To be a role model or no?

[BoringUsername]

Well obviously our community has been getting a little more light shed on it and we have people in the media/spotlight that can work to show others that it's okay to be who they are.  But I was just thinking if I would ever want that if I was in that position.  I mean, part of me would want to be able to help any youth or the likes be comfortable with who they are.  But on the other hand, I really don't know if I would want to be known as " that trans celebrity " ( were i in that position ).  I would just want to be seen as your every day woman.

[Laura_7]

Well there are many people and many characters...
some people like to play a public role and speak out... some made a very good public figure, being cool and sympathic in interviews...

some like to remain in the background and within organizations, and helping out... maybe even from time to time...

and some simply want to live their lives as their gender...

[cindianna_jones]

I wouldn't want the limelight. I wouldn't want the public recognition. I wouldn't want the responsibility to help someone else make the wrong decision. Still, with all that said, all of us who post here can be found if someone is intent on seeing what we post, especially our pictures. About that, I don't care.

Cindi

[Laura_7]

I wouldn't want the responsibility to help someone else make the wrong decision. ...
Cindi

Well facts can be presented in a way that people have a choice...

And sometimes some things have to be experienced... so to know if it is or is not for them...
not all can be solved theoretically... of course all within reason...

[Qrachel]

There's so many ways ... Mostly being who you are and doing what lights your path is all that's required. 

If fame is your destiny then it'll find you whether you want it or not    I choose to work and start a business tailored to what I love to do helping LGBTQ kids and their families. It's been amazing giving me a terrific life in my mature years and the joy of being with terrific people.   I didn't design it that way but over time we've had some wonderful recognition, made a decent living and helped 100s of thousands of great kids and there care givers. 

We had a tv special done about my life (definitely wasn't looking for that) and wrangled the largest multi-year contract ($17M) for lgbtq foster kids from HHS .... White House and all that stuff. 

None of this Did we seeK - we just played full out and made things happen. Anyone can do that; it's all a matter of courage, willing to say yes when no one else will, and welcoming people who wanted to play and have fun too.  I invite anyone thinking about making a difference to jump into the deep end and start swimming.  The Water is fine.

R

[KatelynBG]

No fame please but I am planning on helping other transgender folks. Right now the plan is to start transition and go back to school to become a gender therapist. Of course this is the "perfect world" plan.

[suzifrommd]

I would like to see the world better educated about trans issues, and educating people requires their attention. I think it would be easier to get people to understand who we are and what our needs are if we had more prominent people speaking for us.

Unfortunately I have no talents, no charisma, and nothing with which to distinguish myself, so it sure looks like it won't be me.

[Laura_7]

I would like to see the world better educated about trans issues, and educating people requires their attention. I think it would be easier to get people to understand who we are and what our needs are if we had more prominent people speaking for us.

Unfortunately I have no talents, no charisma, and nothing with which to distinguish myself, so it sure looks like it won't be me.

Well look at your number of posts and multiply it at least by ten... thats the likely number of people affected... so you already are helpful...

and nobody has no talents... its just a matter of definition... listening... being sensitive... etc...

[Cindy]

I'm on TV again tomorrow.

ABC news in Australia, I'm now a 'go to' transwoman as as far as the media is concerned.

It's easy. You just need the skin of a rhino.

[cindianna_jones]

I think that being publicly recognized can be a good thing. However, it does not mean that one delves into trying to be a role model by choice. Of course, it can happen to anyone who choses to help others. And if it is by example, then that, I believe, can be a positive spin on how people perceive you. You are helping, they respect you, and you are a role model in some respects.

Cindi

[Beth Andrea]

Everyone is a role model, whether or not we recognize it. Do any of us know every time someone has watched us from a distance, and gained an insight (or reinforced a stereotype) from the observation?

Do we know every time a teen who is questioning their orientation or gender or future, looks at us and decides to go for it, or stay in the closet....or worse?

Like it or not, for good or ill, we are all role models.


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[gennee]

The LGBTQI ministry at church will be meeting again to see how we can reach out to the community. Whenever the opportunity arises I do speak out about trans issues. Would like to do more of it.

[Jessie Ann]

I believe that I have a responsibility to our community to do my best to educate the public at large about our struggles. It's important for them to know that being transgender is not a lifestyle choice but a real physical and biological condition which we were born with. It is my hope that the more stories that get out there about us as individuals, the more understanding and acceptance we will be able to find.

As a relatively normal and successful professional who waited until my 50's to transition I feel I am in a great position to provide some of that education. The fact that I have significant training in public speaking and am a licensed and practicing attorney gives me the background and experience help our community.

I have already put myself out there to one of the local network TV stations and they are in the process of editing the story.  I gave them an exclusive on my story so I have not yet pursued other opportunities. Once the story airs, I intend to become a much more vocal and outspoken advocate for our cause.

[Jill F]

I'm just trying not to be the a*hole that ruins it for everyone.

[cindianna_jones]

I'm just trying not to be the a*hole that ruins it for everyone.

Yes, there is that. I'd hate to ruin someone else's life for any reason. I suppose that from previous remarks, all of us here are presenting a positive influence for those looking for help and support. I suspect that I equate role model with media queen, one who gets their face on magazines, you know that sort of publicity. Whether they try to or not, they do become role models in some fashion. I remember looking at Rene Richards when I was young and as a role model, I decided I didn't want to be like her. At the time, I thought that if people found out, my mug would be in all the local papers. And it might have been. Sadly, that decision was a bad one and I fully accept my own decision as mine. I should have taken another path at that point before getting into marriage and all that entailed. However, with that said, I have two beautiful kids and I have no real regrets.

Cindi

[CarlyMcx]

I don't have any choice in the matter.  The number of people in my line of work who know who I am runs into the thousands, and when I come out at work, people are going to talk.

Being gracious and graceful is going to be the only way to deal with it.

[Jessie Ann]

That was my sitution, I have worked with thousands of lawyers, judges, court personnel, police officers, sheriff's deputies and media people over the last 28 years. But even with that, there have been a number of people over the last couple of months that I have run into who had no idea that I have transitioned and they have been blown away by the news.

I am sure that there have been any number of people who have discussed me behind my back and I'm sure most of them have no idea what they are taking about.  I want to be the one who is in charge of my own narrative and by publically speaking out I can help people understand that we are not a one size fits all group of people.  What may be an important issue for me may not be for another transgender individual. I have tried to study as many of the different issues as I can and I believe I have a good grasp of many of the issues we face. 

I hope that I can attain the status espoused by Jill.

I don't have any choice in the matter.  The number of people in my line of work who know who I am runs into the thousands, and when I come out at work, people are going to talk.

Being gracious and graceful is going to be the only way to deal with it.