I like Janet Mock
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=janet+mock+youtube&view=detail&mid=2C97D107D0652EE42CD62C97D107D0652EE42CD6&FORM=VIRE
Caroline Cossey :)
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=caroline+cossey&view=detail&mid=7969DDCEFE02AE4627A07969DDCEFE02AE4627A0&FORM=VIRE
That was cool to see Stephanie.
Unfortuneatly I don't think she ever had children :(
Mines April Ashley.
Janae Marie Kroczaleski (https://www.instagram.com/janaemariekroc/?hl=en)
Carolina Gutierrez (https://twitter.com/CaritoGuti14)
Sona Avedian(https://twitter.com/sonaavedian?lang=en)
Just to name a few. I have many role models, so it's difficult to tell which is my favorite.
I would say I have a few.
Caroline Cossey, whom I met back in '92 when her book first came out,
Mara Keilsing & my friend Marsha Botzer who are probably the greatest trans activists on the planet,
Janet Mock for all the work she has done, and
My friend Andrea James who was an inspiration to me when I transitioned all those years ago (plus there was a Huff Post article on her that I am pictured in...god I was young back then...haha)
-S
I'm not much on role models, the idea we should model ourselves on others robs us of ourselves.
For trans women and men who've touched my life
Julie Vu
Pat Califia
Julia Serano
Kate Bornstein
Laura jane Grace;
she's the one that made me really get that you stay the same person during transition, taking away most of the fear that I had.
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I wasn't going to reply to this post, since whenever I think of someone I can't help but think of all the human flaws or good fortune some have had.
Its a good question though, because there is someone who I can't help but keep remembering. Someone who I realize actually is my role model, and who's experience and way of life shows me how I can overcome my own very human flaws and move forward in my life.
Someone I won't name since she's a member of this site, but I will say thanks. There's some great people here.
Quote from: Amanda_Combs on December 26, 2016, 03:50:52 PM
Laura jane Grace;
she's the one that made me really get that you stay the same person during transition, taking away most of the fear that I had.
SECONDED!
I heard of Laura Jane Grace thanks to a Rolling Stone article about a month ago that mentioned her autobiography as one of the "top trans moments of 2016." I had heard Against Me! songs in the past, but didn't follow them closely. I bought the book the day I saw the article and finished it within a week (it's great!), and have been listening to their last couple albums on repeat pretty much since then. They've become empowering anthems for me in some vulnerable times.
Being older the first time I saw Caroline Cossey on the Phil Donahue show I was struck by the fact he went speechless. She was stunning and her advocacy the last 20 years while here career was ruined because of bigotry and hate is commendable. She is at the top of my list. I've dreamed of looking as good as she does. I've dreamed of being able to explain as well as she does. In my mind she is very close to the perfect woman. She, at 62 is still absolutely gorgeous.
Quote from: AnonyMs on December 26, 2016, 05:05:04 PM
Someone I won't name since she's a member of this site, but I will say thanks. There's some great people here.
Yeah! I'll definitely second that. The activists, the public figures, and the authors have been great inspiration and do wonderful things to ease the path for the rest of us, but they are sort of distant figures.
My favorite role models are right here on this site. They inspire us, interact with us, and help us follow in their footsteps or find our own path. They've personally kicked my butt when I got stuck in a loop, tail chasing to avoid facing my issues.
They've inspired me to stick around and pay it forward rather than vanish into transition and a new life.
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Michelle,
Your post reminds me of when I transitioned. My friends were the ones that inspired me. They were the ones I was going through this with and they were my heroes. In some respects they still are, although our lives have diverged and we do not see each other any more. But as I reflect on those days I must say that the friends I transitioned with were incredible.
As a side note, I am actually doing a game night with a few of them on Friday. We have not all vanished to the winds :)
-Sarah
Janet Mock, Stef Sanjati (https://www.youtube.com/user/ThePrinceSane), Laura Kate Dale (https://twitter.com/laurakbuzz).
There are so many, but probably the role models that stand out for me are Christine Jorgensen, April Ashley, Kate Craig Wood, Stephanie Anne Lloyd really touch my situation, she had her surgery in 1983 in Charing Cross Hospital UK, I had my surgery in the same hospital 2 years later in 1985, she married her husband in 1986, I married my man in 2010, I got to meet her when she wrote her autobiography ''Girl in a million'' she sadly passed away a few month ago in a tragic accident.
Hands down, Janet Mock (:
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Forgot about Kristen Beck, who has had a significant impact on my ability to serve openly.
Christine Jorgensen goes back to my puberty days she had her operation in the year I was born.
Carmen carrera , andreja pejic and Jenna talackova
Andrea James and Virginia Hall.
It was Andrea's work with TSRoadmap that showed me how to get to where I was going. It was Virginia who helped me to realize what I wanted to do, how I wanted to live, once I got there.
Quote from: Amanda_Combs on December 26, 2016, 03:50:52 PM
Laura jane Grace;
she's the one that made me really get that you stay the same person during transition, taking away most of the fear that I had.
In my view, this is possibly the single most important concept to grasp when considering transition. I would go further and say that you
must stay the same person as trying to be someone you're not must surely jeopardise the success of your transition.
Role models for me are Stephanie Hirst and India Willoughby (both UK radio & TV personalities respectively). Both were in the public eye before transitioning and both have shown that it's possible to successfully transition with dignity and without any of the sensationalism that has accompanied some other high profile transitions on both sides of the atlantic.
Lana and Lilly Wachowski (formerly the Wachowski Brothers). I admire them most for creating Cloud Atlas, Sense8 and the Matrix.
Also, they are fellow Poles from Chicago, which is a relatively conservative community, which makes me appreciate their trailblazing even more.
I must be unusual since I don't have 'trans' role models. I have a lot of respect for some people for various reasons. The real heros in the LGBT world for me are right here. Susan, Cindy, VM, Sephirah, and all the rest that gave me guidance and acceptance.
I have role models but they aren't trans... I prefer to just go with good people that I know personally that I can look up to every time I see them.
Quote from: Harley Quinn on December 27, 2016, 03:52:44 PM
I have role models but they aren't trans... I prefer to just go with good people that I know personally that I can look up to every time I see them.
This^ but there are a good bunch of trans women I admire and look up to, like Lana Wachowski, Veronica Carol Blades, Hannah Warg (formerly of 'ask a transsexual.') and a good many who aren't famous. (Like my cousin, wherever she is.)
You folks. All of you. Not because of being trans, but because of being you.
You're all inspirational. For me it's not just about doing things that change the world, it's doing things that change your own world. That's just as important.
Seeing people come here scared, hurt, confused... and ask for help - that takes courage.
Watching people searching their souls, looking for who they are - that takes determination.
Hearing people confront their fears, taking on their own demons and coming through the other side - that takes strength.
Belief in yourself when a hostile world tries to bring you down - that takes integrity.
Offering a helping hand to those in need, even if it's just a friendly word on a dark day - that takes kindness and compassion.
You're all role models. Little things can make as big a difference for someone as big things. And you should all be proud of yourselves. I've learned a lot during my time here. Mostly the strength of the human spirit. And that, for me, has been a source of comfort.
Quote from: Sophia Sage on December 26, 2016, 10:26:57 PM
Andrea James and Virginia Hall.
It was Andrea's work with TSRoadmap that showed me how to get to where I was going. It was Virginia who helped me to realize what I wanted to do, how I wanted to live, once I got there.
I'm not sure TS Roadmap was much when i started out... I was aware of Andrea's FFS posts and that was a factor in my going to Dr. O. but that was about all I got from her stuff (and later on I became persona non grata with her and her crowd).
Before I came here I never heard of Virginia Hall- at least under that name. When she was posting here, she sounded AWFULLY like someone who used a different name that I debated for years a number of years ago on another board.
Back in the day I read a few of the biographies but while there were some things I could relate to, there were other things about their situations that made it never occur to me that they could be a role model for me, for different reasons.
I guess I have never been big on role models, never tried to emulate anyone else and just dealt with things as they came along, the way that seemed best at the time.
- karen
Jordan Raskopoulous (spelling?) from Axis of Awesome also deserves a shout out. How did I forget her? *facepalm.*
Stephaniec Miyabina Susanti Mile Cyrus (she says she's gender queer once
Lady Gaga, Chaz Bono, Marcia Cross
I know that Lady Gaga and Marcia aren't out as anything trans but they are SOOO androgynous..I LOVE it.
Over the past two years or so, I have counted on the women on this site! When I came out to my SO, I was basically rudderless and needed to find support. I came across this site by chance! Although I also sought out community help via a therapist, the support and information that I have received has it possible for me to transition with more confidence. Thanks ladies! I am, on a daily basis, humbled by the courage you all so as you walk your path. Hugs, Kelly
Quote from: Michelle_P on December 26, 2016, 05:34:41 PM
Yeah! I'll definitely second that. The activists, the public figures, and the authors have been great inspiration and do wonderful things to ease the path for the rest of us, but they are sort of distant figures.
My favorite role models are right here on this site. They inspire us, interact with us, and help us follow in their footsteps or find our own path. They've personally kicked my butt when I got stuck in a loop, tail chasing to avoid facing my issues.
They've inspired me to stick around and pay it forward rather than vanish into transition and a new life.
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I concur😘
laura jane grace, she helped me so much i got her autograph tattoed on my arm
Isley Reust - one of the very first trans women i ever found on youtube that was a large reason for my transition she is also now a close friend, this is her if you dont know who she is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3MTi9XBD1TdDhkWXkHbGkA
Sona Avedian of course she was the one that showed me someone as manly and hairy as i was can be a beautiful women (before coming out passing was a big deal, but not anymore)
Personally i would love to be apart of people like this, i just want to help others and put a positive light on trans people and issues
Cartoonist Vaughn Bode - Not transgender, but his messing with gender had a huge influence on my life.
Artist Jeffery Catherine Jones - A good friend of Vaughn Bode's who transitioned late in life.
Dr Christine McGinn hands down. She is my inspiration and if I can be 1/10 the person she is I would die happy.
Laura Jane Grace by far. Was a huge fan of Against Me! for a long time before she transitioned. Her coming out gave me the courage to do it also. Her book is an amazing read.
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Quote from: Moyshe313 on January 01, 2017, 10:10:04 AM
Laura Jane Grace by far. Was a huge fan of Against Me! for a long time before she transitioned. Her coming out gave me the courage to do it also. Her book is an amazing read.
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Ah I love that book. I got to go to her Ann Arbor stop on the book tour
I was pretty much the same way as well. Like the band before heard about her on the radio didn't know about her coming out. Then I researched and it's been a wild ride ever since
Check out my YouTube I have a video of her performance in Ann Arbor
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Quote from: LordKAT on December 27, 2016, 03:37:59 PM
I must be unusual since I don't have 'trans' role models. I have a lot of respect for some people for various reasons. The real heros in the LGBT world for me are right here. Susan, Cindy, VM, Sephirah, and all the rest that gave me guidance and acceptance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-B5vCLAoqw
Absolutely Christine McGinn or Marcy Bowers. Being a medical resident, these two women give me hope that a light exists at the end of the tunnel for my professional path, even though I will not be in OB/GYN or Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery.
All trans people who have been willing to put themselves out there and let people know that we exist and that we are real human beings are my trans role models. The people who stand up for themselves and the trans community and get hatred thrown at their faces while simultaneously increasing awareness and providing security for the next generation of trans people. Since nobody mentioned her I will say Laverne Cox.
Cassandra Cass, Ana Mancini, Amanda Lepore, Gigi gorgeous and Jenna talackova
Mine would be the everyday trans woman, fighting to just be who she is in a world full of ignorance and hostility. I don't really know that much about the celebrity trans women on TV, but I do admire the local leaders that I've met at TransCentral in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and at trans conferences like First Event.
@Moyshe
I checked out "->-bleeped-<-: Confession of Punk Rock's Most Infamous Anarchist Sellout" on Amazon Kindle, read the "Look Inside" segment, and bought the book.
After all, my sister had given me an Amazon gift card for Christmas!
Great read so far!
It's so good. It kept me sane when I was first coming out to myself. So many of her struggles felt familiar.
Quote from: Raell on January 03, 2017, 03:02:06 AM
@Moyshe
I checked out "->-bleeped-<-: Confession of Punk Rock's Most Infamous Anarchist Sellout" on Amazon Kindle, read the "Look Inside" segment, and bought the book.
After all, my sister had given me an Amazon gift card for Christmas!
Great read so far!
The ones who immediately who come to mind are Jennifer Finney Boylan along with my long time friends Mara Keisling and Shanti Keshavi Desi Davi and of course, the Reverend Doctor Erin Swenson.
Quote from: sysm29 on January 03, 2017, 02:53:25 AM
Mine would be the everyday trans woman, fighting to just be who she is in a world full of ignorance and hostility. I don't really know that much about the celebrity trans women on TV, but I do admire the local leaders that I've met at TransCentral in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and at trans conferences like First Event.
Big hug! So good to see you around again!
I agree with the everyperson role models.
Hugs, Devlyn
Cate McGregor! :)
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There are soooo many trans women who have been influential to my journey. Many already named in this topic. Most influential to me:
Nicole Bray
Hannah Hartley
Mia Nowland
Stephanie Hirst
and My best friend
As a comedian it brings me a lot of joy to see Bethany Black, Jordan Raskopoulos and Avery Edison out there doing their thing.
The publicly well known women all had a small influence. But really, reading and posting the comments of all the ladies on this forum has been the single most influential role model for me.
There are a lot, but my current favorite is actress Jamie Clayton. I follow her on Twitter.
Quote from: Bols on January 10, 2017, 08:05:41 PM
Cate McGregor! :)
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Update: I'm such a Jamie Clayton groupie.... Sigh.
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I think all of my role models are late 70s / early 80s, debauched and avant-garde, synth-pop and post-punk, cis dudes.
Andreja Pejić
Mainly because she's tall and looks fantastic.
Miyabina Susanti who used to be a friend on mine on Second Life.
I can think of a few . . . all everyday trans people and not anyone famous. One posts here and the others I know IRL. They all have a lot of guts. A couple remind me not only of the man I want to be, but the person I want to be. I guess they qualify more as just heroes rather than "trans heroes."
Jennifer Finney Boylan. Laura Jane Grace. Janet Mock. (We can have more than one, can't we?)
Too many to count for me, mostly just people I follow on YouTube, Twitter and Instagram :D
I don't think that I have ever had a role model. Wait, when I was 12-14 I wanted more than anything to be the girl next door, does that count? We actually dated later, not tragic just kinda pathetic. What am I going to do with a girl?
We are still friends and when I go to West Virginia we get together and catch up. I admire her a great deal. There are people that I admire but role models, not really. As for trans people, I have 2 friends that I have had an online/phone/Skype relationship from the beginning. They are my rock and I love them dearly. Other than them though I basically went through transition in a vacuum. I have only just recently went to a local group and met other trans people in person.
No father, no mother and my older brother is so "guy", dude, manly and all, that it would have been as easy for me to be a unicorn as to be like him. Maybe my brain doesn't work right, but I have always felt like there was a giant pane of glass between me and the rest of the world. I have never understood people and have never felt entirely comfortable around them. Just a few close friends over the years. How can I look up to someone that I don't understand? I can fake it enough to get along casually with most people. That hasn't changed since transitioning, very little has though. Just me being comfortable with myself.
Kathryn Hepburn maybe: Never complain. Never explain.
Trying to be fascinating is an asinine position to be in.
Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get, only with what you are
expecting to give, which is everything.
Marilyn Monroe: We are all of us stars, we deserve to twinkle.
A career is born in public, talent in privacy.
To put it bluntly, I seem to have a whole superstructure with no foundation. But
I am working on the foundation.
Friends accept you the way you are.
Such different women, with only a few things in common.
A deep and abiding strength.
A solid sense of themselves.
The ability to tell the world to go piddle up a rope if they didn't like it.
Not trans though.
I am not one for following role models, and I dislike the very concept of celebrity. There are no doubt some celebrity trans folk who are role-model-worthy, but not for me.
As some others have said, my true role models are members here. I won't single anyone out, but you know who you are. You blazed a trail for me; you shared your energy with me when I was down; and you offered me wisdom when I was confused. You still do.
Laura Jane Grace
Definitely Gigi Gorgeous. I've been following her for 8 years now since way before her transition, and she definitely inspires me. She's amazing!
Quote from: KathyLauren on April 25, 2017, 07:07:28 AM
I am not one for following role models, and I dislike the very concept of celebrity. There are no doubt some celebrity trans folk who are role-model-worthy, but not for me.
As some others have said, my true role models are members here. I won't single anyone out, but you know who you are. You blazed a trail for me; you shared your energy with me when I was down; and you offered me wisdom when I was confused. You still do.
You can hold my hand Kathy because I am right thee with you. Well said.
Hugs,
Laurie
Quote from: Gaga2 on May 04, 2017, 08:07:29 AM
Laura Jane Grace
Gaga,
Hi and welcome to the site. Sorry this is getting to you so late. I am a big fan of LJGrace as well. But there are now so many to pick from.
It might be Julia Serano.
I also want to share some links with you. They are mostly welcome information and the rules that govern the site. If you have not had a chance to look through them, please take a moment:
Things that you should read
Site Terms of Service & Rules to Live By (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,2.0.html) | Standard Terms & Definitions (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,54369.0.html) | Post Ranks (including when you can upload an avatar) (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,114.0.html.) |
Reputation rules (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,18960.0.html) | News posting & quoting guidelines (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,174951.0.html) | Photo, avatars, & signature images policy (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,59974.msg383866.html#msg383866) |
Once again, welcome to Susan's. Look around, ask questions and join in.
With warmth,
Joanna
Quote from: Gaga2 on May 04, 2017, 08:07:29 AM
Laura Jane Grace
I second this, I am a big fan of Laura Jane Grace. Not so much the music even but just her. The whole approach she's taken to her transition to how she deals with the world, everything she does is crazy inspiring for me. She's no non-sense, no-apologies, take me as I am or get out of my way. I love that about her.
It also helps that my oldest child has had the opportunity to have a few lengthy conversations with LJG and she's really been a helpful influence for my child as well.
Im going for a local (spanish) one: Manuela Trasobares.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manuela_Trasobares
She is a mezzo soprano, opera director, lately a town councilor and such a doll! She also is one of Spain transgender pioneers. Plus I love her style and look! So glammy and gorgeous! <3
Here she she was circa 1990:
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimage.ondacero.es%2Fclipping%2Fcmsimages01%2F2017%2F03%2F24%2F4CB709B2-3B8C-4BBF-9C74-DC12C58CBAB5%2F31.jpg&hash=8301fbd0a5c1baf4b3a82339f4a76689ce65bccb)
Lol I just found this gif :D Such a diva!!!
(https://media.tenor.co/images/796aa580a0f4941b78687d8b77e2cd5e/tenor.gif)
Christine Jorgensen. She was incredibly brave. Having what was then experimental surgery. And then returning to the USA. Way back then any number of horrible things could have happened to her once people found out what she did. Im sure people way back then had no concept of transgender.
Toss up between Frank N. Furter & Janet Reno... they're both amazing in different ways~
Has to be Carmen Carerra :) she's from my home town. I've spoken to her on fb and in person but I was in male mode because of my job lol crazy experience tho seeing my role model right in front of me in person