Transgender Equality: Amy Hunter's Full Time Job
by Crystal A. Proxmire
Originally printed 1/31/2013 (Issue 2105 - Between The Lines News)
http://www.pridesource.com/article.html?article=58219The past few years have been a whirlwind for Amy Hunter, a transgender activist from Kalamazoo who has just been named Co-Chair of the Victory Fund Campaign Endorsement Committee. Having a top position on a committee that helps support out candidates in races across the country is a big step for the 52 year old. Hunter transitioned seven years ago, but it is only one of many exciting things she's been up to since making the big change in her life.
Hunter explained how the transition not only changed her physically, but also brought out her inner-activist. "I transitioned in '06 and I was always sort of political, but I became overtly political around that time. It started with understanding, when I was looking for resources and then realized how little there were. It made me more of an activist.
"I chucked my old career and started doing politics full time. It hasn't all been smooth sailing, but I can't imagine not being political," she said. Previously she'd worked doing lighting in the film business.
But now she herself is in the limelight. Including being onstage at the Democratic National Convention's LGBT Caucus gathering as one of 14 transgender delegates in 2012. "It was amazing. We were like rock stars," she said. "It was a really affirming experience. Finally equality is a plank in the Democratic Party platform. Pretty amazing to be part of a party that was unified along those progressive principals when we haven't always been."
