health
March 3, 2026
‘It was very challenging’: the exhibition memorialising Black trans deaths across the US
Artist Sage Ni’Ja Whitson found an unusual way to remember those who were killed or died by suicide between 2018 and 2025
TL;DR
- Black nonbinary artist Sage Ni’Ja Whitson created an exhibition, These Waking Glories, to honor Black trans, gender nonconforming, and intersex individuals who died between 2018 and 2025.
- Whitson visited 91 locations in 15 states where these deaths occurred, conducting ceremonies and gathering materials to create essences displayed in jars atop pedestals.
- The exhibition aims to bear witness to violence against minority communities and promote healing and spiritual tradition.
- The artist developed a personal protocol for ceremonies, including checking in with the land and making offerings, while also facilitating story-sharing circles with local transgender communities.
- The project is particularly timely given the current political climate and the 'epidemic' of violence against trans people, especially Black trans women.
- Whitson views this work as indispensable for the survival and spiritual vitality of Black trans communities.
- These Waking Glories is on display at the California African American Museum until April 5th.
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