On Trans Day of Visibility, we celebrate the lives and contributions of trans people in our community and the ways community support helps ensure dignity, connection, and care at every stage of life.
At Meals on Wheels People, every meal carries more than nutrition. It carries dignity, connection, and the reassurance that you matter. For many older adults in our community, that connection becomes a lifeline, especially during times of change, transition, or isolation.
Leah’s story reflects what that support can look like in real life.
On Trans Day of Visibility, we celebrate the lives and contributions of trans people in our community. For Leah, visibility is not a statement. It is a way of being.
“I am who I am,” she says. “I am happy. For the first time in my life.”
Driven by Purpose
Leah grew up in Bellingham, Washington, and knew from a young age that she was a girl. Like many trans people of her generation, she spent years suppressing that truth while building a life defined by discipline and service.
She played competitive hockey for more than 20 years, studied at Oregon State University, trained in ROTC and military science through Cadet Command School, and earned a master’s degree in interdisciplinary studies. Her career path led into political organizing and policy work across Oregon and beyond.
“I wanted to do the greatest good,” she says.
Living Openly
After decades in public service work, Leah made the decision to come out — a choice that brought both freedom and profound loss. In 2013, she moved to Portland and began living openly.
Leah began working with Basic Rights Oregon, where she helped mobilize volunteers and support outreach efforts during a pivotal time for LGBTQ+ rights in the state.
“I canvased every house, dressed up in the cutest dress, and I’d tell them my story,” she says. “When I moved here, Oregon was only 39% approval of marriage equality. When the judge finally ruled, we were at 64%. We did that by changing hearts and minds.”
Recovery, Isolation, and Finding Support
In recent years, Leah’s life shifted again. After major surgery just before the pandemic, she spent long months recovering in isolation. Even with connection to her local trans community, daily support was limited. It was during this time that she reached out to Meals on Wheels People.
“It’s been a godsend,” she says. “I’m the happiest I’ve ever been because I’m true and authentic, but it’s been the hardest part of my life because I have the least amount of funds. I needed it. I wasn’t getting good food.”
The meals provided consistency during a difficult recovery, but the connection mattered just as much. Through the Friendly Chats program, Leah was paired with volunteer Marilyn, who calls her every week.
“That call is so important for my mental well-being,” Leah says. “There are so many bad things going on in the world, but I’m not falling apart. I’m very grateful. I’m grateful for the organization. I’m grateful for the meals. I’m very eternally grateful.”
Being Seen and Helping Others Be Seen
Today, Leah is focused on what’s ahead with gratitude, hope, and a deep sense of purpose.
“I’ve been a pioneer. I’m outspoken. I’ve had a political career. I’ve advocated a lot for organizations — and I still feel like I have a whole life to live,” she says.
She finds meaning in simply being visible, especially for others who may be searching for themselves.
“I’ve helped out so many people,” she says. “I’ve had trans people stay with me so they can get on their feet. I’ve had people come out to me, kids and adults. I’ll be walking in public and I’ll see a child look up at me and I see the twinkle in their eyes. They’re trans and they see me.”
She pauses.
“Just being me, I’ve made the world a better place.”
Why This Work Matters
Leah’s story is not about visibility as symbolism. It’s about what becomes possible when someone is able to live fully as themselves — and how that ripples outward in ways both large and small.
At Meals on Wheels People, we see that every day. People need more than meals. They need consistency. They need connection. They need to know someone is there.
Meals on Wheels People is a proud supporter of the LGBTQ+ community. We are committed to feeding any older adult in need, regardless of their immigration status, national origin, religion, race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation. To deny someone this basic need is not only against our mission but also our belief that everyone deserves healthy food and the community is better for it. Anyone age 60 or older and in need of a meal and human companionship is welcome. This inclusive philosophy applies to all services provided by Meals on Wheels People.
Take action today by donating to Meals on Wheels People and help provide nourishing meals, companionship, and support to older adults like Leah. Together, we can build a stronger, more compassionate community for all.