"The intricate patterning of the byzantine chain is broken by rusted steel stamped with the numbers 412 and 320. 412 trails off into the following sequence: 593, 227, 402. 412 was the number of proposed anti-trans bills at the time I started this project (end of November 2023). Since revisiting this piece 2023 had ended with 593 proposed anti-trans bills with 227 of them carrying over to the new year. And now, a month into 2024 there is already 402 total proposed anti-trans bills (at the time of writing). 320, which lays on the opposite collar, is the number of gender-diverse individuals killed in 2023. Most of these were trans women of color. These numbers stamped in steel lay heavily (figuratively) on the shoulders. It is the weight trans people wear everyday. The chain ends with a ribcage pendant piece from which a boy is suspended in air. He is trapped, not in the wrong body, but the wrong world. He is utterly alone without someplace to call home. The accompanying bracelet serves as a more positive reminder. The figures here carry more positive connotations. March 10th is the day I started testosterone. November 29th is the day I had top surgery. They are a reminder to keep looking ahead and yet the attached rings still restrict movement - some things are still out of grasp because of the current sociopolitical climate.

This is a poignant and meaningful piece that combines art, activism, and personal experiences related to transgender issues. The juxtaposition of the intricate byzantine chain, rusted steel, and the numbers stamped on them serves as a powerful metaphor for the weight and challenges faced by transgender individuals, particularly in the context of anti-trans legislation and violence.

The inclusion of specific numbers, such as the count of proposed anti-trans bills and the number of gender-diverse individuals killed, adds a stark and factual layer to the narrative, emphasizing the harsh realities of the sociopolitical climate.

The symbolism of the ribcage pendant piece with a suspended boy and the accompanying bracelet, marked with significant dates related to personal milestones, creates a complex and emotionally charged piece. It reflects both the struggles and the resilience of transgender individuals, capturing the tension between progress and the ongoing challenges faced within the current sociopolitical landscape.

The bracelet, adorned with significant dates speaks directly to translating joy into strength. These dates mark personal milestones, representing moments of empowerment and self-realization. Despite the rings attached to the bracelet symbolizing continued restrictions due to the current sociopolitical climate, the piece communicates a sense of joy and strength derived from personal achievements and the resilience to keep moving forward."