Fairbanks, Meghan’s journey toward becoming an out-and-proud transgender woman has ignited her passion to better the lives of those in the LGBTQ community.
She says, “I came out about five years ago and immediately realized how severe the state of trans rights is.” “I knew I had to get involved to improve stuff.”
In response to 2021’s anti-LGBT policy, Fairbanks developed a passion for campaigning and activism. She has since worked tirelessly for LGBTQ rights and other social justice issues. She currently serves on the Transgender Foundation of America’s board and maintains affiliations with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Houston’s LGBTQ+ Political Caucus. Also, she graduated from the Equality Texas Equality Leaders system.
Trans & GenderQueer Houston was established by Fairbanks in 2022 to give transgender and gender nonconforming people a place to socialize and circle outside of the classic support group setting.
She says, “I always wanted a party where trans people could come up.” “Aid parties existed, but they were only available online. Since there wasn’t anything like a social event, I just made the decision to start one. What I like most about Trans & GenderQueer Houston is that it’s simply a place for trans people to interact, hang out, and get up. Without the weight of a support group, you can be with different people in the community. Saying that, there is absolutely friend assistance going on in our groups, but it’s mostly just to stand out, make friends, study about resources, etc.
Fairbanks finds the group meetings enjoyable, and when transgender people approach and express their appreciation, Fairbanks is inspired to improve the situation.
“I came out about five years ago and quickly saw how dire the state of transgender rights is. I knew I had to get involved to make things better.” —Fairbanks, Meghan
“Two people told me that this was the first time they had actually come out in common as themselves shortly after I started the meetings,” she says. “I was absolutely floored by that. Individuals have since stated to me that they have never met a transgender person before attending the meetings. People just told me earlier this year that this was their first time seeing trans joy while I was there. All the positive feedback I receive only makes me want to work even more to improve these encounters. In our society, there are so many amazing people, and I believe the majority of us do a really good job of supporting one another. That’s the kind of things that give me hope for the future.
Fairbanks and Diamond Stylz, both of whom are transgender activists, have recently been appointed to significant positions on the newly established LGBTQIA+ Commission in Harris County. The pair have pledged to protect and advance Houston’s LGBTQ community. The LGBTQIA+ Commission was established in 2023 to set goals and coordinate research for approved planning, development, and actions relating to the advancement and protection of the LGBTQ community in Harris County. Since Fairbanks and Stylz were added as members, there has only been one meeting, but the two have already started talking about the commission’s goals and society assistance.
According to Fairbanks, “We had a really good meeting.” “We discussed interests and the needs of the community, such as access to mental health, and engaging with the area.
Fairbanks believes it would be great to coordinate with these organizations and assist in bringing them together through the County’s LGBTQIA+ Commission because there are so many LGBTQ organizations spread throughout Harris County.
“We are wondering if there are any way we can manage all of these groups,” she says. “The Commission really really wants to make sure we listen to the requirements of all LGBTQ+ group members.” “We desire to do more. At the next meeting, we really have plans in place for there to be a chance for the people to comment.”
Fairbanks says she is still positive that change is on the way and that better days are ahead for the LGBTQ community despite all the transgender injustice that is occurring across the nation. She emphasizes the value of getting out and voting, as only a few income and support teams can bring the group together.
She emphasizes the phrase “Vote—period.” “Because voter participation in this country is unremarkable, find your friends and everyone you can to vote. Voter apathy and the perception that one’s vote doesn’t count, in my opinion, are two things that harm us. Your vote is unquestionably important. It’s the second most effective point a citizen of this nation can do. Standing at the ballot field and having your message heard is a powerful thing.”
