Hi everyone. My name is Max, I'm ftm and can often be found on here reviewing packers and prosthetics. Today I have a different discussion.
I am a member of a group called Get REAL. It is university students (mostly athletes and role models) who speak to highschools about unlearning homophobia and transphobia, from a friendly, personal perspective. We tell our stories and share experiences in hopes of inspiring change.
Recently, a local bar posted a transphobic image and we were asked to go in and do sensitivity training for their staff. I was nervous, as they were much older than the usual crowd I speak to, but I was, of course, asked to head up the training as the trans representative of our organization. It went surprisingly well, and I think we really made a difference. (See story here:
http://www.buzzfeed.com/laurenstrapagiel/teachable-anti-trans-moment)
I don't mind sharing my story with students and groups, but I live stealth for the most part. Lately I have been coming to a point where I have to make some decisions. I am fine having my name associated with Get REAL and the work we do, as many people of all identities and orientations are involved, so it doesn't 'out' me. But recently I've had to be more and more careful that my name is not included with bits of my story, or quotes that may reveal me easily. I know that people will still figure it out, or find out, but what I am mainly trying to avoid is an article about my gender identity being the first thing my clients see if they were to google my name (for example).
I have been approached by an author from the huffington post who wants to share my story about being transgender in the hockey world. Now, I am eager and honoured to share my story, don't get me wrong. But I am just worried about that whole 'google me and find out i'm trans' thing. I considered maybe asking him to just use my first name?
I understand that with all the work I do, I'm not always going to be stealth, but I'd like to try and keep things in some range of control. What if I only use my first name.. That would keep it from being easily found with a quick google search.. Unless someone was searching "Max transgender" (in which case, they probably have suspicions anyways...) then they wouldn't see it, right?
What are everyone's thoughts, opinions, and experiences in this area?
Thanks!!
