logo
PHOTO ESSAY: A young trans woman's journey, and her latest destination: World Pride in Washington

PHOTO ESSAY: A young trans woman's journey, and her latest destination: World Pride in Washington

WASHINGTON (AP) — As they get ready in their hotel room, Bella Bautista trades makeup tips with the roommate she has just met.
Bautista, her cheekbones high and her confidence glowing, asks her roommate to curl her highlighted hair in the back. Jae Douglas obliges cheerfully.
Bautista, 22, is a college cheerleader turned pageant contestant. Last month, she competed in the Miss Supranational USA pageant in Miami, representing Tennessee. She hails from Cartersville, a small Georgia town north of Atlanta. She works as a social media intern for the Global Trans Equity Project.
She has come to Washington, D.C., to attend World Pride activities in the wake of the Trump administration's policies legislating against gender-affirming care and its rhetoric against transgender girls in sports. During a speech she delivers to the trans community she announces what could be the anthem for her audience: 'I'm not asking for permission to be who I am, I am who I am.'
Bautista says she is the first and only transgender woman to compete in the Miss Supranational pageant. It is part of a lengthier process of embracing her identity — both within herself and to the world.
Marching in an impending rain with a hundred others from the National Trans Visibility March, en route to the Lincoln Memorial to join the World Pride rally, Bella reflected, 'I'm not fighting for myself anymore. I'm fighting for a larger cause alongside other people, which is good for a change. You know, being the only transgender person from my small town, it's different to be in the capital of the USA. But so many people that are also fighting alongside with me are here, and have that same struggle.'
'In previous years, I felt more compelled to live my life stealth,' Bautista says. 'But with everything going on with the current administration, I felt the need to give an actual face to the issue.'
And so she has come to World Pride, determined to be present and to fly the flag of who she is.
Coming out was a process
When Bautista transitioned during her senior year of high school in 2020, there were many pro-Trump demonstrations by students at her school during school hours. So she started a 'diversity club' to create a safe place for LGBTQ+ students and students of color.
'I came out to my mom when I was 13, and I asked her, 'Am I a girl?′ She said she didn't know — 'That's something we need to look into.' I didn't know what being trans meant or anything like that. I've always been flexible with my gender and sexuality.'
Puberty was an upsetting time for her, before she was able to access gender-affirming care. 'Having male hormones in my body gave me a lot of anxiety, dysphoria. And I felt that testosterone was going to destroy my body,' she says. With her family's assent, she ordered hormones online and medically transitioned at 17, during her senior year.
As a gamer, she chose the name 'Bella' online. It stuck.
'When I went to college I chose that name and told people, 'Hi, I am Bella, I'm a woman.' And I was stealth. No one on campus knew I was trans at the start. I just really wanted to live a normal college life, be a normal college girl.'
But things changed during her second year at college. She awakened to all the 'harmful stereotypes' — and realized she could use them to help others.
'People would say that I don't look trans, I don't sound trans, so for me to be openly trans, it gives people more perspective,' she says. 'I'm a normal college girl. I'm a cheerleader. This is what I look and sound like. It really resonates with both political parties.'
This past winter, she decided to testify at the Georgia State Capitol about her experience as a young trans woman athlete. It was illuminating for her.
'I had to speak in front of Republican members and I would run into them in the hallways or the elevators, or outside the bathroom, and they'd say, 'Oh, you're testifying against my bill but you're amazing, I loved your speech. Politicians politicize trans rights to gain votes. A big part of my platform is saying that my trans identify is not a political agenda for either side.'
She later began an organization called 'This Does Not Define Me,' referring to her experiences with PTSD, a speech impediment, being Mexican American and fighting trans stereotypes. The organization is about visibility — and a sense that the challenges faced by people, especially within the trans community, shouldn't define them.
'I hope that as more people meet me I put them at ease,' she says, 'and I get more empathy for the trans community. As people have more interactions with trans people they'll realize we are just normal people, with dreams, and this just happens to be my story.'
She dreams about the future, but is right here in the now
Bautista's own journey has defined her in many ways, though, including her professional aspirations. She hopes to become a civil rights attorney, to stand up for marginalized people, and someday to run for public office in Georgia.
That's later, though. Now, in a climate that doesn't always accept people like her, there is power in just being who she is.
'I think the most powerful thing that I can do right now as a young trans woman is to educate the populace that this is my experience and that I am so much more than just being trans.'
Back at the hotel, ahead of attending a conference for the National Trans Visibility March, Bautista has Douglas take a video of her striding through the lobby in a gold gown. It's for her Instagram feed. A family with two young children stops her. 'Are you a model? Where may we have seen you before?' Bella smiles demurely and says, 'Oh, I'm a pageant girl.'
She turns to a visitor. 'I get that a lot,' she says.
Coming to World Pride from a hometown where she's the only trans person is raising some questions for Bautista. Is allyship enough? Are gay members of the community fully backing trans rights? 'It really feels like it's LGB and then T,' she says. 'We are going through so much. I am hoping these people waving the gay flag are also considering what we are going through at this time.'
Add onto that her identity as a Mexican woman and — with the Trump administration's immigration crackdown on many fronts — there is still more she wants to advocate. So much more to do.
Bella Bautista was silent for a while. No longer.
'It feels good to represent … something bigger and to be proud of that,' she says.
'I kind of want to be like, 'I'm here,' you know?' she says. 'I'm just a normal college girl, I'm a cheerleader, I do pageants, and I happen to be trans, but that does not define my ability to succeed. Being trans is part of who I am, but I still deserve access to those dreams.'
___
This is a documentary photo story curated by AP photo editors.
___
Jacquelyn Martin is an Associated Press photographer based in Washington.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Critics Expose The Massive Constitutional Flaw In Donald Trump's Latest Threat
Critics Expose The Massive Constitutional Flaw In Donald Trump's Latest Threat

Yahoo

time37 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Critics Expose The Massive Constitutional Flaw In Donald Trump's Latest Threat

Donald Trump's threat to use 'very heavy force' on anyone who dares to protest his administration during the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary celebrations in Washington, D.C., on Saturday — which coincides with the president's 79th birthday — drew fierce blowback on social media. 'If there's any protester wants to come out, they will be met with very big force,' Trump told reporters on Tuesday. 'For those people, that want to protest, they're going to be met with very big force,' he reiterated. Trump claimed he hadn't 'even heard about a protest' being planned on the day. But he deployed his usual rhetoric against his critics, claiming they are just 'people who hate our country.' And he added again, 'They will be met with very heavy force.' Trump says anybody who protests the military parade on Sunday will be met with 'very heavy force' — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 10, 2025 Critics reminded Trump of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which states that: 'Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.' Former Trump aide Anthony Scaramucci, who is now a vocal critic of his onetime boss, slammed Trump for 'threatening state sponsored violence on citizens exercising their first amendment right' and called Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) to 'grow a backbone' and speak out to 'reject fascism.' Others agreed: Threatening state sponsored violence on citizens exercising their first amendment right. But @LeaderJohnThune is silent. Grow a backbone John and reject fascism. — Anthony Scaramucci (@Scaramucci) June 11, 2025 So much for the First Amendment — Sarah Longwell (@SarahLongwell25) June 10, 2025 The First Amendment specifically prohibits the government from using heavy force on citizens who protest the government. — Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) June 10, 2025 But, hear me out here, what if the protesters attack the Capitol? Would we be cool with that? — Stephen Shewmaker (@sbshew) June 10, 2025 Ah yes, such a great confident leader he can't even handle peaceful protest — studio_dad (@studio_daddy) June 10, 2025 I've already said this but the people will stand up for what's right and they will be protesting there Saturday. It will be peaceful until they decide to use 'heavy force' - what a psycho. The president of the United States constantly threatening the American people. I've never… — Jenna (@jennaxkc) June 10, 2025 Surprise Departure Deals Blow To Slim GOP House Majority Rachel Maddow Reveals Sure Sign Trump Is 'Absolutely Panicking' Right Now Trump Reveals What's Next For That Tesla He Bought From Elon Musk

Todd Chrisley critiques U.S. prison system on daughter's podcast, calls for reform
Todd Chrisley critiques U.S. prison system on daughter's podcast, calls for reform

Yahoo

timean hour ago

  • Yahoo

Todd Chrisley critiques U.S. prison system on daughter's podcast, calls for reform

The Brief Todd Chrisley criticized the U.S. prison system for high incarceration and recidivism rates, advocating for criminal justice reform. Savannah Chrisley and Lynn Patton discussed the need for improved prison conditions and the role of private prisons, while defending their support for Donald Trump. The episode highlighted Alice Johnson's advocacy work and the Chrisley family's commitment to continued advocacy following their pardons. NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Todd Chrisley made a surprise appearance on his daughter Savannah Chrisley's podcast, "Unlocked," using the platform to sound off on prison conditions, presidential pardons, and his own family's legal battles. The episode featured former Trump administration official Lynn Patton and centered around criminal justice reform and the recent pardons of Todd and Julie Chrisley, who were convicted of bank fraud and tax evasion. What they're saying "This country incarcerates more individuals than any other country in the world," Todd said, after crashing the show toward the end. "We then have the highest recidivism rate of anyone else. So if we're the number one country of incarceration, shouldn't we be the number one country in lowering recidivism?" Todd, who was released after receiving a pardon from former President Donald Trump, joined Savannah, Patton, and a group of their associates for a road trip to Memphis, where they planned to celebrate criminal justice advocate Alice Johnson's 70th birthday. Patton, a longtime Trump ally and former Department of Housing and Urban Development official, praised Savannah's transformation into an advocate for incarcerated individuals. "You have become one of the greatest advocates we have for the Bureau of Prisons," Patton told Savannah. "You live, breathe and eat to make a difference." Savannah recounted a meeting with the Bureau of Prisons director, which lasted three hours and later sparked concerns about her safety after her presence was posted on an internal Facebook page. "Even today I spoke to the director and he was like, 'I'm going to get to the bottom of this. That was totally inappropriate. That put your safety at risk,'" she said. Dig deeper Patton and Savannah both criticized the federal prison system, particularly its aging facilities, reliance on outdated practices, and poor conditions. They also discussed the role of private prisons and how rehabilitation can be improved through cooperation. "We're never going to get rid of private prisons," Savannah said. "Some of them have better systems in place than the federal government." The conversation also turned political. Patton, who is Black, defended her support for Trump amid criticism. "Donald J. Trump does not see Black and white," she said. "What he sees is success and failure. And there's no amount of money in the world you could pay me to work for someone I thought was a racist." The group also praised Alice Johnson, who served over 20 years in prison before receiving clemency. Johnson was described as a "hero" who spent her sentence helping others and advocating for change. "She literally said her release date on her paperwork said 'death,'" Savannah said. "But she kept helping people." Todd, whose appearance was unannounced, ended the episode with a pointed message for political critics who condemned the pardons. "Don't start begging for a pardon now when you ran him in the ground," he said, referring to President Trump. "We've had mongers in the Oval Office, Hillary running the country behind her husband, and we're locking up our presidents?" The episode closed with a promise of continued advocacy from the Chrisley family. "By pardoning them, President Trump created two more advocates, two more warriors," Savannah said. "We're not leaving the people behind." SEE ALSO: Savannah Chrisley speaks out on parents' release and advocacy journey Todd Chrisley 'grateful' for Trump pardons, teases TV return Julie Chrisley makes first public outing after Trump pardon Todd and Julie Chrisley released from prison after Trump pardon President Trump to grant full pardons to reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley The Source This article is sourced from Savannah Chrisley's podcast 'Unlocked'. This story is being reported out of Atlanta.

The Supreme Court of Georgia overturned four rules from the State Election Board
The Supreme Court of Georgia overturned four rules from the State Election Board

Yahoo

time3 hours ago

  • Yahoo

The Supreme Court of Georgia overturned four rules from the State Election Board

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – The Supreme Court of Georgia overturned four rules from the State Election Board. Those measures were approved just before the presidential elections last year. So, what does this mean for local voting? When the SEB passed seven new election rules, they faced a legal challenge. The Fulton County Superior Court ruled them unlawful. The Supreme Court has now ruled that four of the seven rules are invalid. 'The State Elections Board had passed some rules. There was a lawsuit. So, they adjoined the rules, and they appealed it, and the Supreme Court upheld that decision,' said Travis Doss, Executive Director for the Richmond County Board of Elections. The rules that are now invalid are the reasonable inquiry rule, the hand count rule, the drop box ID rule, and the examination rule. The only rule that was upheld out of the seven is video surveillance of absentee drop boxes outside of voting hours. The other two rules, regarding poll watchers and daily reporting, have been sent back to the trial court. 'Now, there were two rules that the Supreme Court said were fine. One has to do with video surveillance of droboxes, and another one had to do with posting results to the website. We've been posting results to the website already,' said Doss. Richmond County Board of Elections Director Travis Doss says this will not change anything for voters because the rules were never implemented. 'I'm currently president of the association of voter registration and election officials. And we had kind of fought against these rules. Only because they were too close to the election. So, the court did adjoin them so they couldn't be used,' said Doss. Doss says he is happy to finally have closure. 'The good thing about the decision for the Supreme Court. It kind of gives a definitive answer. We were sort of in limbo after the rules were passed in November after there was the lawsuit,' said Doss. The primary for the Public Service Commission is currently underway in Richmond County, with early voting taking place until this Friday and Election Day on Tuesday, June 17th. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store