Lead with Love: Lexy’s Legacy If you told me I'd be planning my chosen mother's funeral before this year, I would have laughed and said, "Don't even play like that." On December 30th, 2024, at 2:37 p.m., my life changed forever. My chosen sister sent a message to our family group chat informing us that our mother, Lexus Walker, was killed in a wrong-way accident in the Downtown Portsmouth tunnel. She had texted me fifteen minutes before the accident. I was with two of my other trans brothers when I found out. The sky became overcast. It was a dark day in Hampton Roads. You see, Lexy wasn't just a "gay mother" or a "chosen mother." Her essence was more significant than her big-boned body frame. She was the embodiment of forgiveness and resilience. She treated everyone in the community with more respect than she received. And she did so with a genuine smile, belly laughs, and "mama bear" hugs. When I struggled to find light and purpose, I asked her to be my mother in 2015. She stood by me, demonstrating what leading with love looked like. She accepted me unconditionally and loved me unapologetically. When I was hosting and planning events, she was there. Most importantly, she told me she loved me every chance she got followed up with, "Make me know it, baby!" Lexy's love for me softened my heart. When I became her child, I was her "last." Supposedly. When she would joke about having other kids, I brattily reminded her that I was her "baby boy." She reminded me she had more than enough love for all of us, and no one could replace me. I was her "Brain Child. "Little did I know, she was preparing me for succession to the family throne. She pushed me to step into my calling, and I started hosting community events. In 2021, she joined my first big community event, the "Take A Break" cookout. Little did I know, this was the foundation for the future. In 2022, Empowering Transgender Health Services hosted their COVID-19 ball. My organization, The Men in Transition, invited ten transmen and allies to attend the ball. We laughed, took pictures, and made memories. My heart softened that night as I watched my friends fall in love with Lexy. They found safety and security in her presence. She gifted me love; I gifted them another mother's love. They deserved to feel a mother's comfort. I deserved a family and brothers I could love and would love me back. My brothers and I continue to follow in her footsteps, supporting local organizations and groups such as the Southeastern Transgender Resource Center, LGBT Life Center, Minority AIDS Support Services, and more. Mama urged us to persevere in positivity despite negativity and setbacks. Lexy led with love and left behind a legacy. I wanted to give up and give in, but my brothers and family covered me. With the help of the LGBT community, alongside Lexy's Jehovah's Witness mother and immediate family, we dressed Lexy for the final service. That RARELY happens. That is unity. Lexy inspired me to continue curating and creating intentional spaces for the community. This year, I will be providing life insurance and estate planning workshops. I am collaborating with different organizations to develop a sustainable food garden project to give life when life is lost. Most importantly, my leadership reflects the lessons I've learned. In my darkest hours, Lexy's light of love illuminates the way. As her legacy, I will continue to lead and live with love.