Media appearances
2018
11 / 20
NEWS 10 ABC​
22 transgender lives remembered at vigil (Video)
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10 / 22
NEWS 10 ABC
Voters to decide fate of transgender protections
“It is those who choose to stand in the light that oftentimes become a target for those who seek to darken it," DeAlto said. "I choose to take that mantle on and I welcome anybody who wants to come to the party.”
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08 / 21
FREEDOM MASSACHUSETTS
Student-Activist Jahaira DeAlto: “It’s Important to Be Visible”
“It’s important to be visible,” she said. “It is still vitally important we leverage our privilege to provide educational opportunities for people to learn more. The more we humanize ourselves for those who don’t think they’ve encountered a transgender person, the more we’re able to remove the stigma and fear surrounding the perception of what trans people are..."
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06 / 02
BERKSHIRE EAGLE
At Berkshire Pride Festival, 'it's a beautiful day to be who you are'
"Everyone under our beautiful rainbow is represented. ... It's a beautiful day to be who you are." On a more somber note, DeAlto took a moment to honor two members of the Berkshire LGBTQ community who died this year, including North Adams resident Christa Steele-Knudslien...
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02 / 26
iBERKSHIRES
Local Woman's Murder Sparks Rally to Raise Transgender Awareness
"I am 50 times more likely to experience intimate partner violence in my lifetime," said Jahaira DeAlto of Berkshire Pride. "I am 50 times more likely to experience sexual assault in my lifetime, in two weeks, when I turn 39 years old I will be 4 years past my life expectancy ... the murders of trans people are 80 percent more likely to occur among trans women of color."
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01 / 08
BERKSHIRE EAGLE
In North Adams, a vigil for a slain friend, and against domestic violence
"To know her is to be forever changed, to be forever blessed," said Jahaira DeAlto, trans/intersex activist. "We are gathered here tonight in a shared sense of solidarity, in a shared sense of community outreach, and with a newfound determination to keep the streets of Berkshire County safe for all people."
2017
07 / 11
PETITION: FRANKLIN CORRECTIONAL FACILITY
The atrocities inflicted upon incarcerated trans women are incomprehensible. The notion that officers sworn to uphold order would abuse their power towards one of the most vulnerable demographics in the prison system is abhorrent and reprehensible.
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06 / 24
THE BERKSHIRE EAGLE
'Embracing beauty of difference' at first Berkshire Pride fest
"If you are a person of color, if you are differently abled, if you are an immigrant, if you are income-disparate, if you are a survivor of any kind of violence," she began."If you navigate this world every day balancing the intersections of your being on your back and are finally able to share space with people who share your struggles, your griefs, and your joys," said DeAlto, "this is for you."
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06 / 22
THE BERKSHIRE EAGLE
Berkshires' 1st Pride Festival team determined to start a tradition
"Now more than ever our visibility is vital," DeAlto said, expressing surprise that Saturday's event would be the first such Pride moment in Pittsfield. "Both making and leaving a mark on our community — and asserting ourselves as a force to be reckoned with. People will be able to look to the left and right of them and see family."
2016
11 / 16
NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
Transgender Day of Remembrance
A panel discussion highlighting the voices of four transgender advocates-activists from within the House and Ballroom Scene, a mulitgenerational, intentional kinship and creative community founded by and sustained by predominantly Black and Latino/a individuals.
2014
11 / 16
FEMINISTS UNITED @ NORTHEASTERN
Jahaira's Dream for a Seat at the Table (pg. 24 - 27)
While sharing her own unique journey, Jahaira's interview illimunates the ever-present struggles of transgender community that will continue to exist until America is truly ready to engage with the unique issues a community of its citizens face. Jahaira's words really capture the resilient, beautiful, and humane spirit of the trans-community. It is time for America to envision new dreams that are inclusive of the dynamic trans-community that are a part of the fabric of America's identity.
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