What Does Living Authentically Look Like For You?

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” – Romans 12:2. 

Even as a child, Sir Lady Java knew her body didn’t match how she felt about her gender. With the support of her loving mother, she self-identified as a girl early on. 

Java was the first Black trans woman to perform in LA’s nightclubs.  Her magnetism and grace enamored audiences. 

She was featured in Jet and Sepia magazines as an upcoming star. Unfortunately, her rise to fame also put her on LAPD’s radar. 

In 1958, Rule #9 made it illegal for bars to employ anyone “performing” as the opposite sex.

The LAPD accused Java of breaking the Three-Article Rule, which required everyone to wear three articles of clothing corresponding to their sex assigned at birth. 

When threatened with arrest, Java smirked and pointed at her “male” socks, wristwatch, and bowtie. The cops left her alone after that. 

Later, she worked with the American Civil Liberties Union to overturn Rule #9. 

Any law dictating what we can or can’t do with our bodies asks us to forget our holiness. Being our authentic selves is sacred action. Our authenticity invites others to be authentic, too. 

Our authenticity will TRANSform the world.