'I'm so grateful' - Transgender woman finds strength in community support
Raylah Lavonia Moonias says she travelled a long road before feeling able to embrace her true identity
A transgender woman living in Thunder Bay, Ont. hopes that by sharing her story, she will raise awareness of the need to support transgender people living in the city.
Raylah Lavonia Moonias, 47, grew up in Eabametoong First Nation and began feeling conflicted about gender identity at a young age.
But it would be many years before Moonias was able to fully embrace her identity as a transgender person.
"It wasn't an easy road," said Moonias. "I wanted so much to, as they say, come out. My understanding of it is more reaching within ourselves, to truly express ourselves in society — who we are as people."
It was after moving to Thunder Bay that Moonias reached a turning point.
In 2010, she went to her first Thunder Pride event, got involved with the city's LGBT community, and learned more about what it means to be a transgender person.
"Each year after that it just kept on getting better," she said. "I'm so grateful for Thunder Pride."
With the support of friends, and that community, Moonias said she was able to become the person she always wanted to be.
Listen to Raylah tell the story about the summer day she ventured outside, wearing women's clothing.
