In a powerful act of remembrance and resistance, Sage Ni’Ja Whitson, a Black nonbinary artist, has embarked on an extraordinary journey to honour the lives of trans, gender nonconforming, and intersex individuals who tragically lost their lives in the United States between 2018 and 2025. Through a series of solemn ceremonies held at 91 sites across 15 states, Whitson has crafted an evocative exhibition titled *These Walking Glories*, currently on display at the California African American Museum (CAAM) in Los Angeles. This poignant collection of photographs and installations serves as a crucial reminder of the violence faced by marginalized communities and the urgent need for change.
A Journey of Remembrance
From 2021 to 2025, Whitson traversed the country, visiting locations where lives were cut short due to murder or suicide. Each site became a sacred space for reflection, as Whitson conducted personal ceremonies to honour the deceased. “It was very challenging in ways that I’m continuing to mend from and rest with,” they shared, highlighting the emotional toll of such profound engagement. The artist’s commitment to this work is evident, as they acknowledge the physical and spiritual costs of bearing witness to these tragedies.
One of the exhibition’s most striking features is a series of 90 pedestals, each representing an individual whose life has been lost. Atop every pedestal rests a jar filled with essences derived from materials collected at the corresponding sites, alongside a velvet stole inscribed with the name of the deceased. Notably, two pedestals remain nameless, symbolising the countless souls whose identities remain unrecognised.
The Ceremonial Process
Whitson’s artistic process is deeply rooted in ritual and spirituality. Drawing on their training in herbalism, they meticulously crafted liquid essences from local flora at each site, infusing the jars with a sense of place and memory. These offerings were accompanied by a series of rites, including prayers, songs, and meditative reflections. “I developed a protocol that was mostly repeated at each site, with variations based on what the spirit called at each space,” they explained. This dedication to honouring the land and its history speaks to the profound respect Whitson holds for the communities they engage with.
However, the journey has not been without its challenges. Whitson encountered moments of danger while conducting these ceremonies, particularly when honouring individuals like Bonaire “Bonnie” Black in Atlanta, whose death occurred under suspicious circumstances. “I had to move quickly because I was afraid to be noticed,” they recalled, underscoring the precarious nature of their work and the ongoing threat faced by trans individuals.
Building Community through Storytelling
Integral to Whitson’s practice is their commitment to fostering dialogue within local transgender communities. Wherever possible, they facilitated story-sharing circles, allowing Black trans, gender nonconforming, and intersex individuals to recount their experiences and resilience. These gatherings often intersected with ongoing efforts to support and uplift the community, from DJ parties to fundraisers for the unhoused. “It became a beautiful network of people, and it was just heartwarming to me,” Whitson remarked, emphasising the importance of celebrating life amidst loss.
As Whitson navigated this emotionally charged terrain, they could not have anticipated the urgent relevance of *These Walking Glories*. The exhibition emerges at a time when trans individuals are facing unprecedented levels of hostility from both state and federal governments. The Human Rights Campaign has labelled the violence against trans communities an epidemic, with Black trans women disproportionately affected. “Now when trans people are experiencing a government attempt to erase our identities, it’s another kind of death,” Whitson stated, illustrating the multifaceted struggles faced by their community.
A Vision for Healing and Survival
Whitson views their work as a vital contribution to the survival and spiritual vitality of Black trans communities. “Building the spiritual vitality of trans communities – of Black trans communities – is worthy work that’s important to our survival,” they affirmed. Through their residency at CAAM, Whitson has found the courage to pursue this vision, crafting a body of work that intertwines art, activism, and healing.
Cameron Shaw, executive director and chief curator of CAAM, champions the significance of supporting such artistic expressions. “This reflects the Museum’s ongoing commitment to Black artistic practices that hold complexity, expand boundaries, and create frameworks for healing,” Shaw remarked.
Despite the emotional and financial exhaustion that this project has wrought, Whitson remains resolute in their mission, believing that their efforts will contribute to a broader narrative of resilience and hope.
*These Walking Glories* will be on display at the California African American Museum until 5 April, inviting audiences to engage deeply with the stories of those who have been lost and to reflect on the ongoing struggles faced by the trans community.
Why it Matters
In a climate of increasing hostility towards trans rights, *These Walking Glories* stands as a vital testament to the lives lost and the legacy of those who continue to fight for recognition and respect. Whitson’s work not only memorialises individual tragedies but also galvanises a community towards healing and resilience. By confronting the realities of violence and erasure, this exhibition challenges us all to bear witness and advocate for a world where every identity is celebrated and protected.
