Susan's Place Transgender Resources

So I've been reading articles about the fabulous Jamie Clayton and I realized just how much I look up to her. I can identify with her entire story. I didn't start hormones at 20 though, I just presented female for a long time before falling into a deep depression. But other then that, we have a lot in common. Especially now. I do wish I was as pretty. But I'm still relatively young so a girl can dream.

Mainly, she is prolly a lot stronger then me and that is something I aspire to. She broke up with this guy because he said he could never love her and I don't know what I would do. I hope my BF would never say anything like that. He's really sweet so I doubt it. But it is great reading stories and identifying with the person. I mean for most of my life the whole concept of trans women was alien and yeah I knew they existed and I read about it on the Internet when I was younger, but until now that I have started hormones I just felt like they were these strong people who had the courage I could only dream of. But now that I am transitioning and well on my way to being complete to read these stories and realize I have some of the same problems with men or dating or just life is awesome. I'm actually really doing something and I mean if you would have told me like two years ago I would have a BF and guys would be hitting on me when I walked down the street and I'd be dressing so femme and using the the women's room and no one would think anything of it, I would have died.

So who is your transsexual idol and why? It's so great reading positive stories like this about trans women. Maybe someday I will be the second most beautiful girl in Philadelphia. And maybe pigs will fly lol It's just so great to be able to finally completely identify with a beautiful trans woman.

http://observer.com/2008/08/the-second-most-beautiful-girl-in-new-york/

I guess either Jennifer Finney Boylan (obvious reasons) or the success stories here like Alainaluvsu. I'm not looking to do more with transition than transition itself, so mostly I look up to people who stuck with it and made it to the other side.

Idol? Role model? Don't know anyone that is significant, and also TG to be honest.

I have met people here that I have come to respect though.

The only human I have ever admired was Carl Sagan, because we shared interests, but he was a genius at communicating the science.

I really admire a lot of the guys who started decades ago (the "pioneers" as it were). Like Jamison Green, Stephen Whittle. I remember when I was first coming to terms with my transsexualism, I was looking at youtube to see guys who had transitioned, and the number was fairly small in those years. It was scary, to have all those unknowns. So I think of these people who started first, how scary it must have been to deal with so many unknowns and to see so few other transsexual men who had done the same things.

There's a guy on Tumblr (of all places lol) who I really admire. Not so much because of his transition, just because he doesn't let anyone get him down. He knows how to stand his ground and he won't take anyone's garbage if they talk badly about his transition. Those are skills I really need to develop.

My role models are Kristen Beck, Laura Jane Grace, and Masen Davis.

Kristen and Masen are out there fighting for our rights on many fronts. Trying to make the lives of transgender people better.
And Laura Jane is singing her story night after night, letting the world know through song the struggles that we go through.

My idols are those who have transitioned before us. Most importantly are the true pioneers, Christine Jorgensen, and Roberta Cowell. And the doctors who pioneered the treatment of transexuals. Dr. Christian Hamburger, and Dr Michael Dillon.

Quote from: caleb. on August 14, 2013, 05:37:40 PM
There's a guy on Tumblr (of all places lol) who I really admire. Not so much because of his transition, just because he doesn't let anyone get him down. He knows how to stand his ground and he won't take anyone's garbage if they talk badly about his transition. Those are skills I really need to develop.

That is admirable and a quality I need. I'm so sensitive not only do words get me down, but the words people don't say will get me down too. I used to let people walk all over me...and still do.

I also really repsect people who could be stealth and choose not to...like Jamie Clayton! I mean she is so freaking pretty (and dresses so awesome!) and no one would have ever known and she chose instead to come out and show wimps like me the light! Maybe one day I can chill with her as she is only five years older than me. I could be her ugly sister!

Is it okay for guys to weigh in? If so, Lou Sullivan. He almost single-handedly won acceptance for gay trans men. If not for him, I might still be considered a screwed up straight woman. Or I'd be dead.

Quote from: Arch on August 14, 2013, 06:03:25 PM
Is it okay for guys to weigh in? If so, Lou Sullivan. He almost single-handedly won acceptance for gay trans men. If not for him, I might still be considered a screwed up straight woman. Or I'd be dead.

Oh of course! FTMs are always welcome (and in fact encouraged) to post in any thread I start.

Mine is Paris Lees, I think her story and trans campaigning make her amazing.  She is also amazingly beautiful.

Her Web site http://lastofthecleanbohemians.wordpress.com/

I'm going to say Janet Mock but really I find most proud, active trans* people are role models for me :)

Lana Wachowski, who is one half of the directing team The Wachowskis. They did The Matrix, V For Vendetta, and more recently Cloud Atlas.

She won an award for being visible and made a speech:
http://m.hollywoodreporter.com/news/lana-wachowskis-hrc-visibility-award-382177?page=2

I also look up to a lot of trans girls on here or on tumblr.

Carmen Carrera!
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1265.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fjj516%2FTessamash%2Fimages_zps9e9f95cc.jpg&hash=c604a54e56edffd7c5f8aeccaf915160fbc9472c) (http://s1265.photobucket.com/user/Tessamash/media/images_zps9e9f95cc.jpg.html)
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1265.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fjj516%2FTessamash%2Fimages-1_zpsae19e7a1.jpg&hash=77d918acfcbcc5acfdd46a174279bd60be1920f9) (http://s1265.photobucket.com/user/Tessamash/media/images-1_zpsae19e7a1.jpg.html)

I often see my idol though when I look into the mirror  ;)

In the mid 1970's Dr. Renee Richards fought for her right to compete in womens tennis.  While so many people insulted or otherwise made hateful and ignorant jokes about her, I somehow found her life remarkable.  She truly chased her dreams in many ways, while accepting the hardships.

When I went through transition I looked up to women as my role models. I suppose if someone wants the call themselves a trans something then it would be appropriate that they look up to another trans person. Since I was a woman since the day I could remeber I thought best to simply be one.

Katie

Quote from: Katie on August 15, 2013, 12:11:10 AM
When I went through transition I looked up to women as my role models. I suppose if someone wants the call themselves a trans something then it would be appropriate that they look up to another trans person. Since I was a woman since the day I could remeber I thought best to simply be one.

Katie

I do agree with you but I view Jamie Clayton, and myself for that matter, and anyone else who chooses so, as a woman first and trans second. Trans is the adjective. Woman is the noun. I certainly look up to women too but I can't deny what I am and I am trans, no matter how much I don't want to be. I just think she is fantastic, beautiful, and courageous. There is almost nothing I wouldn't give to be that pretty. I'll never come remotely close, but I think it's great a trans woman can look so good. I'm vain I know.

One of my personal friends fits the bill for me.  Before I met her, I didn't know whether it was possible to transition or live a successful or happy life as trans person.  She proved just that to me and has remained as one of my biggest supporters throughout this whole period. 

Besides role models in real life, many here and on youtube have been secret inspirations to me.  :)

April Ashley is my idol, she met a lot of celebrities, was a semi celeb in her time and was extremely beautiful.

Roberta Cowell and Julia Grant

I've been thinking about this since I saw this thread posted and have to say I don't really have one.. Our very own Cindy would probably be the closest person to a role model I have..

Cant decide.
Jessica from Tiffany's vlog - unashamedly open about her life
Jordan (minorqback) - so inspirational.
Paris lees too.  Stunning stuff.

Quote from: ZoeM on August 14, 2013, 04:20:11 PM
I guess either Jennifer Finney Boylan (obvious reasons) or the success stories here like Alainaluvsu. I'm not looking to do more with transition than transition itself, so mostly I look up to people who stuck with it and made it to the other side.

Thank you! I didn't know about Jennifer Finney Boylan. But thanks to you I checked out her website and found a news clip about her and her family that has hugely inspired me.

Zoe, you made my day!  :)

Quote from: Emmaline on August 15, 2013, 04:25:58 AM
Jordan (minorqback) - so inspirational.

Yes, Jordan is awesome! I wouldn't call her my idol or role model (I don't really have one) but her videos helped me a lot. Especially as I tried to sort out the fact that I'm not all that girly, and I don't really want to be. That made me question myself every step of the way. So Jordan really resonated with me, being the sort of tomboyish sporty girl she is. Watching her made me feel more confident about myself and realize that I don't have to play into some female stereotype. That I can just be me.

I wish she'd start posting videos again. :'(

Me too.   :P

Carmen Carerra, Harmony Santana and a LOT of ladies here.

Caroline Cossey. She was the nearest I could possibly relate to when I was transitioning. Having an idol today would be absurd.

I dont have any  transgendered role models. Just people I respect. Such as Mia Macy and Mina Caputo. Both of whom I have chatted with.

And with my upbringing, there arent any role models I can relate too. I'm whats known as a Pads Brat or a 3rd culture child. I was raised in the Army.  And even on my fb Pads Brat home page, it seems I am very much alone in that group.

Back in the day there were some online-transitioners with diaries that I admired.

I really like Laura Jane Grace for her music and for daring to do what she does. I love her work and I think nice that I finally have some music that I can take refuge in. The White Crosses album is peppered with references to her trans-status. It's nice to know that there is music out there made by someone who is going through what we all are and have been going through.

Christine Jorgensen was my inspiration! She was the first one I heard about who was "like me" in the 1950s; she was the one who let me know it was POSSIBLE and set me on the path to DIY hormones at 13 and fighting/struggling to find medical help in my teens.

There was a small group of girls I met in a city 2 hours away when I was 14 who were just like me but they were more bold and adventurous and helped pull me out of my shell and lead a more normal life 'on the other side'. I am afraid I don't even remember their names after all these years but they inspired me to BE me.

My only role models were women, just normal women, I met after transition to stealth. From them I learned how to integrate into normal, every day life, how to become all I could be.

Quote from: Northern Jane on August 16, 2013, 04:47:40 AM
Christine Jorgensen was my inspiration! She was the first one I heard about who was "like me" in the 1950s; she was the one who let me know it was POSSIBLE and set me on the path to DIY hormones at 13 and fighting/struggling to find medical help in my teens.

There was a small group of girls I met in a city 2 hours away when I was 14 who were just like me but they were more bold and adventurous and helped pull me out of my shell and lead a more normal life 'on the other side'. I am afraid I don't even remember their names after all these years but they inspired me to BE me.

My only role models were women, just normal women, I met after transition to stealth. From them I learned how to integrate into normal, every day life, how to become all I could be.

I have to admit, Jane, that since I've started coming to Susan's you've been a real inspiration to me. I see you as a pioneer. Someone who had the courage to face what was virtually unheard of at the time, and I can't even imagine how scary. Every time I read you words, it puts my own fears into prespective.

All of you who transitioned long ago, yet still come here to share and offer your support to the rest of us -- I just want you to know how appeciated that is. Thank you. :)

Quote from: Jillian on August 16, 2013, 04:42:02 PM
All of you who transitioned long ago, yet still come here to share and offer your support to the rest of us -- I just want you to know how appeciated that is. Thank you. :)

Most definitely and emphatically seconded. Thank you very much.

Rosie.

Kate Bornstein

Quote from: Kim 526 on August 18, 2013, 10:22:08 AM
Kate Bornstein

She wrote a great line about what she replies when people ask her what it's like to have female genitalia, after SRS:

'The plumbing works, and so does the electricity.'  :D

***HUG*** Thanks for the kind words girls.

It really had nothing to do with courage - it  was only about survival.

I never forget the time i first read 'Branded' by Rosalyne Blumenstein, it really helped to put things into some perspective when i was a lot younger.

There was a local girl who I admired who is one of the kindest nicest people I have met.

Sour skiddlez!!!!! :angel: :angel:

I greatly admire and respect Northern Jane as well.  Though she is a few years older than me, she had the courage to address her issues at a time when few understood what transsexualism is all about.  She, and her generation, are very much pioneers. 

And then, we have those in the following generations, such as Susan Larson and Cindy James, who have tried to create a supportive environment, unlike any that had been tried before.  They have shed "blood, sweat, and tears" so that we would have the opportunity to blossom in a world that still does not readily accept us.

We all, MtF, FtM, androgyne, and transgender alike, owe them a debt of gratitude, because "the times, they are a-changing."

Not so much and idol or role model, but an inspiration.

She was a waitress at a local restaurant and I had the chance to see her progress through her own transition. After seeing someone do it right before my eye, transition went from something that I read and hoped about to being an actual possibility.

Like many of the others I don't really have role models as such. Rather these are people I respect and admire.

Laura Jane Grace, for continuing to not only rock the punk thing, but also for actively making her trans status a part of that creativity. It's great to see someone not afraid to own every aspect of their person and lay it all bare to the public.

And the less well known Dr. Lydia Foy, for her tireless campaigning and long fought, arduous, and ongoing fight for trans recognition here in Ireland. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lydia_Foy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lydia_Foy) and o course the people at TENI and the Free Legal Advice Centres for standing and fighting along side her and countless others.

I fell in love with Calpernia after watching this video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjqsB1huDxg&list=TLJ1mHewTBWlA

Oh you sassy girl you  :D

Quote from: MaidofOrleans on August 23, 2013, 07:06:09 PM
I fell in love with Calpernia after watching this video.

Oh you sassy girl you  :D

OMG!!! That.Was.AWESOME!

I don't really have any idols or role models, but instead i have those that give me the inspiration to keep going and there are a large number of them here, especially Jamie who is always there with positive ways to view the hard time im going thru right now. Other then the girls here, there are all of my cis friends who are constantly offering support, and Danielle Foxxx who even tho she is a porn star, is a proud T girl.

Ashawna Hailey......for her work with MAPS, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, and other philanthropic endeavors

Quote from: MaidofOrleans on August 23, 2013, 07:06:09 PM
I fell in love with Calpernia after watching this video.
Oh you sassy girl you  :D

I didn't think I had a trans role model till now. She is awesome!  ;)

For me, Erin Lindsey, author of the webcomic Venus Envy comes to mind.  Though it remains unfinished(HORRIBLE CLIFFHANGER!!!) I understand that web artists frequently need to prioritize real life over their online careers.  She's created something that remains entertaining for both trans and cis readers, and makes very believable characters.  I love it!

My friend recently pointed out that Tom Gabel of Against Me! came out as trans last year; and is now Laura Jane Grace. This is amazing because I actually loved the band before this and to realize one of my favorite artists is transgender is soooo awesome and kinda makes me realize there are others out there who do have it worse than me and I should accept what I am going through. I mean going through something like that while being in the public eye has to be so hard.

Calpernia Addams is quite amazing. She has endured quite a difficult journey. Fiest being a combat medic in the US Navy. Also the loss of a lover from murder. Yet she stands fast. Her BF (Barry) was killed with a baseball bat for being Gay. During an interview Calpernia stated that he was not gay and I am a woman. "I have always been a woman. "

Quote from: Northern Jane on August 16, 2013, 04:47:40 AM
Christine Jorgensen was my inspiration! She was the first one I heard about who was "like me" in the 1950s; she was the one who let me know it was POSSIBLE and set me on the path to DIY hormones at 13 and fighting/struggling to find medical help in my teens.

There was a small group of girls I met in a city 2 hours away when I was 14 who were just like me but they were more bold and adventurous and helped pull me out of my shell and lead a more normal life 'on the other side'. I am afraid I don't even remember their names after all these years but they inspired me to BE me.

My only role models were women, just normal women, I met after transition to stealth. From them I learned how to integrate into normal, every day life, how to become all I could be.

Mine was Christine Jorgenson as well.  For very much the same reasons. 

  Joelene

Donna from "My Transsexual Summer"

My role model and inspiration is april Ashley.

Her story showed me that changing sex was possible way back in the 60s.

Caroline

Quote from: MaidofOrleans on August 23, 2013, 07:06:09 PM
I fell in love with Calpernia after watching this video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjqsB1huDxg&list=TLJ1mHewTBWlA

Oh you sassy girl you  :D

I guess I'm alone in this, but I don't find Calpernia Addams 'sassy' or cool, or admirable. What I see (and this is just a personal response) is a person - irrespective of gender, race, age, whatever - who comes across as snarky, bitter, intolerant, aggressive, bitter and really not very funny.

I can understand exactly why she would feel angry, given her life experience. And I'm totally not defending any of the people whose words or actions brought her to that point. But heres the thing - there's no point fighting hate with hate.

This isn't some kind of 'turn the other cheek' self-sacrifice. It's just that no one likes being met with anger and hostility. So if we want people to be tolerant and accepting of us, then it helps if we're tolerant and accepting of them. Be assertive. Insist on respect. But do it in such a way that people understand why it's justified. Think of the people who've really changed things - Jesus Christ, Dr King, Mandela, Gandhi. Their passion, their conviction and their fury were never in doubt. But they found a way to bring people with them. They had dreams and visions of a better world that all of us could share.

But when I see Calpernia Addams I don't see a woman with much of an interest in sharing anything. She wants to express her rage by driving away all the people who have hurt her. Again, I understand. But what good does that do?

Many of the questions she objects to might be asked in genuine innocence by people who mean no harm, don't know very much about transgender issues, don't understand what transition involves and certainly haven't been educated to know about what is and is not offensive (always assuming there are cut and dried rules about that, because - as is true for many, many issues - what is profoundly offensive to one person may be a lot less so to someone else).

Now, Calpernia may say, 'Well those people damn well SHOULD know. It's their damn duty to inform themselves.' But how are they going to do that if every question they ask is greeted with an angry, sarcastic sneer?

For example, is it really so unreasonable to ask whether SRS hurts? Plenty of girls on here who've not had the operation ask girls who have whether it hurts, how long it takes to recover, what the process involves, etc. It's natural. So if we don't know, and want to know, why should everyone else be any different?

And when people preface a question by saying, 'I don't want to be offensive, but ...' maybe they're just telling the simple truth. They don't want to be offensive, but they do want to know something about transsexuality and they just don't know how to ask, so they're trying to let you know they mean no harm.

That's not to say that there aren't many, many insensitive, intolerant, transphobic a-holes in the world. And I certainly don't think they should be indulged. Nor do I think we should just roll over and let people treat us like dirt.

But if we want more acceptance from the great mass of the population, sneering at them is one surefire way NOT to get it.

So, I'm sorry, but Calpernia doesn't make my idol/role-model list ...

Quote from: Carlita on August 27, 2013, 06:33:08 AM
I guess I'm alone in this, but I don't find Calpernia Addams 'sassy' or cool, or admirable. What I see (and this is just a personal response) is a person - irrespective of gender, race, age, whatever - who comes across as snarky, bitter, intolerant, aggressive, bitter and really not very funny.

I can understand exactly why she would feel angry, given her life experience. And I'm totally not defending any of the people whose words or actions brought her to that point. But heres the thing - there's no point fighting hate with hate.

This isn't some kind of 'turn the other cheek' self-sacrifice. It's just that no one likes being met with anger and hostility. So if we want people to be tolerant and accepting of us, then it helps if we're tolerant and accepting of them. Be assertive. Insist on respect. But do it in such a way that people understand why it's justified. Think of the people who've really changed things - Jesus Christ, Dr King, Mandela, Gandhi. Their passion, their conviction and their fury were never in doubt. But they found a way to bring people with them. They had dreams and visions of a better world that all of us could share.

But when I see Calpernia Addams I don't see a woman with much of an interest in sharing anything. She wants to express her rage by driving away all the people who have hurt her. Again, I understand. But what good does that do?

Many of the questions she objects to might be asked in genuine innocence by people who mean no harm, don't know very much about transgender issues, don't understand what transition involves and certainly haven't been educated to know about what is and is not offensive (always assuming there are cut and dried rules about that, because - as is true for many, many issues - what is profoundly offensive to one person may be a lot less so to someone else).

Now, Calpernia may say, 'Well those people damn well SHOULD know. It's their damn duty to inform themselves.' But how are they going to do that if every question they ask is greeted with an angry, sarcastic sneer?

For example, is it really so unreasonable to ask whether SRS hurts? Plenty of girls on here who've not had the operation ask girls who have whether it hurts, how long it takes to recover, what the process involves, etc. It's natural. So if we don't know, and want to know, why should everyone else be any different?

And when people preface a question by saying, 'I don't want to be offensive, but ...' maybe they're just telling the simple truth. They don't want to be offensive, but they do want to know something about transsexuality and they just don't know how to ask, so they're trying to let you know they mean no harm.

That's not to say that there aren't many, many insensitive, intolerant, transphobic a-holes in the world. And I certainly don't think they should be indulged. Nor do I think we should just roll over and let people treat us like dirt.

But if we want more acceptance from the great mass of the population, sneering at them is one surefire way NOT to get it.

So, I'm sorry, but Calpernia doesn't make my idol/role-model list ...

::)

Licking everyone's boots doesn't make you friends as you are implying.

Comedians do this kind of thing all the time. Just because we are trans doesn't mean we can't vent about all the BS we deal with on a daily basis because we are afraid me might offend someone. 

You may just need a sense of humor....

Quote from: MaidofOrleans on August 27, 2013, 11:32:54 AM
::)

Licking everyone's boots doesn't make you friends as you are implying.

Comedians do this kind of thing all the time. Just because we are trans doesn't mean we can't vent about all the BS we deal with on a daily basis because we are afraid me might offend someone. 

You may just need a sense of humor....

Well, I spent years writing comedy for a living. But that may not be a recommendation ... ;)