“Crying happy tears.”
In August of last year, Cara Cunningham came out as transgender. Best known as the creator of the viral video “Leave Britney Alone,” Cara changed her name and stated her intentions to begin hormone therapy. “Tomorrow is my appointment for hormone replacement therapy,” she said in an Instagram post. “It’s been 33 years coming and I’m happy to be in a place where I can embrace who I am.”
Now, six months later, Cara is celebrating a new step in her journey. In early February her name change was approved by a judge, starting her on a long-awaited path. “I think this is the first time I’ve ever cried happy tears in my life,” she said. “All I have to do is submit all the paperwork and begin the process to get [a] new Social card, ID, and birth certificate!” she wrote in the caption.
As difficult as filing this paperwork can be, her hard work is finally paying off. Today she shared an image of her new driver’s license including her full name. Cara Vivian Cunningham. “Crying happy tears,” she wrote. “It’s official!”
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Keeping It Moving
Cara has been faithfully documenting her journey on Instagram, and it has been a healing experience. Her conversations with her grandmother “Mamaw,” lovingly document the realities of coming out as trans. In one video, where Mamaw deadnames Cara, she wrote “Being trans doesn’t mean that I cannot understand that it is a process for our loved ones. I lovingly correct her and we keep it moving.”
In another video, Cara explains that she’ll still be the same person after facial feminization surgery. Mamaw says she doesn’t want Cara to have surgery. Cara explained that she has gender dysphoria and that she will be “a lot happier” after surgery. Despite Mamaw’s hesitance, Cara lovingly guides her through it. “As long as you still love me, I’ll be okay,” said Cara.
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This level of kindness and patience isn’t easy, or even possible for many trans folks. It’s a level of kindness and patience that many never see returned to them. However, these videos do offer a glimpse at a real family dynamic. One that is very familiar to some trans and gender non-conforming folks.
In fact, Cara’s first post after coming out is a conversation with Mamaw over text, where Mamaw helps Cara decide her name. Perhaps her journey can offer some hope or solace to trans folks in a similar situation.
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Celebrating Trans Joy
Cara’s good news comes on the heels of a difficult time for trans folks in the United States. A litany of anti-trans bills is sweeping the nation. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has called on people to report parents of trans kids for abuse. As we continue to shine a light and take action on the current state of trans rights here in the U.S., it’s important to also celebrate trans joy.
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Congratulations Cara!
