breathing while trans at Dixon Place

breathing while trans, a theatre and poetry piece, investigates what it means to breathe as a trans-feminine person. I often find myself catching my breath or holding my breath. Why do I do this? What about survival has taught me to hold my breath? On the subway, in conversations, in moments where people mis-gender me or moments of violence, why do I hold my breath? I always heard as an actor, you have to breathe connect to your roots. But what happens when I dont know where my roots are? What happens when I cant remember how to breathe?