Tristan Espinoza: Surviving Violence and Taking Back His Voice

Growing up in a conservative town in Texas, Tristan Espinoza felt misunderstood as a queer person with Osage roots. “As a closeted gay kid who is also Osage and Hispanic, I probably fielded more questions than Google,” he said.

He hoped to find acceptance and affirmation as a student at Columbia University, yet on his very first day he was assaulted in his freshman dorm room during move-in.

Tristan filed a Title IX complaint against his assaulter. During the lengthy and dehumanizing trial that followed, he found support with Sanctuary for Families, a New York City–based nonprofit dedicated to helping survivors of domestic and gender-based violence. Each year, they provide life-saving legal, clinical, and shelter services to more than 8,500 adults and children.

He graduated from Columbia this past spring and is pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing at American University in Washington, D.C. while also working as a communications intern at the Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute.

Tristan is running the TCS New York City Marathon to raise funds for Sanctuary for Families. “I know firsthand the impact of their work because they didn’t just represent me in my Title IX trial or welcome me to their tribe—they saved my life,” he said.

He said that the organization helped him reclaim his story. “This November 2, I’m running 26.2 miles to show every survivor that we can transform our darkest chapters into testaments of resilience and community. I’m partnering with the organization that helped me take back my voice, so no survivor feels stranded on an island.”

Admittedly not much of a runner before signing up to run the marathon, he’s taken to the training. “I’ve been surprised by how much running has given me a sense of meditation. While I’m out on a run, I’ll work through life or relationship problems, reconfigure my to-do lists, and even outline my next Substack pieces.”

He’s looking forward to race day. “I can’t wait to soak in the incredible energy. With my family and friends cheering from the sidelines, I know I’ll feel surrounded by love, strength, and community every step of the way.”

Learn more at Tristan’s Sanctuary for Families fundraising page.

If you or someone you know is a victim of assault, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides confidential 24/7support.

Tristan is part of Team Inspire, a diverse group of 26 entrants whose stories capture the power of running to change lives. Learn more about Team Inspire here and read other stories at the links below.

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