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Sage Ni’Ja Whitson, a Black nonbinary artist, has embarked on a poignant journey across the United States to honour the lives of trans individuals who have tragically lost their lives by violence or suicide. Their latest exhibition, *These Walking Glories*, currently showcased at the California African American Museum (CAAM) in Los Angeles, serves as a powerful memorial that reflects the ongoing struggles faced by Black trans communities. This deeply emotional project spans a timeline from 2018 to 2025 and captures the essence of remembrance, resilience, and the urgent need for societal change.
A Journey of Remembrance
Between 2021 and 2025, Whitson traversed 15 states, visiting 91 locations where trans, gender nonconforming, or intersex individuals had met untimely ends. Each site became a sacred space for remembrance, where Whitson performed personalised ceremonies to honour those who had passed. “It was very challenging in ways that I’m continuing to mend from and rest with,” Whitson reflected. “It is not ‘inexpensive’ on my body and spirit. That cost I knew would be there.”
The exhibition features a striking installation of 90 pedestals, each standing at 61 inches tall—an intentional design choice to encourage viewers to engage with the names and stories of those being commemorated. On each pedestal rests a jar of essence created from materials collected at the site of the individual’s death, alongside a velvet stole bearing their name. Notably, two pedestals stand blank, symbolising the countless unnamed victims of violence against the trans community.
The Ceremonial Process
Whitson’s methodology is rooted in herbalism and spiritual practice. During their visits, they gathered items from each location, using them to create liquid essences that encapsulate the spirit of the site. “I developed protocol that was mostly repeated at each site, with variations based on what the spirit called at each space,” they explained. The ceremonies often included prayers, songs, and meditative moments, aimed at invoking the names of those who have suffered.
However, these acts of remembrance were not without peril. Whitson encountered potentially dangerous situations, particularly in Atlanta, where they had to leave a site prematurely due to feeling unsafe. “That site, like many others, was active with folks in their day-to-day,” they recounted. “I had to move quickly because I was afraid to be noticed.”
Community Engagement and Resilience
Integral to Whitson’s project is a commitment to engaging with local trans communities. Wherever possible, they facilitated storytelling circles, providing a platform for Black trans individuals to share their experiences of survival amid adversity. These gatherings often coincided with local initiatives that celebrate trans resilience, such as DJ parties and fundraisers. “It really became important that the work needed to celebrate the lives and stories of the living, while also honouring the losses,” Whitson remarked.
As the exhibition unfolded, it became increasingly relevant in the context of a rising tide of anti-trans sentiment across the United States. Whitson underscored the duality of loss that the trans community faces today: “Now when trans people are experiencing a government attempt to erase our identities, it’s another kind of death, in addition to the epidemic of murders.” Their work stands as a testament not just to the lives lost but to the ongoing fight for recognition and dignity.
A Vision for Healing
*These Walking Glories* has not only served as a memorial but also as a transformative experience for Whitson. Their participation in CAAM’s residency since 2022 has allowed them to deepen their artistic vision and engage with the complexities of healing through art. “This project for sure gifted me the courage to stand and commit to the vision of a work,” they stated. “I’ve learned the value and beauty of what can happen when that vision is respected and honoured.”
Cameron Shaw, executive director of CAAM, echoed the importance of this work, remarking that supporting such initiatives reflects the museum’s dedication to Black artistic practices that foster healing and expand cultural boundaries.
Despite the emotional and financial toll of the project, Whitson remains steadfast in their mission. “Building the spiritual vitality of trans communities – of Black trans communities – is worthy work that’s important to our survival,” they affirmed, a sentiment that resonates deeply amid the current climate of hostility.
Why it Matters
In a time when the rights and identities of trans individuals are under siege, *These Walking Glories* emerges as a crucial act of defiance and remembrance. It not only memorialises those who have been lost but also uplifts the voices of those still fighting for their existence and dignity. Whitson’s work is a clarion call for empathy and action, reminding us all of the importance of community, resilience, and the ongoing struggle for justice in the face of systemic erasure. Through art, we are offered a space to reflect, grieve, and ultimately stand in solidarity with the lives that continue to inspire change.
