Editor-in-Chief, Trelanda “Tree” Lowe
[Image Description: An African American woman (Trelanda “Tree” Lowe) dressed in a t-shirt, hair wrap, earrings, necklace, and sun shades. Behind her are palm trees and sky.]
As Audre Lorde, an American writer from the disability, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA community, is known for stating, “I write for those who do not have a voice because they were so terrified because we are taught to respect fear more than ourselves. We’ve been taught that silence would save us, but it won’t.” It is so powerful how Audre expresses her message of self-pride and how her role is to be an engine of inspiration for others who are trying to discover the same way.
[Image Description: An image of Trelanda dressed in a cap and gown.]
My experience as a sober, BIPOC, LGBTQIA woman, mother, and student working on a third-degree aligns with Audre Lorde’s quote about writing for others who struggle to find freedom. Our mutual community participation also played a role in establishing our similar objectives globally.
As a selective mutism survivor, I found I would shut down frequently from being called insulting remarks. Hearing “wannabe white,” among many other references, is mindboggling that anyone would speak so wicked not understanding I have an onset fluency disorder, but I take my time speaking clearly. Other words with derogatory connotations include “loose, easy, it must be difficult to be bi, etc.” because I’m from the LGBTQIA community. Individuals who place value on these stereotypes tend to throw gratuitous nonsense at them, which shows how mindless they are. However, 1 and 3 LGBTQIA experience discrimination because of who they are. Discrimination and ableism have grown comfortable overtly by many who do not take the time to understand what these derogatory remarks play on society members in marginalized communities.
Regardless of disability status or community association, no one has the right to label anyone over amusingly opinionated views. Even so, I have found the courage to speak up or smile unbothered.
However, I am now in the next phase of embracing my disabilities and vibrating on a whole new level. Fitness, my supportive network, and resource organizations have played a significant role in my involvement in the world and finding simple joys.
Further, despite the excitement I have felt as I’ve transformed, ableism and the social issues I’ve encountered in numerous communities have been an active concern. Additionally, some individuals are discriminative toward each other within the same community. Communities must address ableism and prejudice directly to understand one another better.
The effects of ableism prompted me to pursue activism and advocacy. Time and time again, I heard the same story from everyone and decided to take my journey to the next level. What better way of challenging my disabilities head-on than being a public speaker and Core Team Leader with Lights! Camera! Access! (LCA). Lights! Camera! Access! (LCA) not only has it offered a space for self-expression and disability pride. I’d quickly learn how to leverage my skillsets in media with Facebook/Meta as a Production Assistant, Access Acting Academy as an Administrative Assistant, Post-Production Supervisor with ADA Lead On Production and Black Future Month, Women’s eNews as a fellow journalist under the Loreen Arbus Accessibility is Fundamental Program, NBCU as a Intern for the TV & Streaming DEI department, and Editor in Chief with Lights! Camera! Access! (LCA) Marketing department.
[Image Description: An image displays several Women’s eNews articles written by Trelanda.]
As I continued in this new direction, I’d attain my M.F.A. in Visual Arts and work on my M.B.A. degree in Business Administration. As an entrepreneur managing Bourgeois Magazine LA and producing content with Vision Edge Media, it has been imperative to represent disabled women entrepreneurs. Among many content creations under my brand Vision Edge Media, Phenomenal Disabilities and Delusional State have gained awards over the years (the 2022 Davey Award for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) for podcasts, the 2023 Davey Award for Individual Episodes (DEI) the 2024 People’s Telly Silver: Best Student – People’s Telly), and numerous awards wins combined). Every project focuses on disability-relatable content, supernatural stories, and other genres.
[Image Description: Various images display Trelanda’s awards and several behind-the-scenes photos of Trelanda and the cast as she directs.]
Although I have faced both positive and challenging experiences, they have taught me that I should be an outlet for others’ pride and self-expression through my work. I’ll continue to advocate for our place in society. Because of this, I started speaking publicly with the Virtual World Community Development Conference (VWCDC), participated in the #NOTASHAME for Bender Leadership Academy campaign, panelist speaker with ReelAbilities, Lights! Camera! Access! (LCA), and various other organizations to tackle disability issues globally.
[Image Description: Various images from Trelanda’s panel engagements.]
Aside from the roles discussed, I’ve actively been involved as a Juror Panelist for Women’s eNews, a judge for the Telly Awards, AIVA, and numerous other award organizations. My bio profile is showcased on the Davey Awards Jurors site.
[Image Description: Various images from numerous Juror panelist awards.]
Additionally, I want to thank all the businesses and educational institutions that have made it possible for me to be who I am through inclusive practices and accessibility policies. My life would have taken an entirely different turn had I not taken a chance on the opportunities offered by Women’s eNews, Lights! Camera! Access! (LCA), Mount Saint Mary’s University (MSMU), California State University (CSUN), NBCU, and my community (friends and family). I am deeply grateful to Judith Heumann and many others who have paved the way and are still doing so today.
[Image Description: Various images of Trelanda with her community.]
My goal as Editor-in-Chief with Lights! Camera! Access! (LCA) Newsletter/Marketing Team is to show the readers that everyone can succeed despite their disabilities. For anyone questioning their ability and talent, make small steps towards self-growth and connect with a supportive community to enhance your bright light rather than give up. When others attempt to crush your spirit by their abusive nature and claiming what they do is acceptable, clap back and stand firm.
You might wonder if I overcame my disabilities. The answer is “no”. However, I live my life “doing ME”.
As Eminem stated in his song Lose Yourself:
Lose Yourself
You better lose yourself in the music, the moment
You own it, you better never let it go
You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow
This opportunity comes once in a lifetime
You better
About the Author: Trelanda Lowe is the Editor-in-Chief – with Lights! Camera! Access! (LCA) Newsletter/Marketing Team. She is the first LGBTQIA, BIPOC to lead a disability newsletter brand since 2023. Trelanda is also a photographer, a travel enthusiast, a fitness junkie, and a worldly music lover.
[Image Description: An African American woman (Trelanda “Tree” Lowe) dressed in a multicolor leather jacket, jewelry, aviators, and colorful hair wrap. She smiles while holding a “peace” hand sign to the camera.]
Contact Info:
Instagram: Vision Edge Media
Linkedin: Trelanda’s LinkedIn
Twitter: Vision Edge Media (X Page)
Facebook: Vision Edge Media FB
Youtube: Vision Edge Media YT
Other: Phenomenal Disabilities Apple Podcast
Delusional State Film, Directed by Trelanda “Tree” Lowe