Trans visibility in media will continue on Jan.15 with the addition of the first transgender bride on “Say Yes To The Dress: Atlanta.” Chicago-based activist Precious Davis is set to appear on the hit TLC show in search of the perfect dress for her upcoming nuptials to fellow trans activist Myles Brady. Davis has entrusted Bridals By Lori, a Sandy Springs bridal shop, which serves as the location for the Atlanta spin-off for the TLC show to dress her for her special day. Davis and Brady will marry in front of 1,000 guests to include family, friends and members of the community.
The importance of this moment as a continuation of trans stories being at the forefront of American consciousness is not lost on Davis.
“When the life expectancy of a trans woman of color in the United States is 30 years old — I just turned 30 this year — it’s unprecedented” to thrive and find love, Davis tells The Advocate.
Davis stresses that she and her fiancé are “choosing to be visible because our happiness should be lauded” like that of any other couple — regardless of gender or sexuality.
“We are in such a powerful moment in history in terms of trans visibility and trans equality,” Davis says. “And to add our narrative to that conversation makes us very happy!”
Davis’ Facebook page has become inundated with well-wishes and reposts of the numerous articles that are celebrating another important moment of visibility for trans people.
Orange Is The New Black actress Laverne Cox and activist and author Janet Mock took to Twitter to show Davis love.
So will Davis say yes to the Lazaro Perez dress that viewers have been given a sneak peek of her in? We’ll all have to tune in on Friday night at 9 P.M. Eastern to find out. Set your DVR folks and spread the word. You can check out a preview of Davis’ episode below.