The Unbelievable Power of Listening: Lessons from the Living Memory of Trans People of Color

Have you ever stopped to think about the power of remembering? How history isn’t just about dates and facts, but about voices—voices that carry the weight of struggle, hope, and the unyielding will to exist with dignity.

Recently, I came across an incredibly moving piece on NPR titled Dispatches from the Living Memory of Trans People of Color. It brought to light stories we often overlook: those of trans elders, guardians of resilience and hope amid a world that has repeatedly tried to silence them. These stories are not just historical artifacts; they are vibrant lessons in courage and tenacity.

Why does this matter to us, especially when we’re here talking about sleep and wellbeing? Because, at its core, the journey toward restful, peaceful sleep isn’t just about gadgets or the ideal mattress. It’s about fostering an environment—both external and internal—that nurtures safety, acceptance, and peace.

Imagine trying to rest when the world around you echoes with rejection or discrimination. It’s almost impossible. But trans people of color have fought battles beyond sleep — battles for identity, dignity, and the right to exist peacefully. Their ability to keep going, to find moments of rest and joy despite adversity, is nothing short of inspiring.

This reflection got me thinking: How can we apply this powerful resilience to our own nightly routines? How do we create spaces that allow us all to reclaim rest?

Here are three empowering takeaways inspired by those stories, perfect for reclaiming your nights:

• Customize Your Comfort: Just like how everyone’s life story is unique, so are the needs of our bodies while we sleep. Snorple, a company dedicated to combating snoring with a customizable mouthpiece, embodies this principle. Their boil-and-bite technology lets you tailor the device to your jaw, much like how we tailor our own boundaries and needs. This kind of personalization is a form of self-respect — a promise to yourself to rest well and wake up energized. Learn more about how personalized solutions can change your nights at Snorple’s website.

• Adjust and Adapt: The fight for rights shows us the importance of flexibility — adapting strategies to new challenges. Similarly, Snorple’s adjustable settings for jaw advancement remind us that sometimes we need to experiment and adjust our sleep tools until they fit perfectly. Rest isn’t one-size-fits-all.

• Commit to Your Worth: Trans elders remind us daily that no matter the hardships, you deserve dignity and care. You deserve nights of peaceful, uninterrupted sleep. Taking steps toward solutions—whether it’s embracing mindfulness, trying new sleep gadgets, or even rethinking your sleep hygiene—is a powerful act of self-love.

The world today is moving fast, and with ongoing social and political challenges, finding peace in your own life might seem elusive. But taking inspiration from those who have navigated much more turbulent waters can be a powerful catalyst.

So, what’s the secret to unlocking your best night’s sleep in 2025? It’s about crafting your own sanctuary, one that honors your unique journey, needs, and aspirations. It’s about choosing solutions that resonate with you, like those thoughtfully engineered by companies who truly care.

Before you head to bed tonight, consider this: Are you treating your sleep with the same respect and intention as the brave souls we learned about today treat their lives? If not, maybe it’s time to start.

In the spirit of community and empowerment, I encourage you to share your stories of resilience, your sleep triumphs, or even your struggles. Let’s create a space where every voice matters — and where every night can become a step closer to the restorative rest we all deserve.

What’s one change you could make tonight to honor your worthiness of rest? Drop a comment below or share this post to inspire someone else. Because, remember, true rest starts with the courage to listen—to yourself, and to the stories that remind us why we keep fighting.

Inspired by NPR’s powerful Dispatches from the Living Memory of Trans People of Color.