Emily Miller

Emily Miller, she/they, identifies as trans feminine. She has been open and out in the LGBTQIA+ community for over 5 years and spent 4 of her 20 years living as a trans woman.

She moved from her hometown of Caledonia to the Winona area about two years ago to take advantage of the increased opportunity and get a better start in life.

Emily came out as a junior in high school and faced many different kinds of discrimination and she lost a lot of friends. Being openly queer in such a small town was an act of bravery to Emily but she did it in spite of those who told her she couldn’t be herself, she was going to hell or who wanted her dead.

Senior year was particularly difficult for Emily since she started Hormone Replacement Therapy and stopped taking her antidepressants. Due to the bullying and harassment that continued, she decided to finish high school online.

Emily is close to her sister and aunt who are both very supportive of who she is. There were some friends and teachers who supported and defended her, which made getting through school a bit easier.

Emily wants others in our community to know:

“Don’t ever give up on being who you are because of social norms. It matters more than ever to be who you are right now, people see it, and your presence inspires others. Be bold, be brave, make your presence break the bounds of normativity. Queer joy cannot and never will be taken away from us. Be who you are despite the conditions, no matter what.”