Real Mississippi Stories
Meet the people whose voices and experiences shape the Trans Storytelling Project. These stories highlight self-expression, family, allyship, advocacy, political power, and the importance of creating communities where everyone can live with dignity and thrive.
Project Partners & Contributors
The Trans Storytelling Project was made possible with support, participation, and collaboration from organizations and individuals working to strengthen LGBTQ+ communities in Mississippi and beyond. Campaign Productions served as the production company for the Trans Storytelling Project.
We are grateful to the community partners, advocates, and storytellers who helped bring this project to life.
TRANS Program
Awakening Love
Jxnology
National Advocates for Trans Equality
The Law Firm – Bufete Legal, LLC
Campaign Productions
Premiere Sponsor
LGBTQ Fund of Mississippi
We are grateful for the LGBTQ Fund of Mississippi’s support of the documentary premiere.
MYLAH (she/her)
From her love of photography and dance to her favorite colors, pink and teal, Mylah shares the things that bring her joy and allow her to express herself. After Mississippi passed HB 1125, Mylah and her parents left the state. Together, they reflect on what their family has gained, what they’ve lost, and the importance of creating a future where young people can grow and thrive as themselves.
Related resource: Understanding HB 1125 in Mississippi
SARAH (she/her)
Sarah Schnaithman is an attorney with The Law Firm, Bufete Legal, whose visibility as an advocate serving clients from all walks of life places her in a unique position as a community leader. She examines the disconnect between lawmakers and the communities affected by their decisions, questioning why legislation targeting transgender people receives significant political attention while issues such as infrastructure, healthcare access, and public services continue to affect Mississippians across the state.
Related resource: LGBTQ Justice Project: Legal Resources
LANA (she/her)
For Lana, high school was a place where she found friendship, community, and opportunities to express herself. An active member of Beta Club, band, and color guard, she felt supported by her teachers and classmates. But weeks before graduation, Lana learned that she would not be allowed to participate in the ceremony wearing clothing that reflected her gender identity. With the support of her family, Lana challenged the decision, demonstrating the importance of standing up for dignity and equal treatment.
Related resource: I Refuse to Stop Being Myself
Ray (he/him)
For Ray, Mississippi has always been home, both to him and to generations of his family. His sense of safety and belonging was tested in 2023, when Mississippi enacted HB 1125, restricting gender-affirming medical care for minors. Ray and his mother made the difficult decision to publicly protest the law, followed by the even harder decision for Ray to leave the state to finish high school. His story explores the relationship between identity, community, and belonging, reminding us that being transgender and being Southern are not mutually exclusive.
Related resource: Understanding HB 1125 in Mississippi
Community
Community means having a place to be yourself, feel affirmed, and connect with people who care about you. In “Community,” trans Mississippians and allies share the joy of gathering together and the challenges of navigating spaces where safety and acceptance are not guaranteed. Their stories show how belonging, mutual support, and access to care shape everyday life—and how allies can help by speaking out against disrespect and showing up for their neighbors. Together, they affirm that trans people belong in Mississippi and deserve to live fully, safely, and with dignity.
Related resource: ACLU of Mississippi LGBTQ Justice Project
The ACLU of Mississippi has an ongoing commitment to protect LGBTQ+ rights and ensure that transgender Mississippians have the opportunity to live openly, safely, and authentically in their home state.
There Is No Single Trans Story
The experiences of trans Mississippians are as varied as Mississippi itself.
These stories include joy and frustration.
Family and friendship.
Self-expression and advocacy.
Everyday life and questions about power.
No single person can represent every trans experience.
The Trans Storytelling Project creates room for people to tell their own stories in their own words and allows those stories to exist beyond headlines, stereotypes, and political debates.
Learn More. Know Your Rights.
The stories in this project are part of a larger conversation about LGBTQ+ life, rights, and advocacy in Mississippi.
Whether you are looking for information about your rights, resources for yourself or someone you care about, or more context about the issues affecting LGBTQ+ Mississippians, explore these resources from the ACLU of Mississippi.
LGBTQ Justice Project
The ACLU of Mississippi’s LGBTQ Justice Project provides legal resources, Know Your Rights information, guides, and support for LGBTQ+ Mississippians.
Find information about LGBTQ+ student rights, name and gender marker changes, voting while trans, legal resources, and more.
Y’all Means All
Learn more about LGBTQ+ rights in Mississippi, the policies affecting LGBTQ+ communities, and the work to build a state where everyone can live openly and authentically.
Join Us at the Premiere.
The Trans Storytelling Project
Premiering October 22, 2026
Capri Theater
3023 N State St, Jackson, MS 39216
6:00pm – 8:00pm (CT)
