Sherrie James. Died of stomach cancer some 6 years back, had never told her father. She found welcome and friendship at our church, though. Even one who had dead-named her in life, used her chosen name after her death. One small step. I'll not forget her grace.
I am crushed on this day every year. My daughter doesn't even want me to acknowledge it to her because she is young and finds it painful and terrifying. That's ok, I will remember by myself for now because it helps keep me focused on keeping her and her friends alive. God let all of these children and adults make it through this time of horror and oppression by having us surround as many as we can with love and care. Thank you, Erin, for your thoughtful observance.
It's sad that on this day, while reading daily feeds from Axios, The Hill, 1440, Nautilus, The Wall Street Journal, The Independent Institute, Reason, The Denver Gazette, and others, none even mention the significance of this day. People are being killed for no reason beyond who they are. I truly hope for a day when we no longer need a day of remembrance. Unfortunately, I don't see that happening during my lifetime.
Thinking of Nex Benedict today, and worrying about how many more young people will give up under the current assault on their existence. Also grateful for Miss Major and my trans masc and butch ancestors Lou Sullivan and Leslie Feinberg.
While we here still speak, in hushed rev'rent tones,
the deeds they have done, and etched them on stones;
And in our own space, share their stories, their grace,
And smiles that they wore on their trauma-worn face.
Let not this day pass, from now to forever,
the mem'ries of all those who endeavored,
To lilve out their lives, free of torment and grief,
but now in quiet slumber have found their reprieve.
- I just wrote this now, so feel free to use it. You don't have to credit me if you don't want, but if you don't, please don't claim it as yours. It belongs to all of us.
Hello, Roisin. Thank you for sharing your beautiful words with us. I am a sound experimenter. I and my roommate decided to experiment with an AI music generator almost a year ago. We submitted our original poems as the lyrics set, and programmed other variables to create a product which folks may call songs. I submitted your poem words to CoPilot AI, another AI generator. This "robot" and I collaborated for a couple of hours and created the following based on your poem.
My roommate and I are not musicians, singers, or songwriters like you. We are a couple of "old geezers" attempting to create something from this limited new technology which the world is debating.
Take 3 is pretty close to the sound presentation I wanted. I didn't want my post here to become a cheap promotion for the music platform where we post our final projects. But, I don't know how to let you and other folks know about this sound project at the very least.
Honestly, and sincerely, Roisin, we don't earn royalties from our sound projects. But, one day if and when we do we will share with you. There is a description space made available on the music platform, and we will mention your poem and inspiration.
Here is the programming I created based on the words of your poem.
[Spoken Word Intro – Male voice, calm, reflective, slower BPM ~82]
"In this world… [pause 1 beat, acoustic guitar strum under]
we all walk our paths and change… [pause 2 beats, light cymbal swell]
seeking not to become someone else… [slight sustain on *else*, acoustic guitar arpeggio]
but to become what we want to be… [pause, let it settle, bass enters softly]
This song is for those who strive for authenticity… [steady, clear, acoustic + bass]
who carry echoes of courage… [pause 1 beat, tom roll building]
and remind us all— [slight lift, electric guitar swell]
to live true for ourselves." [sustain *ourselves*, fade into guitar riff]*
in our song [fade, acoustic + sustained electric chord, male echo softly adds *for ourselves*].
05:56
Additionally, I have to submit the programming for the following:
Rock, Electric guitars (rhythm and lead), acoustic guitar for intro/outro textures, electric bass, drum kit with dynamic fills, Intro ~80–84 BPM, Main song ~92–96 BPM, Outro ~84 BPM, Reverent, powerful, uplifting, cathartic, defiant, Male lead vocalist with clear, resonant tone, female vocalist alternating lead lines for call-and-response sections, spoken word male intro with slower phrasing, shared lead vocal chores in choruses, layered harmonies to emphasize anthem quality,
Arrangement cues: Spoken word over acoustic + cymbal swells, verses with steady groove, pre-chorus builds with tom fills and climbing bass, choruses full band with distorted guitars and open hi-hats, bridge dynamic drop then swell, outro stripped back to acoustic with fade, male echo softly repeating *for ourselves* at the end.
The proverbial "door" slams in my face after submitting all the programming, crossing my fingers, hoping I don't crash the generator, and the final results are listenable.
The next step is to submit the mp3 track to a WAV editor. This process is successful 99% of the time which is designed to improve the overall sound of the track. AI music generation produces a lot of what is known as "AI Noise."
I hope this offers a window of insight into the current world of AI music generators. I have a lot to learn about writing lyrics.
My roommate, Ron's account on Sound Cloud is "Alien Garden," and my account is "Bring Your Own Brilliance." We invite you all to visit and have a listen to our creative works. We have been experimenting for 8 months to date, and 420,000+ music listeners in 50 countries world wide have heard our tracks. There are current 3.5 billion folks connected to WiFi networks worldwide. There are a lot of folks listening and searching for new sounds. The market is open to all creative artists.
Best wishes with Love to Everyone of the Transgender community on this day and every day. Please stay as safe and well as possible. Thanks Roisin, and everyone for reading this long post. Love from London, Ontario, Canada.
I forgot to mention the account Ron and I share on Sound Cloud is called, "Bring Your Own Alien Garden." Thanks again, Roisin, and Everyone. Love, Rob Nelson.
Thank you, Erin. What a beautiful, poignant, heartbreaking essay. Once again I wonder how you manage to keep going. I'm sure knowing the importance of the work you do helps tremendously. You are appreciated by so many.
Sending strength and courage to those of us who are still here, and peace to those who are not. And love to all. Above all, love.
Thank you for remembering these beautiful souls, Erin. "Know that there are people in your community who are here for you and care about you.” I am proud to say I am one of them. Our voices and our votes will not be silenced.
It's despicable that people on the political right have played with people's lives, in making trans identity a controversial thing to accept, not everyone on that side has done that even, but those who are more open-minded are ostracized by their peers, I will never back down from the fight, it's as important as anything else, ultimately, not to be forgotten, not overlooked. Transphobia is an indicator of a judgmental, even hateful, mind.
Thank You Erin. I wear black every Thursday in Remembrance and Honor of Trans-Persons, and I am aware of how many times in my life I have celebrated or grieved, based on people's decisions to see and accept (or not) the Trans-community for who they are : our family, our friends, ourselves, normal, and belonging. We need to keep building hope and a place where it can thrive.
Sherrie James. Died of stomach cancer some 6 years back, had never told her father. She found welcome and friendship at our church, though. Even one who had dead-named her in life, used her chosen name after her death. One small step. I'll not forget her grace.
I am crushed on this day every year. My daughter doesn't even want me to acknowledge it to her because she is young and finds it painful and terrifying. That's ok, I will remember by myself for now because it helps keep me focused on keeping her and her friends alive. God let all of these children and adults make it through this time of horror and oppression by having us surround as many as we can with love and care. Thank you, Erin, for your thoughtful observance.
It's sad that on this day, while reading daily feeds from Axios, The Hill, 1440, Nautilus, The Wall Street Journal, The Independent Institute, Reason, The Denver Gazette, and others, none even mention the significance of this day. People are being killed for no reason beyond who they are. I truly hope for a day when we no longer need a day of remembrance. Unfortunately, I don't see that happening during my lifetime.
I know you can't include everyone, but Sam Nordquist, who was tortured before he was killed, should have made this list.
Thinking of Nex Benedict today, and worrying about how many more young people will give up under the current assault on their existence. Also grateful for Miss Major and my trans masc and butch ancestors Lou Sullivan and Leslie Feinberg.
The names are too many, the list is too long;
those that should be here, now they are gone.
We always remember the battles they fought,
we'll never forget the peace that they sought.
While we here still speak, in hushed rev'rent tones,
the deeds they have done, and etched them on stones;
And in our own space, share their stories, their grace,
And smiles that they wore on their trauma-worn face.
Let not this day pass, from now to forever,
the mem'ries of all those who endeavored,
To lilve out their lives, free of torment and grief,
but now in quiet slumber have found their reprieve.
- I just wrote this now, so feel free to use it. You don't have to credit me if you don't want, but if you don't, please don't claim it as yours. It belongs to all of us.
It's beautiful.
It's overwhelming that there are too many names to list 😭
Hello, Roisin. Thank you for sharing your beautiful words with us. I am a sound experimenter. I and my roommate decided to experiment with an AI music generator almost a year ago. We submitted our original poems as the lyrics set, and programmed other variables to create a product which folks may call songs. I submitted your poem words to CoPilot AI, another AI generator. This "robot" and I collaborated for a couple of hours and created the following based on your poem.
My roommate and I are not musicians, singers, or songwriters like you. We are a couple of "old geezers" attempting to create something from this limited new technology which the world is debating.
Take 3 is pretty close to the sound presentation I wanted. I didn't want my post here to become a cheap promotion for the music platform where we post our final projects. But, I don't know how to let you and other folks know about this sound project at the very least.
Honestly, and sincerely, Roisin, we don't earn royalties from our sound projects. But, one day if and when we do we will share with you. There is a description space made available on the music platform, and we will mention your poem and inspiration.
Here is the programming I created based on the words of your poem.
[Spoken Word Intro – Male voice, calm, reflective, slower BPM ~82]
"In this world… [pause 1 beat, acoustic guitar strum under]
we all walk our paths and change… [pause 2 beats, light cymbal swell]
seeking not to become someone else… [slight sustain on *else*, acoustic guitar arpeggio]
but to become what we want to be… [pause, let it settle, bass enters softly]
This song is for those who strive for authenticity… [steady, clear, acoustic + bass]
who carry echoes of courage… [pause 1 beat, tom roll building]
and remind us all— [slight lift, electric guitar swell]
to live true for ourselves." [sustain *ourselves*, fade into guitar riff]*
[Intro – Female voice, soft, melodic, clear tone]
The names still linger,
carved in stone,
Whispers rising,
we’re not alone.
[Male voice, clear tone, slightly stronger delivery]
Shadows fall,
but the fire remains,
We sing the truth
of their endless pain.
[Instrumental cue: Acoustic guitar strums, light ride cymbal, bass holding root notes. Electric guitar enters with sustained chords at line 3.]
[Verse 1 – Male lead, steady phrasing]
Too many gone,
the list runs long,
Lives cut short,
but their spirits live on.
[Female lead, response, slightly higher register]
We honour them all
with words in this song
for so many hearts
feeling the depth of love
each time we catch our breath
remembering
[Instrumental cue: Electric guitar riff (low gain), bass steady eighth notes, drums kick + snare groove.]
[Pre-Chorus – Male + Female unison, rising intensity]
In the silence,
we hear their call [sustain *call*],
A thousand echoes
breaking walls [pause 1 beat].
We stand together,
hearts aligned [lift *aligned*],
Their legacy
will never die [sustain *die*].
[Instrumental cue: Drums build with tom fills, electric guitar adds power chords, bass climbs.]
[Chorus – Male lead, Female echo/harmony]
Raise your hands,
let the thunder roll [male strong, female echo *roll*],
For every name,
for every soul [female lead, male harmony].
We’ll never forget,
we’ll never let go [male lead, female echo *go*],
Their light burns on,
it will always show [shared sustain *show*].
[Instrumental cue: Full band hits—distorted electric guitars, bass driving root notes, drums open hi-hat groove.]
[Hook – Female lead, Male echo]
Echoes we carry,
loud and clear [female lead, sustain *fear*],
Our voices eternal,
for every ear [male echo, softer sustain *near*].
[Instrumental cue: Guitar riff echoes vocal rhythm, bass syncopation, drums accent snare.]
[Verse 2 – Female lead]
Sometimes stories shared
in the quiet night,
Their faces remembered
[Male response]
Smiles worn
through the trials they faced,
Now we honor
their endless grace.
[Instrumental cue: Acoustic guitar returns layered with electric, bass steady, drums softer groove.]
[Pre-Chorus – Male + Female unison, stronger delivery]
In the silence,
we hear their call,
A thousand echoes
breaking walls.
We stand together,
hearts aligned,
Their legacy
will never die.
[Instrumental cue: Drums build again, electric guitar adds melodic lead line.]
[Chorus – Male lead, Female echo/harmony]
Raise your hands,
let the thunder roll,
For every name,
for every soul.
We’ll never forget,
Their memory burns on,
it will always show.
[Instrumental cue: Full band, crash cymbals, guitar harmonies.]
[Bridge – Alternating Male/Female lines]
[Male] Let not this day fade into dust [pause 1 beat, guitar drop-out],
[Female] We fight for love,
we fight for trust [sustain *trust*, bass + tom groove].
[Male] From grief to hope,
we rise again [pause, lift *again*, electric guitar returns],
[Female] Their memory fuels the strength within [sustain *within*, band swell into chorus].
[Chorus – Male + Female shared lead, full harmony]
Raise your hands,
let the memories roll,
For every name,
for every soul.
We’ll never forget,
Their memory burns on,
it will always show.
[Instrumental cue: Full band climax, layered guitars, double crash cymbals, bass locked in.]
[Soft Outro – Female lead, Male harmony, gentle phrasing, BPM ~84]
Whispers fade,
but the song remains [acoustic guitar only, sustain *remains*],
Echoes we carry
through joy and pain [bass re-enters softly, sustain *pain*].
Forever remembered,
forever strong [male harmony, light ride cymbal, sustain *strong*],
Their voices live on
in our song [fade, acoustic + sustained electric chord, male echo softly adds *for ourselves*].
05:56
Additionally, I have to submit the programming for the following:
Rock, Electric guitars (rhythm and lead), acoustic guitar for intro/outro textures, electric bass, drum kit with dynamic fills, Intro ~80–84 BPM, Main song ~92–96 BPM, Outro ~84 BPM, Reverent, powerful, uplifting, cathartic, defiant, Male lead vocalist with clear, resonant tone, female vocalist alternating lead lines for call-and-response sections, spoken word male intro with slower phrasing, shared lead vocal chores in choruses, layered harmonies to emphasize anthem quality,
Arrangement cues: Spoken word over acoustic + cymbal swells, verses with steady groove, pre-chorus builds with tom fills and climbing bass, choruses full band with distorted guitars and open hi-hats, bridge dynamic drop then swell, outro stripped back to acoustic with fade, male echo softly repeating *for ourselves* at the end.
The proverbial "door" slams in my face after submitting all the programming, crossing my fingers, hoping I don't crash the generator, and the final results are listenable.
The next step is to submit the mp3 track to a WAV editor. This process is successful 99% of the time which is designed to improve the overall sound of the track. AI music generation produces a lot of what is known as "AI Noise."
I hope this offers a window of insight into the current world of AI music generators. I have a lot to learn about writing lyrics.
My roommate, Ron's account on Sound Cloud is "Alien Garden," and my account is "Bring Your Own Brilliance." We invite you all to visit and have a listen to our creative works. We have been experimenting for 8 months to date, and 420,000+ music listeners in 50 countries world wide have heard our tracks. There are current 3.5 billion folks connected to WiFi networks worldwide. There are a lot of folks listening and searching for new sounds. The market is open to all creative artists.
Best wishes with Love to Everyone of the Transgender community on this day and every day. Please stay as safe and well as possible. Thanks Roisin, and everyone for reading this long post. Love from London, Ontario, Canada.
I forgot to mention the account Ron and I share on Sound Cloud is called, "Bring Your Own Alien Garden." Thanks again, Roisin, and Everyone. Love, Rob Nelson.
Thank you, Erin. What a beautiful, poignant, heartbreaking essay. Once again I wonder how you manage to keep going. I'm sure knowing the importance of the work you do helps tremendously. You are appreciated by so many.
Sending strength and courage to those of us who are still here, and peace to those who are not. And love to all. Above all, love.
I recall Nikki Reigns.
Thanks Erin. You do so much to sustain us. Gratitude for all of it. Telling stories is critical now. I weigh in with two: Mom's Tale: https://drive.google.com/file/d/14GpJrH4MvAXrjBtf_h-cU83r8O3SkArN/view?usp=sharing
Dad's Tale: Dad video link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Dn5OnEbzeitEa6JvzU_0RI8PR3nqShxr/view?usp=drive_link
Thank you for remembering these beautiful souls, Erin. "Know that there are people in your community who are here for you and care about you.” I am proud to say I am one of them. Our voices and our votes will not be silenced.
These are beautiful and absolutely tragic tributes.
And my own Substack on today: https://sheathedsword.substack.com/p/remembering-trans-americans
It's despicable that people on the political right have played with people's lives, in making trans identity a controversial thing to accept, not everyone on that side has done that even, but those who are more open-minded are ostracized by their peers, I will never back down from the fight, it's as important as anything else, ultimately, not to be forgotten, not overlooked. Transphobia is an indicator of a judgmental, even hateful, mind.
Gwen Araujo. Her murder came just as I was becoming determined to come out after nearly 50 painful closeted years.
https://www.ebar.com/story/66354
Thank You Erin. I wear black every Thursday in Remembrance and Honor of Trans-Persons, and I am aware of how many times in my life I have celebrated or grieved, based on people's decisions to see and accept (or not) the Trans-community for who they are : our family, our friends, ourselves, normal, and belonging. We need to keep building hope and a place where it can thrive.
Never forget