Award Recipient
Alexis Transition - Alexis Riva
The fantastic recipient in the LGBT+ Digital Changemaker Category was Alexis Riva, for her YouTube channel Alexis’ Trans-ition. Alexis Riva is a transgender woman who, through her YouTube videos, has been documenting her transition for the past five years. She has spoken openly to her followers about each step of the process, sharing everything from the beginning of her HRT journey and monthly estrogen updates, to breast augmentation surgery and frank discussions of taboos within the community. When the award was announced, it was clear she hadn’t expected to win, but her on-the-spot speech prompted wild cheers from the audience. Among others, she thanked TENI, Outcomers in Dundalk, and sent the room into laughter with her characteristic humorous frankness. “I didn’t think would win this - my head is massive already!” She spoke about the educational purpose behind her videos, and her growing desire throughout her life to be unapologetic and queer. “I’m so visible in my queerness now,” she began. Cheers and whistles obscured the final half of her sentence, but the message was clear: she has been a huge help to many young trans people and a constantly inspiring member of the community.
Nominees