacted by incarceration. Her work with the Transgender Gender-Variant & Intersex Justice Project (TGIJP) continues to inspire.

Bamby Salcedo

A trans Latina activist and founder of the TransLatin@ Coalition, Bamby focuses on immigration, healthcare, and rights for trans Latinx people. Her work highlights how trans liberation must include racial and economic justice.

These are just a few of the powerful individuals whose work has paved the way. There are countless more - past and present - whose names may not be in history books but whose impact is deeply felt.

The Ongoing Struggles and Strengths of Trans People of Colour

Despite their contributions, trans people of colour continue to face disproportionate violence, housing and employment discrimination, and healthcare barriers. Black and Brown trans women, in particular, are targeted at alarmingly high rates.

But trans communities of colour are also building, healing, and thriving. Mutual aid networks, community-led organisations, and cultural work are at the heart of their resistance. Centring their voices is not just about honouring the past - it's about investing in the future.

Why It Matters to Brands Like Ours

At Casual Reign, our mission is rooted in creating gender-affirming products and spaces for trans men, AFAB non-binary people, and anyone who finds joy in packing. But our work doesn’t stop at clothes - it extends to uplifting our community, acknowledging the full spectrum of trans experience, and standing in solidarity with those who are most impacted.

We don’t just want to sell - we want to build. That means recognising that being trans isn’t a single story. It’s a wide, colourful, complex reality shaped by culture, race, class, and history.

How You Can Honour Trans People of Colour Today

• Learn the history and share it widely.

• Support BIPOC-led trans orgs like the Marsha P. Johnson Institute or The Okra Project.

• Listen to and amplify the voices of trans people of colour in your life and online.

• Shop consciously, support businesses owned by trans people of colour, and hold space for their visibility.

Final Thoughts: Visibility with Depth

Trans+ history isn’t complete without trans people of colour. They are the heartbeat of this movement - from the frontlines of protests to the living rooms where chosen family is built. As we continue to explore our identities and express ourselves in ways that feel affirming, let’s never forget those who made it possible.

At Casual Reign, we carry this history with pride - and we move forward with intention.