River C, Bellingham, WA
As a trans teen growing up in the Midwest, political discussion was near impossible to avoid. I decided to embrace it rather than fight it. By high school, I was already educating myself politically, though I wouldn’t have called myself a communist.
During my American History class, communism was described in vague, negative language, so I decided to research it myself. I found myself inspired by the writings of past and present comrades, realizing I agreed with a lot of communist ideas. I tentatively labeled myself a communist.
Now, I am in my first year at Western Washington University, and I attended the student informational fair before classes began. The highlight of the day was the Revolutionary Communists of America’s table.
I had never seen an openly communist organization in real life. The RCA table was, by far, the table with the highest energy. Every other political table seemed hopeless and resigned. The people coming and going seemed weary, almost guilty.
The RCA comrades at the fair were energized and engaged with students. I was asked what radicalized me, and I shared my story. Later, after a phone call, I learned I could attend a communist cell meeting that night. I was delighted by the comrades, conversations, and connections I found there, so I joined the party that night!
I was giddy leaving the cell meeting, and I’ve been invigorated by every event since. Comrades, our strength is our hope and our visible, open arms. I couldn’t be prouder to be a member, and I hope to see our numbers and organization grow!