Last month I wrote a post for Transgender Day of Visibility celebrating Mila Jam and her new song “Faces.” Feel free to take a quick minute to read it here. The song’s universal message about our human need for acceptance of our authentic self in all of its incarnations resonates across all population groups. While the song contains its own innate power, the initial video released featuring Mila’s fans and prominent members of the LGBTQ community and many allies added another layer of captivation. It took the lyrics out of the text and placed them on the faces (see what I did there) of people from all walks of life.
With the recent release of her official video for the song, Mila makes it personal. We get to experience the artist living her own truth, and it is a thing of beauty. The juxtaposition of vulnerability and power creates a scenic narrative that is symbolic of the emotional journey towards self-awareness. We all must be willing to step out of the shadows and into the sunlight. It can be scary, but oh how warm that sun can feel.
The Transcendentalist in me loves how her true freedom exists out in the open, literally. She isn’t constrained by walls, barriers, or ceilings, metaphorically or otherwise. The horizon is open and full of possibility. The smile on her face is ready to meet those possibilities head-on and as her authentic self.
Emerson once said that, “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” This song and its two accompanying videos are an amazing accomplishment for my beautiful friend. However, I think the path of authenticity that she is blazing and encouraging in others will last well beyond the final chord of the song.